8 hotspots you must visit in Auckland
Located on the northern tip of the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and economic center.
On your first day, head out to Queen Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, and grab lunch on the block-long High Street, where you’ll find restaurants and cafes, the Sky Tower for views over Auckland, the Auckland Museum with its Maori culture and World War II exhibits, and Bydgoszcz Harbor and the Wynyard Quarter for nightlife in the city center, before spending the next day exploring the surrounding nature.
Sky Tower Auckland
Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket
A convention center with restaurants, hotels, and more, including Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower.
A convention center with a casino, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and more, including Auckland’s iconic 328-meter Sky Tower. The Sky Tower is popular for its panoramic views of the sprawling city of Auckland and the beautiful scenery of Hauraki Gulf. At the top, you can enjoy exhilarating activities such as the skywalk, which walks along the tower’s outer wall, and skyjumping from the tower.
At the top, you’ll find Orbit, an upscale restaurant that serves delicious cuisine with views, perfect for celebrating special occasions. The interior of the restaurant rotates 360 degrees so you can enjoy the ever-changing views of Auckland throughout your meal.
Mount Eden
Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour
Also known as the Garden of Eden, this mountain is 196 meters high, so you can see almost all of Auckland from the top. But if the views are anything to go by, it’s the crater that’s just as captivating. The mountain’s summit, which last erupted 20,000 years ago, has a crater 50 meters deep. The crater, which has sprouted lush green grass, conjures up words like natural mystery and primeval beauty, but it was actually inhabited by Maori until around the 1700s, so there are traces of terraced fields, food storage pits, and house sites.
Auckland Domain
Half-Day Auckland City Guided Tour
Auckland is a city of volcanic eruptions. Over 50 volcanoes have risen in the last 140,000 years, and you’ll find a variety of craters throughout the city. The Domain, east of Auckland’s city center, is a vast crater created by a volcanic eruption. The entire area is 240,000 square meters and is now a park, botanical garden, and museum, making it a relaxing place for Aucklanders. The Auckland Museum is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s indigenous people, especially the Maori tribe. You’ll find a variety of exhibits that give you a glimpse into the history and culture of the Māori tribe, as well as folkloric performances at intermission. While it’s nice to relax on the lawns surrounding the museum, if you’re looking to admire the colorful flowers, head to the Winter Garden. A variety of plants are grown in greenhouses, so you’ll find beautiful flowers all year round.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience
This historic lighthouse is located on the northern tip of Manukau Heads, the southern peninsula of Auckland’s west end, where two peninsulas meet in a narrow strait. It’s not often that lighthouses are open to the public, but Manukau Heads Lighthouse is open to the public. From the top of the lighthouse, you’ll have sweeping views of the Tasman Strait around Manukau Heads.
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Auckland is a perfect half-day Tour with Small group
As you walk from Mission Bay towards the Kelly Tarlton Aquarium, you’ll come to an entrance that leads into the mountains. A short walk up the gentle slope leads to a large park, the center of which is a towering monument to Michael Joseph Savage, New Zealand’s prime minister in the 1930s. There are flower beds and gardens surrounding the monument.
From the park, you can walk to a spot overlooking the ocean, which offers a great view of Auckland Harbor and the city. You’ll often see newlyweds taking wedding photos here, as the flowers and ocean make for a beautiful backdrop.
Piha Beach
Piha Beach
West Auckland’s premier beach is known for its warm black sand, islands and rocks that tower mysteriously over the ocean, high waves, and handsome surfers. If you have time, stop at the lookout overlooking Peaha Beach or take the Mercer Bay Loop Walk for a hike that continues overlooking Peaha Beach.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island Waiheke Island
New Zealand has many islands, each with its own charm. Waiheke is one of the most famous of these islands, accessible by boat from downtown Auckland. Widely known as a vacation spot for global stars and tycoons such as Lady Gaga and Bill Gates, there are plenty of places to see, such as wineries and olive groves, and plenty of things to do, such as ziplining and trekking.
There are more than 20 wineries dotted around the island, and there are even winery tour buses that offer a wide variety of wines to choose from. Many of the wineries also have restaurants, so you can enjoy both aromatic wines and delicious food. Among the many wineries, Cable Bay is the most famous.
Seafood is ubiquitous in this island nation, especially oysters, so don’t miss the fresh oysters that are shucked on the spot. There are plenty of beaches with fine sand and calm waves for swimming and sunbathing.
Devonport
Devonport Sightseeing Tour
Devonport is a 40,000-year-old volcanic island that was settled by Maori and Polynesians in the mid-14th century. In 1840, Europeans began to settle on the shoreline and a town was formed. The wooden villas built at this time add to the island’s charm. It’s a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, but you can also explore on foot.
Mount Victoria Mount Victoria
At 87 meters above sea level, Mount Victoria is the highest mountain in Devonport. It’s easy to find and feels like you’re climbing a small hill. Just short of the summit is a large grassy area dotted with small mushroom-shaped chairs. These are the vents from the water intake disguised as mushrooms. It’s a cozy photo zone. Next to it is an 8-inch cannon fort, built in 1885 to defend against the Russian fleet. The summit is also the best viewing point for the entire city, with the Auckland Sky Tower towering overhead. It’s a breathtaking sight to behold.
Devonport Library Devonport Library
Nestled amongst giant trees, the library is warm in its own right. The library building is made of wood, and the smell of the thousands of books inside is strong. The library is full of flexible spaces, including a window with a sea view, a cozy children’s room to foster imagination, and a parlor with a fireplace. The library makes the most of the ocean views and natural light to create a sense of serenity.
Devonport Beach Devonport Beach
A small beach located next to Devonport Harbor. Many locals enjoy watching yachts float by, jogging, and riding bikes. It’s attached to a small children’s park, and the shallow waters and small size of the beach make it perfect for families. It’s connected to a street lined with restaurants and cafes.
Cheltenham Beach Cheltenham Beach
This small beach is one of the prettiest in Devonport. When the tide is out, the evening walk along the shoreline has a tranquil atmosphere. Along the shore, you’ll find locals picnicking on benches in the shade under huge trees. Rangitoto Island can be seen in the distance, and kayaking is available when the waves are calm. There’s also a small path that leads to North Head, which makes for a nice walk.
Other hot spots in Devonport include Devonport Library, Navy Museum, and North Head.
