10 Things to Do In & Around Auckland New Zealand

This is a guest post by Emma Spires of Backpacking Spirit Blog.

Auckland is an incredible city with a multitude of things to do – it’s hard to get bored when you have glorious parks, untouched beaches, and an array of city sights. If your backpacking trip sees you heading to New Zealand’s bright lights then check out these 10 things to do – there’s even a few free activities thrown in to help you look after the backpacker budget!

Sky Tower

The sky tower is the focal point of Auckland’s sky line, and it also provides a whole host of activities. From dinner at the revolving restaurant, to coffee in the café, to doing a sky jump from the top of the tower, the sky tower is an entertainment centre in itself! My recommendation? Go and have high tea in the Orbit restaurant. This costs $30 NZD and includes admission to the look out (which costs $28in itself), sandwiches, cakes, and unlimited tea, and of course, a priceless view over Auckland.

Auckland Zoo

Located just a 20 minute bus ride from Auckland CBD is the zoo, and what a great one it is! Visiting the zoo makes for an awesome day trip, and you’ll get up close and personal with lions, tigers, flamingos, elephants, giraffes and more! Admission is $25 NZD.

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

Located on Tamaki drive just a fifteen minute journey from Auckland CBD is Kelly Tarlton’s sea life aquarium which is home to sharks, stingrays, seahorses and more! You can bag tickets online from $28.80.

The Eastern Bays

Auckland’s Eastern Bays are absolutely spectacular. Mission Bay, St. Heliers and Kohimarama are all beautiful beaches and beach side towns that are well worth a visit. A great way to explore them all is by renting a bike; a bike ride from Auckland CBD will take about 30 minutes. Pack up a picnic, grab a bike and you’ll have yourself a fab – and cheap – day!

Rangitoto Island

You can see this volcanic island from the eastern bays and it is easily accessible by ferry. Regular ferries depart from Quay Street in Auckland CBD. The ticket price is $28.00 for an adult return pass but you can also catch an “early bird” ferry which means leaving at 7:30am on a weekend and this only costs $17.00. Put on your hiking boots and get exploring this volcanic wonderland!

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a popular place for locals and travellers alike. This island is a sun, sea and sand heaven and it makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Auckland. Ferries leave regularly and cost around $35.50 for an adult return pass.

Albert Park

Set in the middle of Auckland CBD this park provides a slice of tranquillity amongst all the hustle and bustle of city life. With a beautiful fountain in the centre, an array of colourful flowers and parkland, Albert Park is the perfect place to have lunch, or just chill out from a busy day in the city! Just grab a picnic rug and a book! Quick tip: the birds in Albert Park are incredibly tame! Take a loaf of bread and see just how close they will get!

Great Barrier Island

Less touristy than Waiheke, Great Barrier Island is a must see destination if you want a slice of untouched paradise. This is a remote, quiet island with a population of only 850. Note that public transport does not exist here so organise a rental car in advance, or be prepared to bike or walk the extremely hilly terrain! Ferries to this island are a little on the pricy side and so I would recommend heading over for an extended break to get more bang for your buck! Oh, and book accommodation in advance – this is not the type of place to rock up without having anything booked! An adult return ferry is $147 and departs from Quay Street in Auckland CBD.

Devonport

Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore is a charming seaside village and well worth a visit. It is a quaint, quintessential village with a distinctly English fee. Devonport has a huge array of cafes and restaurants, as well as five sandy beaches all within walking distance of the village. The lookout point is well worth a visit to get spectacular views of Auckland.

Goat Island

Goat Island is a famous marine reserve located only an hour and a half’s drive out of Auckland. This island is a notorious location for world class diving and snorkelling. Don your wet suit and make a day of it! If swimming isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful marine life by taking a glass bottom boat tour!

Author’s Bio:

Emma has been on the road for nine years; her first trip was a solo adventure to Ghana, West Africa to participate in a volunteering project. You can read about her adventures at Backpacking Spirit Blog which documents her trip through every continent in the world; the highs, the lows, and everything in between!

Emma’s website provides travellers with first-rate travel tips, advice and inspiration; it’s also a place where you can find reviews and recommendations for backpacking supplies, packing check lists, and backpacking stories from travellers around the world.

Editor’s Note: All pictures are provided by Emma. BTW, you can also check out my short interview with Emma here.