What are the best things to do in Auckland?
- Jeff Fleisher
- Correspondent
- Chicago, Illinois
Auckland is an active place so expect to spend your time hiking, sailing or maybe even jumping off a tall tower. Forbes Travel Guide editors have picked out these activities as the five best things to do in Auckland.
1. Go up Sky Tower. The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, Sky Tower dominates the Auckland skyline and offers stunning 360-degree views of the city below. The observation deck has areas with clear floors that let you look directly down, and telescopes to zoom in on spots all over Auckland.
2. Enjoy Viaduct Harbour. Auckland is nicknamed the “City of Sails,” and its harbor is always full of boats. Visit the excellent Voyager Maritime Museum, take a harbor cruise on a vintage vessel, or just watch the sailboats while dining at an outdoor cafe.
3. Watch rugby at Eden Park. Rugby is easily the most popular sport in New Zealand, and historic Eden Park is the best place to watch the World Cup champion All Blacks national team. Depending on the time of year, the park hosts matches in international play, the Super 15 tournament and the nationwide Air New Zealand Cup.
4. Hike up Mt. Eden. The highest natural point in the Auckland area is this green, dormant volcano just south of town. It's a pleasant hike to the top, and the mountain has an unusual cone shape. From the top, you get a great view of the city and the harbor beyond it.
5. Sky jump. Adventurous travelers shouldn't miss this unique activity — jumping 192 meters from the top of Sky Tower while attached to a cable. You’ll find controlled base-jumping offers an exhilarating rush similar to skydiving.
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1 hour agoNicky Park answered the question:
What is nightlife like in Auckland?
After dark, Auckland is a hive of activity most nights of the week. Things are a little quieter on Monday and Tuesday however, from Wednesday onwards, you'll find something to satisfy night owls.
Check out the Britomart precinct downtown. This area tends to be grooving most nights of the week. Britomart Country Club is heaving on a Friday night, or if you’re out and about mid-week, pop over to its Siamese twin, 1885. On a Wednesday night this sexy bar hosts a jazz session in the den downstairs – well worth a look and a toe-tap. If you’re after something a little hipper, check out the rooftop at Tyler Street Garage - it can be hard to get a spot, but it's well worth sipping your drink looking out over the ports.
A short cab ride out of town, Ponsonby Road is pretty happening. My late night picks would be The Golden Dawn for a boutique beer and a dance outside or Ponsonby Social Club - a dimly lit haunt for a drink and a boogy.
If you really want to party, get a cab to drop you off on K Road. This is Auckland's red light district. There's a rainbow of establishments to pick from. I'd opt for Ink Coherent - it's always cranking with cool DJ sets and is open until late. -
1 hour agoNicky Park answered the question:
What are the best hair salons in Auckland?
My regular: The award winning team at Servilles in Ponsonby. On the corner of Ponsonby and Jervois road in Three Lamps, you can’t go past this place. Every stylist is friendly, knows their craft and will offer you a warm drink (or a glass of wine if the time is right and you ask kindly). These guys have successfully cut and coloured my hair, saved me recently from a horrific hair nightmare and offer an express style service – show up with washed, dried hair and they’ll make you look a million bucks for a very good price. There are other Servilles salons dotted around Auckland, check out their website for one near you.
For something different: The very best blow wave I have ever had was at Dry & Tea.There are two salons - one conveniently located in the City Works Depot downtown, and the original based in the shopping hub, Newmarket. As the name suggests, they specialize in services for dry hair – think blow wave, catwalk ready and loved up dos – and have a delightful tea menu (the white rose classic with tiny buds is adorable). They can also give your nails a lick of colour, add some falsies to your lashes and extend your head massage. Perfect for the traveler. -
1 hour agoNicky Park answered the question:
What restaurants have the best views in Auckland?
When you’re in The City of Sails you have to make one sure you enjoy one of your meals overlooking the sea. Here are four places to get very different seaside vistas in Auckland.
McHugh’s of Cheltenham: Nestled on the foreshore of Cheltenham beach, this perfectly placed establishment serves a buffet lunch every day and is available for private functions in the evening. Cruise over to Devonport on a ferry from the CBD and either catch a cab up to McHugh’s or hire a bike from the ferry terminal and pedal up.
