Tourist Attractions in Auckland

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Auckland

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Auckland

The jewel of Oceania, New Zealand’s Auckland is one of the world’s top ten best cities to live in in terms of environment and convenience. It is called the City of Volcanoes and Sailboats. In its vicinity there are 48 extinct volcanoes, 3 bays, more than 50 islands. And the uniqueness of the city is that it has access to two seas. On one side of its coast is washed by the Tasman Sea, on the other – the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Auckland does not boast a large number of historical and architectural monuments. But it does have some modern man-made attractions. The tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere is the Sky Tower radio tower. The largest stadium in the country is Eden Park. One of the world’s longest viewing tunnels – Underwater World at the Kelly Tarlton Oceanarium.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Auckland

Queen Street

 0/5

Auckland’s main thoroughfare, where you can experience the atmosphere and cosmopolitan flavour of Auckland. All roads lead here. The street is named in honour of Queen Victoria. Here are offices of the largest banks and corporations, elite shopping centres, hotels, numerous restaurants and coffee shops, souvenir shops. A lot of street musicians. Traffic is blocked on national holidays. Queen Street leads to the seafront and harbour.

Viaduct Harbour

 0/5

Beautiful coastal harbour with luxury yachts and pleasure boats. You can take a cruise along the bay on one of them. Located near the business centre of Auckland, the port has 150 berths for marine vessels. It is a popular tourist area. On the waterfront there are many entertainment venues, small bars and restaurants offering seafood specialities. Various festivals are often held here. Also in this area is the famous Maritime Museum.

Sky Tower

 4.5/5

16156 reviews

The telecommunications tower that dominates the entire city is 328 metres high. It was built in 1997. It is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It has 3 glass lifts, 3 circular observation decks, the main one with a glass floor is located at a height of 186 metres. At the top of the tower there are 2 restaurants, one of which rotates 360°. For the most courageous there is an extreme entertainment – jumping from the top platform of the tower, which is 192 metres high.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Mount Eden

 0/5

The highest extinct volcano in the city. It erupted for the last time quite a long time ago – 28 thousand years ago. The bowl-shaped huge crater at the top is 50 metres deep. Auckland’s best vantage point. On the slopes are villas, museums, the eponymous prison in the form of a castle, as well as one of the largest stadiums in the country. The height of the mountain is 196 metres. Until 2006, tourist buses used to go to the top, but now it is possible to climb up only on foot.

One Tree Hill

 0/5

This is the name of a long-extinct volcano on which a lone tree once grew. Its last eruption was almost 30,000 years ago. The height of the hill is 182 metres. At its foot there are two parks. At the top there is an obelisk with a statue of a Maori warrior. Under it is the grave of the famous public figure and businessman John Logan Campbell. One of the parks is Cornwall – his gift to the people of the city.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

 4.7/5

11393 reviews

Numerous museum exhibitions are dedicated to historical periods and events that were important for the city and the country as a whole. Collections of crockery, jewellery, weapons, models of dwellings are presented in exhibitions about the indigenous people of New Zealand. There are exhibitions devoted to the colonial period and the legendary military history of the country. The museum is located in a 3-storey monumental building erected on the top of an extinct volcano in 1929.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Auckland Zoo

 4.5/5

13534 reviews

It opened in 1922. It is located close to the centre. On 17 hectares of land there are 138 species of animals. The whole area is divided into zones according to the region of origin of the species. For example, “Elephant Wash”, “Tropical Forest”, “Pride Land”, “Hippo River”, “Australian Walk” and others. A children’s zone is open for young visitors. The attraction of the zoo is 6 artificial installations of animal habitats, which can be seen only in New Zealand.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

 4.3/5

6362 reviews

A fascinating oceanarium with transparent acrylic tunnels, numerous aquariums, artificial underwater caves and reefs. It was created in 1985 on the shore of Freemans Bay, in the suburbs of Auckland. It contains 5 zones: “Stingray Bay”, children’s “Interactive Room”, “Sea Creatures”, “Encounter with Antarctica” – the fiefdom of penguins. And the most important object is a 110-metre tunnel with a moving transport belt, which is inhabited by 2,000 sea creatures.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Auckland Art Gallery

 4.6/5

4950 reviews

The first gallery in the country was founded in 1888. The basis of the collection was made up of unique books, manuscripts and paintings donated to the museum by Governor George Gray. Today the collection contains more than 12 thousand exhibits. These are the best paintings by New Zealand and European masters of painting and graphics. Classical and modern works are represented. Various cultural events and temporary exhibitions are held in the gallery. There is a souvenir shop and a café in the building.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

New Zealand Maritime Museum

 4.6/5

2116 reviews

Dedicated to the maritime history of the country. It covers a long period of time, from the first Polynesian settlers to modern yachtsmen who have won regional and world regattas. Collections on maritime trade, whaling, water rescue, and navigation are presented. The museum displays several vintage sailing vessels that are still in service. There is also a small gallery with paintings by New Zealand marine artists.

Open time

MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology

 4.4/5

3759 reviews

A fascinating museum with interesting exhibits. Opened in 1964. Located in the Western Springs neighbourhood. It consists of two parts, between which the tram runs. The museum has collections of historic steam locomotives and wagons, trams, cars, buses, road military vehicles, police cars and motorbikes, electrical equipment, and more. The aviation hall houses military, civilian and sports aeroplanes.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

SkyCity Theatre

 4.3/5

557 reviews

It was opened in 1929. After reconstruction in 1999, the original design was restored. The foyer is in Indian style, with statues of seated Buddhas, columns and domed ceilings. The auditorium resembles Moorish gardens with minarets, towers, panther statues. It has a seating capacity of 2380 people. It is an example of atmospheric theatre style, where lighting and interior design give the illusion of a starry night sky.

