Auckland is a very modern and cosmopolitan city with attractions to suit all tastes and preferences. There’s something for every traveler in Auckland—whether you’re visiting as a local or you’re on a trip from overseas. Auckland also has plenty of outdoor activities available so there’s something for every taste and budget. If you’re planning a trip to Auckland, there are plenty of attractions to choose from depending on your interests. Auckland has a large selection of museums, gardens, sporting events, and cultural festivals that provide insight into the city’s history, its current culture, and its upcoming events. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Auckland attractions so you can start planning your trip now!
Oceanarium
One of Auckland’s most popular attractions, the Oceanarium is a great place for families with kids. This indoor aquarium is home to thousands of marine life including sharks, stingrays, and a huge variety of aquatic plants and animals. You can also take part in daily presentations and education programs that teach you about the ocean and its inhabitants. The Auckland Oceanarium is also home to the only giant Pacific Octopus in New Zealand! The building itself is quite impressive, and the views from the top are even better than the aquarium itself. Auckland’s iconic Auckland Bridge spans the Waitākai Channel and connects the city’s downtown area with the North Shore. Constructed in 1932, this elegant steel arch bridge is one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can walk across the bridge or take a ferry ride for a photo opportunity. The bridge is a popular site for photo shoots and has become a staple image for Auckland tourism. The Auckland Bridge is a must-visit Auckland sightseeing location for both locals and visitors alike.
Te Papa
One of Auckland’s top cultural attractions, Te Papa is home to a large collection of indigenous and colonial artifacts that chronicles New Zealand’s history. A visit to Te Papa is a great way to learn about the cultures of Auckland’s indigenous communities and the history of the city. The museum’s indigenous collections explore the history and culture of Māori communities, with a focus on the impact colonization has had on indigenous cultures. The museum’s collections also include items related to the settlement of Auckland by Europeans, the arrival of Pacific Islanders, and the development of the agricultural and mining industries. The Auckland Art Gallery is also home to the world’s largest collection of Māori and Pacific artefacts. Visitors can also enjoy a free audio tour that explores the collections and gives insight into the history of the museum. The Auckland Art Gallery is a must-visit Auckland museum for anyone interested in learning more about the museum’s collections.
MadisongrandFutureshow
One of the most spectacular buildings in Auckland, the Auckland Art Gallery is home to the world famous Auckland Art Gallery Futureshow. The Auckland Art Gallery Futureshow is a large-scale public art exhibition that has become a popular Auckland tourism event. The Futureshow is a large-scale, interactive art exhibition that takes place in the Auckland Art Gallery’s central hall. The Futureshow usually runs for about three weeks and features a different theme each year. The Auckland Art Gallery’s chief curator selects works of art from the gallery’s art collection and invites New Zealand, Pacific Islander, and international artists to submit their work. The Futureshow is an excellent way to discover more about the Auckland Art Gallery’s collections and explore the works of local and international artists.
Te Papa Picture This
One of Auckland’s top photography exhibitions, Picture This is a photography exhibition that takes place every year. The exhibition is curated by Te Papa’s Picture This team, which invites Aucklanders to submit photographs of the city. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of different photography styles and perspectives on Auckland life. The exhibition is a great way to explore different photography styles and learn more about the great photography scene in Auckland. Picture This is a must-visit Auckland photography exhibition for anyone interested in learning more about the Auckland photography scene.
Adventures and Adventures
One of Auckland’s top outdoor adventure tourism experiences, Adventures and Adventures offers helicopter rides, skydiving, and other thrilling activities in Auckland. The Auckland Outward Bound Centre is a great place to learn more about these activities and discover more about New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes. The Auckland Outward Bound Centre hosts a variety of different outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. The Auckland Outward Bound Centre also offers a variety of different courses for students, teachers, and the general public. Adventure and Outward Bound courses are available for all levels of experience, from first-time travellers to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced outdoors person or an occasional visitor looking for a new experience, the Auckland Outward Bound Centre has activities for everyone!
AUSTINKAYAqUraumataoceania
One of Auckland’s top restaurants, AUSTINKAYAqUraumataoceania is a must-visit Auckland restaurant for anyone visiting the city. The restaurant specializes in New Zealand cuisine and is based on the traditions of the Maori people. AUSTINKAYAqUraumataoceania offers a unique dining experience with a focus on traditional Maori cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of traditional Maori dishes, including sweet potato and kumara soup, kākāpō (a large caterpillar found in New Zealand forests), mātā (a cactus that is used to make brooms), and tā tā (a type of sweet and sour New Zealand sausage). AUSTINKAYAqUraumataoceania is a great place to try New Zealand food and learn more about the history of New Zealand’s indigenous people. The restaurant also offers a great view of the Auckland harbour, which makes it a great place to visit on New Zealand’s Auckland ferry.
Waterpumpers Australia
One of Auckland’s top water sports activities, Waterpumpers Australia offers a variety of different watersports, including wakeboarding, knee boarding, and stand up paddle boarding. The Auckland Waterpumpers Australia centre is a great place to try these activities and learn more about Auckland water sports. Auckland Waterpumpers Australia also hosts a variety of different surf, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard tours and events. Auckland Waterpumpers Australia is a great place to try Auckland’s top sports and learn more about Auckland’s water sports scene.