10 Auckland Attractions You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit

Did you know: Auckland is the largest urban city in New Zealand? With its harbours and towering skyscrapers, this modern metropolis is a trip in itself. But, the City of Sails stacks a lot more than its bustling city—it's also known for its postcard-perfect natural wonders and a haven for outdoor adventures. 

Choosing which Auckland attraction to see can be overwhelming, especially with so many things to do in the city. Undoubtedly, Auckland offers the best of both ends of the travel spectrum, catering to every kind of visitor. To ease your burden of searching for options, we've rounded up some Auckland attractions you should visit so you don't miss out on anything awesome.

Discover the best attractions Auckland has to offer—here are our top ten picks:

Kickstart your trip to the city by visiting its most iconic building: the SkyTower Auckland! This Auckland attraction stands tall at 328 metres, making it unmissable in the skyline. Head to its observation deck, and witness the whole city from 220 metres above the ground. SkyTower Auckland is a great vantage point to get unobstructed views of other Auckland attractions, like the nearby Hauraki Gulf, and even dormant volcanoes.

Want to turn things up a notch? Jump off the tower at a mesmerising height with SkyJump, or enjoy a meal of a lifetime at Orbit 360°. There’s so much to do in SkyTower!

Take a break from the urban scenery and visit Waiheke Island. With a quick ferry ride from Auckland, you’ll be stepping into an island paradise of crystal-clear waters and gorgeous vineyards. 

Depending on what you fancy, you can choose from different guided walking tours all over Waiheke Island! If you’d love to go sightseeing on Te Whau Peninsula, Whakanewha Regional Park, and Rocky Bay area, there’s a Bush & Beach or Double Headland walk you can join. You can also tour around vineyards, art galleries, and the beach if those are more your vibe. 

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of those fascinating Auckland attractions you shouldn’t miss out on. In this magnificent institution, spend hours marvelling at the extensive collection of artworks and artefacts that celebrates the culture, art, and heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau (a Māori electorate). You can even get the chance to watch a live cultural performance from the Māori people!

Discover more about Auckland and the New Zealand heritage from art exhibits and installations at Auckland Art Gallery. Explore four floors of visual art, and travel through time as you soak in masterpieces from the past and present. The great news is that you can enter this Auckland attraction for free!

Auckland Art Gallery also offers tours such as the Hīkoi to Britomart. Put on your walking shoes and uncover significant Māori public artworks over the one-kilometre hīkoi to Takutai Square right at the heart of Auckland.

Coming with kids? There are tons of Auckland attractions for families, such as the SEA LIFE Aquarium in Kelly Tarlton’s. There’s no need to get wet to marvel at the vibrant underwater life. Meet thousands of marine species, including stingrays, seahorses, sharks, and more. You can also find Turtle Bay, New Zealand’s only turtle rescue centre, and Antarctic Ice Adventure, where you can meet adorable Gentoo and King Penguins. There’s so much to do in SEA LIFE Aquarium to keep your kids entertained!

The wildlife immersion continues at Auckland Zoo, where local Kiwi wildlife awaits you. This award-winning zoo is home to over 135 local and exotic species, from red pandas to Galapagos tortoises. It even has a section dedicated to native Auckland flora and fauna! 

The best thing about this Auckland attraction for families is that it's a non-profit zoo, so ticket sales go towards conservation efforts to build a better future for our wildlife. 

Your tour wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the scenic Auckland attractions sprawled across the city. One of which is One Tree Hill, an extinct volcanic crater, and former developed Māori pā or village settlement. This historic location is now a memorial site with an obelisk at its summit and holds a breathtaking view of Auckland. You can also visit this Auckland attraction for free—just follow the path from Manukau Road! 

Another island off the coast of Auckland is Rotoroa Island, a sanctuary for local endangered wildlife like the iconic kiwi. This charming island used to be off-limits to visitors for more than a century. Today, it provides respite for city-dwellers needing a quick breather and curious travellers wanting to learn more about Kiwi wildlife. Rotoroa Island is an hour away from downtown Auckland, with Fullers360 offering different transport options.

Set your eyes on one of the most vibrant Auckland attractions out there: the Auckland Botanic Gardens. You'll have the chance to relax among its magnificent flower varieties spread across 158 acres of greenery. Home to more than 10,000 flowering plants, the Auckland Botanic Gardens has several garden zones to choose from, like the Magnolia Garden, Palm Garden, and African Plants Garden. After your stroll, you can enjoy a warm cuppa and scones at Cafe Miko!

End your Auckland visit on a high note and hike on Mount Eden. Being the highest natural point in Auckland, Mount Eden is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. It also has a viewing deck on its northern hill, a prime location for sightseeing all angles of Auckland. Don’t forget to capture beautiful photos to add to your Instagram feed!