Soul Bar and Bistro: This stylish spot in the Viaduct is among the very best restaurants in Auckland. Soul Bar is at its most idyllic as the sun sets over Auckland harbour. You can’t go past the famous salt and pepper squid with saffron and roasted garlic mayonnaise and parley mint gremolata. Pick a Marlborough sauvignon blanc or a pop a bottle of Moet and treat yourself to the city’s finest.
Orbit Revolving Restaurant: Enjoy a meal 190m off the ground, seated in the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, The Sky Tower. Feast on an a la carte menu while you soak up 360-degree views of the city.
De Fontein: Grab a sunny seat on the balcony at this Belgian Beer Café and lap up the very best view of Mission Bay. About a 15 minute drive out of Auckland’s CBD, this is a popular spot for people watching and beach gazing. Get your hands dirty with a big pot of delicious NZ green-lipped muscles sourced off the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and pick your poison from one of the most extensive beer lists I’ve ever seen. -
2 hours agoNicky Park answered the question:
What new museum exhibits are in Auckland?
Auckland War Memorial Museum is well worth a gander while you’re in town. It offers the best insight in to New Zealand’s rich history and by night, the architecture is visually stunning. There are plenty of exhibitions - for a full list check out the website. But right now here are my picks of what's on.
• Moana – My Ocean: This brand new, free exhibit will plunge patrons deep in to what is considered to be Auckland’s playground – the sea. The immersive exhibit promises to head down 10km through unknown deep waters around the city. (Opens June 21, 2013)
• Maori Cultural Performance: This is one of the best Maori cultural experiences in the country. You’ll get to meet the performers, take photographs and get a chilling viewing of the most famous Maori dance, the haka. (open all year)
• The Hillary Trail: This year marks 60 years since New Zealand’s most famous explorer, Sir Edmund Hillary, made the historic climb up Mt Everest. This intimate exhibit looks at the ascent and its lasting legacy. Pick up the trail map at the information desk and be guided through challenges and stories based on Sir Ed’s climbing experiences in Nepal. (finishing September 29, 2013)
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2 hours agoNicky Park answered the question:
What new museum exhibits are in Auckland?
Auckland War Memorial Museum is well worth a gander while you’re in town. It offers the best insight in to New Zealand’s rich history and by night, the architecture is visually stunning. There are plenty of exhibitions - for a full list check out the website. But right now here are my picks of what's on.
• Moana – My Ocean: This brand new, free exhibit will plunge patrons deep in to what is considered to be Auckland’s playground – the sea. The immersive exhibit promises to head down 10km through unknown deep waters around the city. (Opens June 21, 2013)
• Maori Cultural Performance: This is one of the best Maori cultural experiences in the country. You’ll get to meet the performers, take photographs and get a chilling viewing of the most famous Maori dance, the haka. (open all year)
• The Hillary Trail: This year marks 60 years since New Zealand’s most famous explorer, Sir Edmund Hillary, made the historic climb up Mt Everest. This intimate exhibit looks at the ascent and its lasting legacy. Pick up the trail map at the information desk and be guided through challenges and stories based on Sir Ed’s climbing experiences in Nepal. (finishing September 29, 2013)
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3 hours agoNicky Park answered the question:
What are the best farmers markets in Auckland?
I have to admit, I haven’t been to every single farmers market in Auckland yet (it’s certainly on my to-do list). But right now I can tell you that Clevedon Village Farmers Markets is one of the most wonderful mornings out. It will take you about 40 minutes to drive out to the grassy showgrounds which host the markets every Sunday from 8.30am to noon. This crisp, lush part of Auckland feels a mile away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Grab yourself a bacon and egg roll (with the tomato relish and parley pesto), a freshly brewed coffee and pull up a pew on one of the hay stacks. When you’re fully fuelled, check out the stalls selling seasonal produce, homemade preservatives, fresh meat, cheese and fish. Every stall holder knows their stuff. They’ll suggest the best way to cook the strange white eggplant you’ve just picked up, offer you a sample of a mini Kiwi fruit that you’ve probably never tried before and tell you all about the wholesome way their goodies were grown. If you’ve got little ones, there’s pony rides, ambling alpacas and plenty of pups on leashes. -
4 hours agoNicky Park answered the question:
What are the best festivals in Auckland?
