Things to do in and around Auckland

First of all, make sure you sign up for GrabOne. You will receive daily emails packed with great offers for everything from holidays to frying pans… and tons for days out in Auckland!

Arataki Visitors Centre

Amazing views and massive ice creams. If you fancy a nice drive and a FREE day out, you should definitely head over to Arataki towards Auckland’s west coast for some breathtaking views!

Auckland Zoo

The zoo is always a safe bet for a fun day out and Auckland’s zoo is one of the best I’ve been to! You’ll also get to see a real life kiwi (if they’re not hiding!), which makes it all the more worth a visit.

Piha Beach

On Auckland’s west coast, which is a bit wilder than the east, this is a beautiful beach popular with surfers and [at certain times of year]… penguins! There is also the giant Lion Rock providing more fantastic views and Kitekite Falls a short walk away for more scenery. We’re hoping to have a beach day when the summer really kicks in and Piha beach is our chosen Auckland beach!

Muriwai Beach

Not too different to Piha, Muriwai Beach is a little further up the west coast and again offers some wonderful views and plenty of activities such as horse trekking along the vast sandy beach.

Waiheke Island

A lovely little island off of Auckland’s East Coast, Waiheke is definitely worth the short ferry ride, especially if you’re into your wines, vineyards and stunning scenery!

The Sky Tower

The most iconic figure in the Auckland skyline, the Sky Tower offers panoramic views of Auckland and its surroundings. If you have a special occasion, you might want to dine in the revolving restaurant or alternatively… you can do the free fall jump from the top!

Mount Eden

The place we call home (and we’re glad we do), Mt Eden is a lovely little suburb with lots of cute little shops and cafés including the famous Circus Circus. Oh and not forgetting the amazing $20 ribs and beer at the pub (De Post) every Wednesday!

The main draw though is the volcano, rewarding a short ~10 minute walk to the summit with amazing 360 views of the city. We recently went up to see the sunset after a lovely sunny day and it was absolutely STUNNING. If you get the opportunity, you should definitely make the time to visit Mt Eden Summit to see a particularly spectacular sunset.

Eden Park – The All Blacks

Keep an eye on the All Blacks fixture list and try to make sure you go to see them play at the national stadium in Mount Eden. The atmosphere will be incredible and it’s not every day you get to watch the World champions!

Shopping in Newmarket

Head to Newmarket just outside of the city centre (definitely walking distance) if you fancy a few more nice restaurants and a much broader range of shopping options!

Auckland Botanic Gardens

If you like gardens and a bit of fresh air, you should enjoy a free day out at the Botanic gardens in Manuwera.

Cornwall Park

Cornwall Park is one of the nicest parks I’ve ever been to! It’s fantastic on a sunny day, with massive grassy areas to comfortably accommodate the high number of Aucklanders who flock there! There’s a nice restaurant in the grounds as well as a separate ice cream parlour, you can walk amongst the lambs and cows or set up a base and have a barbecue! Perfect cheap day out, especially if there’s a group of you.

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

This is on our to do list rather than our done list but it has great reviews and looks like a pretty fun day out, especially if it’s a rainy day.

Eat & Drink at The Viaduct

Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is a very nice spot in the heart of the city and is definitely the place to go if you fancy an above average bite to eat or a not-so-cheap night out, as it boasts several really nice bars and restaurants.

The Local Beaches

If you’re in Auckland city and fancy a day at the beach but don’t want to travel too far, you really are spoilt for choice. Just 10 minutes East of the CBD is Mission Bay and a little further along will bring you to Saint Heliers Bay, both very nice local beaches. Another option is the beautiful Takapuna beach, a short 15 minute drive across the bridge on Auckland’s North Shore.