Auckland is a bustling metropolis that’s just minutes away from several nature retreats and seaside spots, making it the perfect destination for those who want to experience city life as well as quick relaxing getaways in nature. As it is often the entry point to the rest of New Zealand, Auckland is laden with attractions from museums, zoos, beaches, harbours, and more.
There’s a lot of things to do in Auckland, so if you’re overwhelmed then fret not! Even when you’re tight on time and budget, you can still make the most of your trip.
We’ve got you covered with our top picks of things to do in Auckland for $50 or less:
- Discover fascinating marine life at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
- Meet the diverse Kiwi wildlife at Auckland Zoo
- Be one with the sheep at SheepWorld
- Get a bird’s eye view of Auckland at SkyTower
- Make your way through the Odyssey Sensory Maze
- Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Check out the finest works of art at Auckland Art Gallery
- Explore Waitemata Harbour
- Dine at Viaduct Harbour
- Climb up One Tree Hill
- Check out the beaches around Auckland
- Go to Waiheke Island via ferry from Auckland
1. Discover fascinating marine life at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Check out the stingrays and the diverse marine wildlife at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
At SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium lies a world of underwater life like you’ve never seen before. For only $31, you can visit all of their breathtaking themed zones and exhibits filled with sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and many, many more. You’ll definitely feel like a mermaid swimming among the marine life.
Meet the largest penguin colony in the Southern Hemisphere and the rescued turtles of Turtle Bay, the country’s only turtle rescue centre. Thousands of marine species are waiting for you to meet them at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, so you can’t miss visiting when you’re in Auckland.
2. Meet the diverse Kiwi wildlife at Auckland Zoo
Check out the terrestrial wildlife of New Zealand at Auckland Zoo. Image credits @aucklandzoo on Instagram
While SEA LIFE takes you to the depths of the sea, Auckland Zoo takes you to the forest, the plains, and other terrestrial habitats where Kiwi wildlife resides. 135 species of animals call the zoo their home and are waiting for you to visit them.
Auckland Zoo is not only the largest zoo that features local animals, it also boasts several conversion efforts for wildlife and their homes. A visit to the zoo means you’ll also be helping its efforts for the environment and the animals—plus, tickets are only $21!
3. Be one with the sheep at SheepWorld
Befriend the sheep and farm animals at SheepWorld
There are so many sheep in New Zealand that rumour has it that for every person, there’s 20 sheep—but that’s something for you to confirm during your visit to SheepWorld.
Whether there’s 20 sheep per person or not, sheep are a vital part of NZ’s economy. At SheepWorld, you will delve into the country’s flourishing traditional sheep farming and sheep wool industry, and of course, make a lot of sheep friends! You can check out how the sheep are taken care of and even visit farmyards filled with animals. All of these can be experienced at $21.
4. Get a bird’s eye view of Auckland at SkyTower
See Auckland in one go at SkyTower. Image credits @skycityakl on Instagram
With this 328-metre high tower, you’ll be able to see all of Auckland in one go. So if you’re in for some sightseeing, then the best thing to do in Auckland City is to go up SkyTower and get a 360° view from the tallest structure in town.
For only $30, you can check out the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the city skyline to the natural wonders such as beaches and volcanoes. And if you’re in for a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can try SkyJump where you can bungee jump off of the tower.
5. Make your way through the Odyssey Sensory Maze
Check out the vortex tunnel in Odyssey Sensory Maze. Image credits @odysseysensorymaze on Instagram
Can you make your way out of one of the craziest mazes filled with optical illusions, challenging obstacles, and fun tunnels? Then head on out to Odyssey Sensory Maze in Auckland!
For only $18, you can visit rooms filled with mirrors, tunnels filled with lights, and even tanks filled with balloons! Every corner of the maze is a sensory overload guaranteed to make your day as fun and exciting as possible.
6. Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
This photographer is taking snaps of the Spitfire Mark XVI featured in the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Image credits @aucklandmuseum on Instagram
Discover the rich heritage of the Tāmaki Makaurau at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for only $23. If you’re a history buff, then you can’t miss a visit to this museum where you can learn about the country's natural and military history through extensive displays of artworks and artifacts.
You can even watch live cultural performances from the Māori people, the indigenous people of mainland New Zealand.
7. Check out the finest works of art at Auckland Art Gallery
These kids sure seem to appreciate these fine paintings at Auckland Art Gallery. Image credits @aucklandartgallery on Instagram
Whether you’re a connoisseur of the fine arts or simply someone who appreciates a good painting, one of the best things to do in Auckland is to visit the Auckland Art Gallery, where the best national and international art gather in one place.
Check out the finest collection of art, from those dating back to seven centuries ago to the stunning contemporary Māori art.
8. Explore Waitemata Harbour
A stunning nighttime view of Waitemata Harbour. Image credits @kennymuir on Instagram
Auckland is often referred to as the City of Sails with its many iconic harbours that house hundreds of boats and ships for intercoastal and even international shipping.
One of those iconic harbours is Waitemata Harbour, which features iconic city skylines and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Whether you’re visiting or a true blue native, one of the best things to do in Auckland is definitely to take a stroll around Waitemata Harbour to take in the sights—which costs $0 to do so.
9. Dine at Viaduct Harbour
Seaside establishments at Viaduct Harbour. Image credits @viaductharbour on Instagram
Viaduct Harbour, a former commercial harbour now turned hotspot for the best restaurants and entertainment establishments, is definitely worth visiting when you’re in Auckland. There’s a slew of seaside restaurants that are guaranteed to give you a gastronomic experience and picturesque seaside cityscapes to kill the ‘gram.
10. Climb up One Tree Hill
Check out One Tree Hill in Auckland. Image credits @cornwallparknz on Instagram
No, we’re not talking about the drama show from the early 2000s—One Tree Hill is a volcanic peak wherein a tall obelisk stands as a tribute to the Māori. But you might be wondering, why is it called One Tree Hill when there are lots of trees in the vicinity? One Tree Hill is named after the lone pine tree that once stood at the summit but had to be taken down decades ago due to the danger of falling. Visiting its peak is definitely one of the can’t-miss things to do in Auckland.
11. Check out the beaches around Auckland
There’s an assortment of splendid beaches just minutes away from Auckland if you want a quick getaway from the city such as Oneroa Beach, accessible via ferry to Waiheke Island, as well as Orewa Beach which is notable for its flat landscape loved by local joggers and tourists.
12. Go to Waiheke Island via ferry from Auckland
Go on a relaxing 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island
Speaking of Oneroa Beach in Waiheke Island, did you know that you could easily get there via ferry? Hop on this luxurious ferry in downtown Auckland and take the sights of the waterfront during your 40-minute cruise to Waiheke, a quaint town that is home to several vineyards and tourist attractions. With all the splendid views, this ferry ride is already pretty much part of your Waiheke island tour!
TRANSFERS
If you’re from out of town, or even out of the country, then these transfers will make everything easier for you. You no longer have to struggle to make your way to the city from Auckland Airport (AKL).
Take the SkyBus from the Airport to Auckland City proper
SkyBus
Get a taste of the hassle-free SkyBus service which takes you from AKL to your accommodation at the city proper. It’s airconditioned, comfortable, fast, and complete with WiFi access. so you can update your friends and family that you’ve arrived in NZ. You’ll even get VIP treatment at the airport’s SkyBus lounge, where you can wait for your departure to the city—which is awesome for only $15!
Shared and Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers to/from Auckland CBD
This round trip transfer option takes you to and from your destination. For only $25 you can book a seat on the Super Shuttle’s mini-coach where you can share a ride with other NZ visitors. If you’re coming with a bunch of friends and family, you can book a private charter.
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