During summer time, Auckland plays one of the very best outdoor hosts. There are all sorts of festivals popping up, but here are three that never let me down.
Splore: This massive music and arts event happens every couple of years. The three day festival, hosted on Auckland’s stunning coastline in Tapakanga Regional Park, is dedicated to art, culture and community. It’s a family friendly fest, with safe swimming and tranquil vistas over to the Coromandel peninsular. The main stage is set up right by the beach, so festival-goers can dance up a storm on land, or float around listening to local and international artists (last year Erykah Badu was a stand-out). There’s a bunch of different theatre, cabaret and visual arts on display and the chilled out camp site is nestled back from the action. Splore is returning in February 2014 and second tier tickets are now available.
St Jeromes Laneway Festival: Every January all the coolest cats in Auckland flock to Silo Park on the waterfront. The newly converted industrial site is home to this popular music festival that tends to feature more than 20 bands over 12 hours of rock, roll and raging. In years gone by the eclectic Auckland bill has featured the likes of Alt-J, Bat for Lashes and Sbtrkt.
Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival: This is a family fun day out on the edge of Waitemata Harbour in the historical Devonport village, a 20 minute ferry ride from the CBD. Get your plastic wine glass upon entry, find a clear patch of grass, lay out a picnic blanket and soak it up. Local New Zealand bands play over the day and there are oodles of tents dishing out the finest in Kiwi food and beverage (I strongly suggest getting your hands on a whitebait fritter and a paua pattie – classic seafood favourites). -
9 hours agoNicky Park answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Auckland?
This month Auckland caved to the city’s calling for modern Chinese cuisine. The Blue Breeze Inn, on the Brown Street corner of Ponsonby Central, transports diners to a heavenly tropical oasis. The new kid on the block is brought to you by the hospitality powerhouse behind another local favourite, MooChowChow. At The Blue Breeze Inn, natural light floods in, exposing the Southern Asian slash 50s Pacific setting. Start off your meal with some freshly shucked oysters (NZ$6) then you must move on to the barbecue pork buns ($8). Even if you're not a fan of the traditional sweet meat treat, you'll be converted. The dandan noodle hot pot with braised beef ($26) is great if you want something all to yourself. Or share something spicy like the bang bang chicken ($18) or grilled Sichuan spiced lamb ribs ($30). The food is best matched with delicious wines from the biodynamic Marlboroough vineyard, Rock Ferry, or a fruity rum cocktail. This place also takes bookings (unlike a lot of local restaurants) so you can secure a seat at Auckland’s newest hot spot. -
9 hours agoNicky Park answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Auckland?
This month Auckland caved to the city’s calling for modern Chinese cuisine. The Blue Breeze Inn, on the Brown Street corner of Ponsonby Central, transports diners to a heavenly tropical oasis. The new kid on the block is brought to you by the hospitality powerhouse behind another local favourite, MooChowChow. At The Blue Breeze Inn, natural light floods in, exposing the Southern Asian slash 50s Pacific setting. Start off your meal with some freshly shucked oysters (NZ$6) then you must move on to the barbecue pork buns ($8). Even if you're not a fan of the traditional sweet meat treat, you'll be converted. The dan dan noodle hot pot with braised beef is great if you want something all to yourself. Or share something spicy like the bang bang chicken or grilled Sichuan spiced lamb ribs. The food is best matched with delicious wines from the biodynamic Marlboroough vineyard, Rock Ferry, or a fruity rum cocktail. This place also takes bookings (unlike a lot of local restaurants) so you can secure a seat at Auckland’s newest hot spot. -
1 day agoNicky Park answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Auckland?
