Auckland is often dismissed very quickly by travelers. The cliché goes that it is basically just a transit point and therefore you shouldn’t linger here.
Today, I’m here to tell you, as an Auckland native, that this is dead wrong. If you dig a bit deeper, you will discover:
- Auckland has some of the best beaches and islands in New Zealand
- Is steeped in Māori history
- Has over 50 volcanoes to visit
- Contains all the amenities that come with being the country’s largest city
Most travelers will be staying in or very close to the heart of the city. With this in mind, I will start my top things to do in Auckland list with things closer to the city and slowly work my way out to the further flung activities on the outskirts of Auckland.
1. Visit The Auckland War Memorial Museum and The Domain
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just a museum about war, although this subject does feature.
It is a great place to start any Auckland adventure as it will give you a great historical run down of the entire Auckland region and beyond. Also, the surrounding Domain – New Zealand’s oldest park – has multiple bushwalks and The Wintergardens with 2 glasshouses full of exotic plant life. Well worth a look after visiting the museum.
An interesting side note is that the museum sits right on top of one of the many volcanoes that surround Auckland. The Māori people used the area extensively to grow things like Kumara (sweet potato) and for food storage. Many a battle has taken place here as it was prime real estate as far as the Māori were concerned.
Read the complete guide to visiting the Museum HERE
2. Take in the view at Auckland Sky Tower
The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. And probably one of the ugliest.
Architectural shortcomings aside, the Sky Tower is a great place to visit. Not only do you get a fantastic 360 degree view of Auckland, but there is a revolving restaurant with some really tasty high quality food if you feel like breaking your budget for the day. Book this restaurant in advance as it is VERY popular.
If you are feeling brave, (and rich) you can also bungy jump off The Sky Tower.
Admission cost to go up The Sky Tower is $32 NZD Adult, $13 NZD Child
3. Explore a volcano at Mount Eden
Maungawhau in the Māori language, Mt Eden is a dormant cone volcano sitting right next to Central Auckland.
It is 196 metres above sea level and is the highest natural point in the Greater Auckland area providing stunning views all around Auckland and unlike The Sky Tower, is totally free. I recommend getting here early morning if you want the place to yourself – minus a few joggers. The summit has an impressive crater at the top.
You can get here very easily by bus or train. Check the time table here https://at.govt.nz/
Alternatively, it is about an hour walk from The Sky Tower or 30 mins walk from The Auckland Museum.
4. See Weta Workshop Unleashed
Weta Digital are a visual and digital effects company founded by Peter Jackson, the famous Lord Of The Rings movie director.
The Workshop Unleashed is their film effects facility right in the heart of Auckland City. Here, you can take a guided tour through various film projects and get a sneak peak behind the scenes of this groundbreaking company. They have done work on Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong and X-Men among others. A unique experience that is new to Auckland.
Admission starts from $45 NZD
5. Head to Wynard Quarter & Silo Park
The Auckland Waterfront has been revitalized in recent years and has become a hub of restaurants, bars and events.
This is the place to head for everything from street food to fine dining or just a boozy night out. In summer, the outdoor cinema is extremely popular and a great spot to meet fellow travelers. Things are forever changing and expanding here so my advice is to just head down and go for a walk through the area. Also home to the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
6. Free Walking Tour
Free Walking Tour is a great way to see and learn about Auckland. The walk leaves from the entrance to the Queens Wharf Village on Queens Wharf every Saturday at 10 am.
Book here https://www.afwt.co.nz/
7. Embark on the Auckland Coast to Coast Walk
This walk takes you from the East to West Coast of New Zealand at the countries narrowest point. You can combine this with a visit to the Auckland Museum and Cornwall Park as the track passes right through these points.
The 5 hour Coast to Coast walk starts near Wynard Quarter. (99 Customs Street West is the exact starting point)
8. Hike up Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto defines Auckland to me more than any other landmark. It is the youngest and biggest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field and is just a short boat ride from Central Auckland.
The island formed about 600 years ago in a huge eruption that was witnessed by the local Māori people. Human footprints have been found between layers of volcanic ash. Rangitoto literally means sky blood in the Māori language. It has the largest forest of Pohutukawa trees in the world. The Island was purchased for £15 by the British in 1854.
To walk to the summit, it takes roughly one hour (2.4 km). I highly recommend this as you will see many native birds and trees in a unique volcanic setting. The view of Auckland and the crater at the top are worth the trek. A short detour to the lava caves is a must as well, and on the way (clearly signposted).
For more in depth information and how to get to and from the island, Click HERE
9. Watch a Rugby Match at Eden Park
Kiwis love their Rugby. Fact. Eden Park is New Zealand’s National Stadium so if you watch one Rugby match while in the country, do it here.
