Auckland Activities and Things to Do

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city and the country's easiest gateway for a first stop, wedged between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours with the Hauraki Gulf's islands sitting just a short ferry ride offshore. From sightseeing high above the Sky Tower to boat tours out to Waiheke and Rangitoto, adrenaline experiences on the Harbour Bridge and TV and movie tours out to Hobbiton, there is a category here for every kind of traveller. Here is what is actually running across Auckland's most popular categories, sightseeing, boat tours, food and wine, adrenaline, water activities, land adventures, wildlife, TV and movie tours and cultural experiences, and how to choose between them.

Sightseeing, Sky Tower SkyWalk

The Sky Tower SkyWalk puts you on an open air platform circling the outside of Auckland's tallest landmark, 328 metres above the city streets. It is one of Auckland's most talked about sightseeing experiences and a genuine bucket list moment for anyone visiting the City of Sails, with sweeping views over the harbour, the Hauraki Gulf islands and the volcanic cones that dot the city skyline.

Boat Tours, Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise

The Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise sails a purpose built yacht under the Auckland Harbour Bridge for 1.5 hours, with complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate on board and knowledgeable guides sharing the city's Māori and European history along the way. It is one of Auckland's most popular boat tours, and no previous sailing experience is needed to get hands on with the ropes.

Wildlife, Auckland Whale and Dolphin Boat Cruise

The Auckland Whale and Dolphin Boat Cruise heads out into the Hauraki Gulf, one of the few places in the world where Bryde's whales feed close to a major city, alongside common and bottlenose dolphins and orca on the right day. Marine biologists on board provide commentary on the Gulf's marine ecosystem throughout the cruise.

TV and Movie Tours, Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour

The Small Group Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour travels from Auckland to the actual film set used in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, wandering through the Shire's hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the Party Tree in a small group setting with lunch included. It remains one of Auckland's most requested day trips for fans of the films and is a highlight of the region's TV and movie tours category.

Island Escapes, Waiheke and Rangitoto Island Ferries

The Waiheke Island Ferry takes around 40 minutes from the Downtown Ferry Terminal to New Zealand's most visited island destination, home to more than 30 wineries, sandy beaches and coastal walking tracks. The Rangitoto Island Ferry crosses in just 25 minutes to New Zealand's youngest and largest volcanic cone, with a self guided walk over lava fields to a boardwalk summit track and 360 degree views back over the Gulf.

Family Friendly Activities in Auckland

Auckland's family friendly activities category covers everything from harbour cruises and island ferries to Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and the Auckland Sky Tower, most within easy reach of the central city and many suited to a half day out rather than a full itinerary. Long weekends and school holidays are the busiest times to book, so securing dates ahead of a visit is worth doing early.

Frequently asked questions

What is Auckland best known for?

Auckland is known as the City of Sails, famous for its harbour, the Sky Tower, its volcanic cones and easy access to Hauraki Gulf islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto.

How do you get to Waiheke Island from Auckland?

A passenger ferry runs from Auckland's Downtown Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island in around 40 minutes, with regular sailings throughout the day.

Is Hobbiton a day trip from Auckland?

Yes, small group Hobbiton Movie Set day tours depart Auckland and return the same day, usually including a stop for lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

What is the best sightseeing activity in Auckland?

The Sky Tower SkyWalk is one of Auckland's most iconic sightseeing experiences, putting you on an open air platform 328 metres above the city.

Can you see whales and dolphins near Auckland?

Yes, the Hauraki Gulf is home to Bryde's whales, common and bottlenose dolphins and occasional orca, all reachable on a half day cruise from Auckland.

Local tip: book Waiheke and Rangitoto ferries for an early sailing in summer, the islands get busy by midday and an early start means quieter tracks and cooler walking conditions.

Browse Auckland's categories above, from sightseeing and boat tours to TV and movie tours and adrenaline experiences, and book your City of Sails adventure today.