This month Auckland caved to the city’s calling for modern Chinese cuisine. The Blue Breeze Inn, on the Brown Street corner of Ponsonby Central, transports diners to a heavenly tropical oasis. The new kid on the block is brought to you by the hospitality powerhouse behind another local favourite, MooChowChow. At The Blue Breeze Inn, natural light floods in, exposing the Southern Asian slash 50s Pacific setting. Start off your meal with some freshly shucked oysters then move on to something spicy like the bang bang chicken or grilled Sichuan spiced lamb ribs. The food is best matched with delicious wines from the biodynamic Marlboroough vineyard, Rock Ferry, or a fruity rum cocktail. This place also takes bookings (unlike a lot of local restaurants) so you can secure a seat at Auckland’s newest hot spot. -
1 day agoNicky Park answered the question:
Right now, these are two hip new spots that should be on your radar in Auckland.
• City Works Depot: This is the newest little precinct in the city. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the main street, Queen Street, in what’s known as the Victoria Quarter. Here you can snack at some cool eateries (for a cheap and delicious feed you can’t beat a TAB from Best Ugly Bagels), enjoy a tipple at the hip warehouse watering hole, Brothers Brewery, or get a chic blow wave and a herbal tea at one of Auckland best beauty bars, Dry & Tea.
• Ponsonby Central: This little hub on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road is a dynamic space of food, fashion and homewears. The pizza place out the back, Dantes, serves the best slices I’ve had in this city (Con Prosciutto is my pick) and the juice bar will soothe the pain of an over-indulgent meal. There's also Spanish, Japanese, Asian and Argentinian options. There are always new things popping up around this neck of the woods, so stay tuned.
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2 days agoNicky Park answered the question:
What are some things to know before visiting Auckland?
• Always pack a wet weather jacket. It can rain at any time in Auckland. Even in the middle of summer when it seems like the hottest day you’ve ever experienced. Find something light that packs up really small so you can take it with you everywhere.
• Embrace the outdoors. Kiwis are adventurous and active. They love getting out and pursuing their hobbies, mastering new skills and trying new things. Hiking (or “tramping” as it’s known here), snowboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking – they’ll give anything a go. You'll get the most out of your stay in Auckland and NZ if you do the same.
• Kiwis are a friendly bunch. They are some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever encountered (unless the All Blacks are playing - also good to know - never make fun of the All Blacks). They will want to teach you the history of New Zealand, tell you the best places to eat, join you for a drink and meet up with you again the next day for a meal. Let them get to know you and you might get some great insider tips.
• If you're here for more than a weekend, consider hiring a car. There are plenty of great road trips to be had out of Auckland. The North Island is small and a short drive will get you to some of the coolest coastlines (you can read more about roadtripping from Auckland here.) -
2 days agoNicky Park answered the question:
What is the weather like right now in Auckland?
Being in the southern hemisphere, it has recently turned Autumn in Auckland. That means it pays to be ready for anything. It rains just about every day, usually just for a brief period, but it has been known to set in for days. Generally, the soggy session tends to give way to blue skies, crisp air and a rainbow (the blessing that comes with the frequent wet weather). It’s the kind of weather that requires a few layers of clothing, closed shoes and a raincoat. The wind can get a bit fierce so I would ditch the umbrella, they’re just a hazard.
As soon as the sun goes down the temperature drops. Overnight it can get below 10 degrees (Celsius) – that’s pretty chilly for this city. You’ll want to rug up. During this time of year I recommend taking a short road trip out of Auckland and checking out one of the North Island’s mountain towns like Ohakune or Taupo. It’s the best way to make the most of the colder months.
For more weather info visit the NZ Met Service. -
On May 13Nicky Park answered the question:
What is the best thing to bring home from Auckland?
The typical touristy tokens to remind you of your trip to New Zealand are an All Blacks rugby jersey and something carved out the beautiful kauri wood. A green stone necklace is also a popular piece of NZ to take home – however, gifting this to yourself is bad luck according to Maori tradition because it would “anger the spirit of the jade”. You’ll have no trouble finding these Kiwiana keepsakes in any of the souvenir shops around the CBD. However, my favourite store for Kiwi cultural pieces is a short bus ride out of the city. Texan Art School, on the hip Ponsonby Road strip, is full of quirky products, often one-offs, crafted by young, local designers.
Personally, I love finding a piece of jewelry designed by a local talent when I’m travelling. In NZ, Karen Walker makes some awesome pieces in silver and gold. I’m also a fan of Stolen Girlfriends Club. Visit Walker & Hall on Queen Street and they should be able to help you find something you love.