Eden Park hosted the first Rugby World Cup final in 1987 and since then, has hosted a multitude of events with Rugby in winter and Cricket in summer. The All Blacks haven’t been beaten here since 1994!
Getting here is very easy as Eden Park is right next Mount Eden. Visit https://at.govt.nz/ for bus/train timetables.
For match tickets, visit https://edenpark.co.nz/
10. Check out Auckland Art Gallery
Toi o Tāmaki is the largest Art Gallery in New Zealand with over 15,000 works from national and international artists. A great place to see a large variety of Māori art, especially modern but also traditional.
Located just below Albert Park in the central city, it is definitely worth checking out and guess what?
It’s free!
11. Head to Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park or, as most Aucklanders call it, One Tree Hill is an expansive inner city park containing one of Auckland’s more famous volcanic cones.
The volcano was the second largest eruption in the Auckland area after Rangitoto Island. Maungakiekie as it is called in Māori has a Obelisk at the summit and could easily be called No Tree Hill these days as a local Māori man chopped down the one tree in the 90s in protest of Māori land rights.
The song One Tree Hill by U2 is named after this park. To get here, jump on the train and head to Greenlane station, from here it’s just a 10 minute walk.
12. Visit Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Kelly Tarlton was a New Zealand marine archaeologist. In 1985 his vision of a modern aquarium using Auckland’s old, abandoned sewerage tunnels was realised.
This aquarium was the first of its kind and used overhead viewing combined with conveyor belts to make the experience as unique and as close up as possible. In 1994, the facility was expanded to include an Antarctica exhibit with penguins. This is a superb rainy day activity if you want to learn about local marine life.
Located just 10 minutes south east of the CBD, on Tamaki drive. Tickets are $41 NZD Adult $28 NZD Child
13. Explore Waiheke Island
The island of wine. This is ground zero for backpackers visiting Auckland. Many are working on the vineyards that inhabit the island.
Waiheke is the most densely populated island in New Zealand, and while it definitely gets the attention for a reason, I would, at the risk of sounding controversial, say its overrated. Yes, it has some stunning beaches and a microclimate that brings in more than its fair share of great weather, but it is also quite crowded and expensive and has lost a lot of its local small town charm that it once had.
In saying that, it’s still worth a look. Only a quick 30-minute boat ride from downtown Auckland. Ferries leave from the same Wharf as the Rangitoto bound boats.
Ferries depart daily from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay St, Auckland Central $42 NZD Adult $21 NZD Child (Return) Check here for tickets https://www.fullers.co.nz/
14. Try the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy
The original fixture of the Auckland sky line. The Bridge was first opened in 1959 connecting the Northern suburbs to central Auckland.
By the 60’s, with Auckland’s rapid population growth, it was clear that the government had severely underestimated the need with only four lanes of traffic available. Manufactured in Japan, the “Nippon Clip-Ons” were added turning the bridge into an 8-lane structure.
Bungy jumping is basically a national sport in New Zealand so of course you can bungy jump off here. Run by A J Hackett Bungy (same guys that operate in Queenstown), it is one of the smaller bungies NZ has to offer at a height of only 40 metres. And, it’s the cheapest. You can also do a bridge climb.
Cost to Bungy $165 NZD Adult $135 NZD Child Book here: http://bungy.co.nz
15. Check out Auckland Zoo
I’ll be honest. I’m not a huge fan of Zoos. I see them as prison for animals hiding the cruelty with conservation claims.
With that said, I do have to say that Auckland Zoo have a very humane approach with big enclosures that mimic the animal’s natural surroundings as closely as possible. I’ve seen some pretty horrible zoos in various countries and definitely can say that Auckland Zoo is different.
The exhibits are grouped loosely by continent. Africa, Australia, Asia, and South America all feature prominently along with local New Zealand wildlife.
Tickets are $24 NZD Adult $13 NZD Child and can be purchased here https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/
16. Take in Auckland Night Markets
Always a fun night out with loads of great food and drink choices from all around the world.
The night markets are located in several spots across Auckland however the main choice for most travelers will be the Central Auckland one.
Locations are: Elliott Street in Auckland City, Sylvia Park, Birkenhead, Mt Wellington, Papatoetoe, Botany Town Centre, Henderson and Pakuranga.
17. Chill at Mission Bay
The quintessential Auckland inner city Beach and famous for its fountain, Mission Bay is the perfect summer day hang out for Aucklanders.
Present-day Mission Bay takes its name from the Melanesian Mission, which was established there in 1840. The same year that the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed.
With brilliant views of Rangitoto Island, you can even hire a kayak and venture over there if you’re feeling fit. Various restaurants, bars, and cafes line the waterfront. Be sure to check out Bastion Point, too, just to the north of the beach for a commanding panorama of the area.
18. Visit Auckland Stardome Observatory
Who doesn’t love gazing up at a starry night sky? It is well known among astronomers that the Southern Hemisphere has superior night skies.
