Today, that history breathes through the relaxed, multicultural vibe of neighborhoods where coffee culture meets Māori heritage in an easygoing blend. Auckland feels less like a rigid metropolis and more like a sprawling archipelago of villages connected by ferries and bridges. It is now a vibrant, green urban center defined by its harbor views and volcanic cones, inviting you to explore both its deep indigenous roots and its modern, laid-back coastal lifestyle with equal enthusiasm.
Do Auckland the way locals do: start slow at Long Bay Regional Park, eat where the regulars do at Amano, let the evening run long at Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co..
Top things to do in Auckland Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Sky Tower
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (21,882 reviews)
Landmark 60-storey tower with panoramic views, bungee jumping & a high-end revolving restaurant.
Check tours & tickets 2
Auckland Museum
Museum · ★ 4.7 (14,760 reviews)
Museum & war memorial in a neoclassical building with a permanent collection & temporary exhibits.
Check tours & tickets 3
Auckland Domain
City Park · ★ 4.7 (13,161 reviews)
Established city park containing museums, memorials & the entire blast crater of Pukekawa volcano.
Check tours & tickets 4
Auckland Zoo
Zoo · ★ 4.5 (17,207 reviews)
New Zealand's largest zoo, with 130+ species & nearly 900 animals in a range of exhibits.
Check tours & tickets 5
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.7 (8,363 reviews)
Site of Auckland's highest volcano, with spectacular city & harbour views & a large crater.
Check tours & tickets 6
Auckland Art Gallery
Art Gallery · ★ 4.6 (6,680 reviews)
Vast array of national & international art, plus Maori works, in a château-style 1800s building.
Check tours & tickets 7
Domain Wintergardens
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (4,500 reviews)
Historic Victorian-style glasshouses with tropical & seasonal flowers, plus a courtyard & pond.
Check tours & tickets 8
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4.3 (9,099 reviews)
Aquatic life habitats are explored via glass viewing tunnels, displays & shows at this site.
Check tours & tickets 9
Albert Park
City Park · ★ 4.6 (4,765 reviews)
Historically significant, tree-filled park with flowerbeds, a Victorian fountain & statues.
Check tours & tickets 10
Aotea Square
Plaza · ★ 4.4 (6,831 reviews)
Sculptures and statues line this open public space, sometimes used for rallies and outdoor concerts.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Amano
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (5,063 reviews)
Hip, bohemian, wood-&-brick restaurant & bakery serving locally sourced Italian cuisine.
Website 12
My Fried Chicken Britomart
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (1,477 reviews)
Website 13
Depot
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (2,241 reviews)
Energetic, industrial-chic spot offering creative dishes, an oyster bar & a sophisticated wine list.
Website 14
Onslow
Fine Dining Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (1,537 reviews)
Website 15
Federal Delicatessen
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (2,401 reviews)
Bagels, matzo ball soup & other New York deli classics in a casual eatery that has booths & a bar.
Website 16
Auckland Fish Market
Food Court · ★ 4.2 (3,423 reviews)
Indoor-outdoor hub featuring stalls for fresh fish & counters serving informal seafood dishes.
Website 17
Best Ugly Bagels
Bagel Shop · ★ 4.6 (1,423 reviews)
Website 18
Ahi.
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,422 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Auckland
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
21
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
Tour Agency · ★ 4.6 (976 reviews)
Tour agency providing educational rides aboard a marine research vessel to see whales & dolphins.
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Long Bay Regional Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (5,094 reviews)
Clifftop walking trails plus swimming & kite flying in a beach park with BBQ & picnic sites.
Website 26
Duder Regional Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,310 reviews)
Waterside park offering swimming beaches, fishing spots, bike trails, farm animals & campgrounds.
Website 27
Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve
Park · ★ 4.5 (1,131 reviews)
Website 28
Sanders Reserve and Bike Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (694 reviews)
Website 29
Mangemangeroa Reserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.7 (549 reviews)
Website After dark 30
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Bar · ★ 4.3 (3,868 reviews)
Website 31
Caretaker
Bar · ★ 4.7 (1,719 reviews)
Dimly lit underground lounge serving spirits & craft cocktails in retro-style surrounds.
Website 32
Ding Dong Lounge
Bar · ★ 4.4 (791 reviews)
Happening watering hole featuring rock bands & DJs, craft brews & basic bar food.
Website 33
Parasol and Swing Company
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.4 (690 reviews)
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