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Pop-up Globe

 4.8/5

1292 reviews

The theatre was opened in 2016. It is a slightly smaller copy of the famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which existed in London in the early 17th century and was restored in 1997. The audience has the opportunity to see productions of Shakespeare’s most famous plays here. The structure has the form of a 16-sided polygon, without a roof. Near the stage there is a “courtyard” with standing seats for 300 spectators, it is surrounded by three tiers of galleries with 600 seats.

Open time

Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph

 4.8/5

1306 reviews

Built in the mid-19th century. It is located in the city centre, near the Sky Tower. Liston House was completed in the 1960s. The ground floor is for parishioners and social services. The second floor is where the clergy live. The jewel of the Catholic Cathedral is the Bell Tower. It has two of the oldest bells in the country. Since 1980 they have been controlled by an automated system. You can also listen to the organ in the cathedral.

Open time

Auckland Town Hall

 4.6/5

305 reviews

Neo-Baroque building in the city centre, Queen Street. It was built in 1911 from two types of stone – dark volcanic basalt and light-coloured limestone. It underwent a major renovation in the 1990s. It is famous for the Grand Concert Hall for 1500 people, with excellent acoustics, where rock singers like to perform. It is also home to the largest organ in the country, dating back to 1911. There is another hall in the Town Hall, the Chamber Hall, which seats 430 people.

Open time

Auckland Harbour Bridge

 0/5

The majestic bridge over Waitemata Bay was built in 1954-59. It connects the city centre with the northern part of the city. It is 1150 metres long. The main span, between two columns, spans 244 metres, the height at this point is 43 metres. Originally the bridge consisted of 4 car lanes, 20 years later they added 2 lanes in each direction. But due to the additional load, cracks appeared in the structure. Repair works were carried out and subsequently the movement of lorries was prohibited.

Eden Park

 4.5/5

6412 reviews

It is the name of the country’s largest stadium with a capacity of 50,000 spectators. New Zealand’s main field for playing rugby, the most popular sport among the local population. In 2011, this stadium hosted the Rugby World Cup games. The number of seats was then increased to 60 thousand. And in 2015, the Cricket World Cup games were held here. The stadium also hosts matches in other sports – football and rugby – rugby league.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Spark Arena

 4.5/5

7547 reviews

One of New Zealand’s most popular venues for large-scale cultural, entertainment and sporting events. It was opened in 2007. Capacity – 12 thousand spectators. Until 2017 it was called Vector Arena. It hosts concerts of world stars performing in a variety of musical genres. The Arena also provides its territory for competitions in netball, wrestling, ice hockey, basketball, BMX bicycle motocross and other sports.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Cornwall Park

 4.7/5

9044 reviews

A favourite recreational area for locals. It is famous for its rural scenery that captures the charm of New Zealand nature. Lush greenery, flowerbeds, sprawling trees, lawns where sheep and cows graze freely. There are rugby fields, tennis courts, cricket grounds, gazebos and barbecues. The park is situated on the slopes of One Tree Hill. It was founded early last century by John Logan Campbell, who gave his former farm to the city.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Auckland Domain

 4.7/5

11301 reviews

A recreational area at the foot of an extinct volcano. It borders Cornwall Park, but was founded earlier, in the mid-19th century. It was once a botanical garden, and since that time glass greenhouses with rare tropical plants have been preserved. There are many trees, original flowerbeds, marble statues and arbours on the territory of the park. There is a pond with ducks, sports grounds. There is also a War Memorial Museum.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Albert Park

 4.6/5

4079 reviews

One of Auckland’s oldest parks. It was opened in the XIX century. Located on a volcanic hill in the centre of the city. Some of the giant trees with spreading crowns have been preserved since the time of laying. There are several interesting objects on the territory of the park. These include a cast-iron ancient fountain with beautiful figures, a flower garden in the shape of a clock, statues of Queen Victoria and Governor George Grey, a memorial in honour of the Anglo-Boer battle, a clock museum and others.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park

 4.8/5

91 reviews

The vast territory of the regional park on the coast of the Tasman Sea combines several landscape zones. Mountains, hills and canyons, jungles with waterfalls, a grove of flowering hutukawa trees, thickets of the oldest coniferous trees – kauri, wild beaches with yellow and grey sand. Visitors are offered bicycle and horseback riding, hiking trails with a total length of 250 kilometres, extreme jumping into waterfalls, fishing and beach holidays.

Open time

Rangitoto Island

 4.6/5

151 reviews

A valuable conservation site in Hauraki Gulf. Volcanic island. Occupies an area of 23 km2. The last eruption was relatively recent – about 700 years ago. Some areas are still under black lava. Of particular value is the rich vegetation. There are 200 species of trees, 40 species of ferns, several species of orchids. There is the world’s largest forest area of hutukawa, an evergreen spherical tree with red flowers.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

 4.9/5

214 reviews

An island in the Hauraki Gulf, 30 kilometres from Auckland. Can be reached by ferry. Wildlife reserve, part of the marine park. The area is 220 hectares. The main attraction – a variety of birds, which are here a huge number, and they are very trusting and sociable. There are rare species, such as the flightless takahe. Reptiles also live on the island, only here you can see tuatara, the only representative of the ancient beaked whale.

Takapuna Beach

 4.7/5

346 reviews

Located on Auckland’s North Shore, in the neighbourhood of the same name. It is a small, “privileged” area of the city, which has recently just started to build up. The beach is sandy, not crowded, clean and quite favourable. It is popular with locals. There is a car park, cafes, restaurants, picnic areas, tables with benches. A great place for water sports. Suitable for holidays with children, there is a playground.

Open time