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is one of my favourite spots to visit in Auckland. The facility has 2 telescope domes. On Tuesday nights you can watch a laser light show to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album in the planetarium. Other shows include “Our Night Sky” which gives you an in depth look at the Southern Hemispheres skies.
Easy to get to, Stardome is located within the confines of Cornwall Park roughly 20 minutes from downtown Auckland. For bus timetables visit https://at.govt.nz/
Entrance $2 NZD Adult $1 NZD Child “Our Night Sky” tickets $15 NZD Adult $10 NZD Child
19. Take the kids to Rainbow’s End
As far as theme parks go, Rainbow’s End ain’t no Disneyland. However, it is New Zealand’s largest.
The Corkscrew Roller Coaster, Motion Master, Log Flume, Fear Fall, Invader, and Stratosfear are some of the rides available. The Park caters to everyone and there are food and drink facilities on site. Plenty of kids rides too.
Located in Manukau, South Auckland. Rainbow’s End is relatively easy to get to from Central Auckland by metro train.
Entry: Adult $65 NZD Child $55 NZD
20. Explore North Head and Mt Victoria
During World War II, Aucklanders lived in fear of a Japanese invasion. Australia had been bombed so the natural assumption was that NZ would be next. All around Auckland you can still see remnants of WW2 fortifications but none are as cool as the ones at North Head and Mount Victoria.
Essentially, the two volcanoes have been turned into giant tunnel complexes, which these days are open to the public to explore. Be sure to bring a torch/flashlight. As well as the tunnel system, because of their location right at the tip of a headland, there are of course awesome panoramic views to be had. Especially of Rangitoto Island.
Getting here is very easy from downtown, just take the 10 minute ferry ride from the central city ferry terminal across the water to Devonport.
Ferry tickets: $16 NZD Adult $9 NZD Child (Return) Purchase here:- https://www.fullers.co.nz/
21. Walk around Western Springs Park
Western Springs is essentially the Hyde Park of Auckland. It is a sanctuary for wildlife fed by natural springs.
With walking paths galore, winding through the lakes, this is a perfect place for a stroll and to check out some of the native bird life. One favourite is the Black Swan. To one side of the park, you have Western Springs Stadium, where artists such as Bob Marley & The Wailers performed in the late 70s. To the other, the Auckland Zoo, and if you look hard enough, you might be able to peek through the fence and spot the elephants.
Located right next to Auckland Zoo, it is very easy to get to using buses from the CBD. Timetable here: https://at.govt.nz/
22. Marvel at Parnell Rose Gardens
Parnell is one of the oldest and coolest little suburbs in Auckland. Take a stroll down the main street (Parnell Rise) before venturing over to The Rose Gardens.
The Gardens have a wide variety of biodiversity year round including the oldest Manuka and largest Pohutukawa Tree in Auckland.
Down the bottom of the park, there is a small, very swimmable beach called Judges Bay with a couple of floating platforms that you can swim out to. Perfect for lounging in the sun like a lizard.
Take the train from Britomart (central) to Parnell Station or catch one of the City Link buses. Timetable here: https://at.govt.nz/
23. Laugh at The Classic Comedy Club
New Zealand’s premier comedy club is located right in the heart of the city on Queen Street.
Shows run most of the week with amateur nights earlier in the week and pro nights Thursday Friday Saturday as a general rule. A plethora of quality NZ comedians frequent this place so you can’t go wrong.
To see whats on, jump to here:- http://www.comedy.co.nz/
24. Check out Oakley Creek Waterfall
A great little bush walk to a waterfall that is relatively close to the city. At 6 metres, it’s the highest urban waterfall in New Zealand and the only waterfall in Central Auckland. Bring your swimming gear if you feel like a dip.
To get here, take the train to Mt Albert train station. Timetable here:- https://at.govt.nz/
25. Go skiing or Snowboarding at Snow Planet
A huge indoor ski slope. Snow Planet is New Zealand’s only indoor snow facility.
If you don’t have the time or money to go skiing in the likes of Queenstown or perhaps it’s the wrong time of year, then this is the place for you. Snowboard, and ski hire available on the day. You can also take lessons if you are a beginner.
Located 20 minutes north of the city by car or a little longer by public transport.
26. Get scared at Spookers
Disclaimer- Not for the faint of heart.
Billed as “New Zealand’s #1 Scream Park”, Spookers definitely lives up to this description. Located in an old abandoned psychiatric hospital that is infamous for being haunted, Spookers delivers thrills and scares like nothing else.
Bring a change of shorts.
Tickets: $45 NZD per person. Purchase tickets here: https://spookers.co.nz/
To get here, catch the train to Papakura station then uber/taxi the rest of the way. Train timetable available here: https://at.govt.nz/
27. Swim and surf at Piha Beach
Piha, the most famous of the West Coast black sand beaches is one of Aucklands favourite destinations in summer, and popular with surfers year round.
Located on Auckland’s West Coast, it takes about 45 minutes from the city to drive here. As well as two surf beaches, there is also a sheltered lagoon and several bush walks in the area. Splitting the beaches into North and South Piha is the iconic Lion Rock. It is an eroded 1 million year old volcanic neck named for its similarity to a sitting male lion when viewed from the side. Lion Rock was even home to some local Māori in Pre-European times. I recommend climbing up here and scoping out the incredible views from the top. One km south of South Piha you can find “The Gap”. A Lagoon and Blowhole.
For my Ultimate guide to visiting Piha Beach, Click HERE
28. Visit KiteKite Falls
Not far from Piha, you have Kitekite falls. A 3-tiered 40 metre high waterfall surrounded by native bush. In the summer families come here for a picnic and a dip. The water is pretty cold so bring a towel.
The walking track out to the falls meanders through native bush and takes about 30 minutes. It is a loop track so after the falls, you can continue on and it will loop back to where you started. There is also an upper swimming hole at the top of the falls which not as many people know about. Definitely worth a look.
For more information on how to get to the falls and activities in the area, click HERE
29. Explore Duder Regional Park
Duder Regional Park is is a working farm situated roughly 45 minutes south east of the city on a headland. The land was purchased off the Duder Family in 1995 by the Auckland City Council. The family had farmed here non-stop since their ancestors bought the land from the local Māori in 1866.
The park has brilliant views of the Hauraki Gulf and a limited amount of native bush to explore. Small numbers of the endangered Tuturiwhatu (New Zealand Dotterel) breed on the shell banks here although this part is not accessible to the public.
No public transport. Car required.
30. Check out Te Henga (Bethells Beach)
This Beach is an absolute gem and one of my all time favourite spots in Auckland.
Another one of the West Coast black sand beaches, this is a great place to visit year round but comes alive in summer. As well as the main beach, there are caves, smaller bays and bush walks to explore. One such walk called the “Te Henga Walkway” takes you all the way to Muriwai Beach.
The whole area has a lost world vibe. Various TV shows and movies have all shot here including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules. Likewise, Taylor Swift and Shania Twain have both shot music videos here.
For more info on how to get there and activities in the area, jump across to my comprehensive guide to Bethells Beach HERE
31. Wander the dunes and swim at Lake Wainamu
Situated a couple of kilometres inland from Bethells Beach, (see number 30) Lake Wainamu can be visited very easily on the same day.
Nestled amongst some of the biggest sand dunes in the area, even the walk to the lake is interesting. The lake itself has extremely clean fresh water so it makes a nice contrast after a swim at Bethells. In summer, ingenious locals rig up homemade water slides running down the side of the dunes and straight into the lake. Great fun!
You can also do the Lake Wainamu loop track where you will see the picturesque Waitohi Falls. One word of warning, bring closed shoes as the black sand dunes get extremely hot on sunny days.
Read more about Lake Wainamu HERE
32. Head to Arataki Visitor Centre
Open 9am to 5pm everyday, Arataki visitor Centre is a great place to check out if you think you might want to do one of the many bush walks located in the Waitakere Ranges.
Helpful staff abound and the Centre is stacked with local history, maps and even a cool lockout point great for photos. Spend some time here before venturing out on a bush walk.
Address: 300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Waitakere 0604 (car required)
33. Discover Waitawa Regional Park
Located in a similar direction to Duder Regional Park, Waitawa was one of the first recreational parks in Auckland and is great for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
Disc Golf is a brand new addition to the park. Completed in 2014, the course consisted of 18 holes and a 9 hole beginner course. You will have stunning views of Waitamata Harbour during your game.
Again, a car is required to get here as there is no public transport. Maybe combine this with a visit to Duder Regional Park.
34. See Hunua Falls
The tallest waterfall in the Auckland region at 30 metres, Hunua is a great day trip and a popular swimming spot.
The Hunua Ranges are a large block of hilly countryside that back onto South Auckland. The fall itself forms part of the Wairoa River. Surrounding the area are a multitude of bush walks that take you to the top of the falls and out towards some of the dams in the region.
In the past, local gangs used the falls for an initiation test. If you jumped off the falls and survived, you could join their gang. I DO NOT recommend this.
Located 45 minutes South of the city centre, there is no public transport to here.
35. Take in Karekare Beach
Most famous for being the setting of the movie The Piano, Karekare beach is another West Coast black sand beach.
Not far from Piha, (see number 27 on this list) you can combine the two on a day trip and maybe check out Karekare Falls, a local water fall while your at it. Karekare is much less crowded than Piha.
Getting here is essentially the same as Piha, except you take the turn off to Karekare just before arriving at Piha.
36. