Top 10 Best Places & Things To Do in Auckland, NZ
By: Patricia

By: Angela Pearse

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with over 1.4 million people, and it’s still growing. In fact these days it feels like a melting pot, with many different cultures choosing to call Auckland home. Such diversity makes for an eclectic and exciting city in which to live; throw in some beautiful beaches, surround it with bush clad hills, add a few dormant volcanoes and what more could you want from a city?

Here are my top 10 best places and things to do in Auckland.

Waiheke Island

Photo By Nathan Branch

Where wine meets culture. Just 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, you can relax on white sand beaches, meet artisans and partake of the local vino. It is a known fact that Waiheke Island is always a few degrees warmer than the mainland, hence the large number of viticulturists and sun worshippers.

Sky Tower

Central Auckland's 'hypodermic needle'. This iconic landmark is great for getting your bearings if you're lost in any part of Auckland. To get a better view of your surroundings why not dine up the top in Orbit Revolving Restaurant or throw yourself off in a sky jump?

Devonport

Photo By Lil_miz_Cheeky

A 15 minute ferry ride takes you to a village of yesteryear. Victorian era cottages, old pubs and specialty shops make Devonport a tiny North Shore treasure. Bring a torch and explore the WWII tunnels at north head a short walk away, and then have fish and chips on Cheltenham Beach.

La Cigale farmers market

French Market & Shop.
For a bit of French culture in the weekend then head to La Cigale farmers market at the bottom of Parnell. Taste some cheese and drink some good coffee. Afterwards head to C’Est Fromage in McColl Street, Newmarket for a baguette and wine. The people are so friendly and well, French!

Karangahape Road

Affectionately known as 'K' Rd', this street manages to condense all that is quirky and off-beat about Auckland. If you're straight, gay, transsexual (and anything in between), love vintage clothing and dark cavernous wine bars then K' Rd is for you.

Kingsland

Photo By Cor Lems

A slightly more up market version of K'Rd, Kingsland boasts retro, like it never went out of fashion. For a small street it packs in a surprising amount of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs.

The Viaduct

Photo By kiwi_bloke

Ok, so Auckland won the America's Cup back in the 90's. The boats are still there even if the cup isn't, along with some great restaurants and clubs. You may run into a few CEO's but they could invite you onto their yacht so it pays to be friendly.

Climbing Volcanoes

Photo By Tākuta

Take your pick, there are 50 of them. But the one we love the most is Rangitoto. You can't miss it, it's the large tree covered one smack bang in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf. If you want a closer view I recommend climbing it, or if you're feeling lazy there is a shuttle. Mt Eden is also great if you want 360 degree views of Auckland and you can climb down inside the crater.

Okahu Bay to Mission Bay

Photo By Sandy Austin

If you have a spare couple of hours then stroll the beautiful sea walk round to Mission Bay from Okahu Bay. Or if you feel energetic you can rent a bike, it's an easy, flat ride all the way. Stop in Mission Bay at the Mövenpick shop, which serves delicious ice creams.

Parnell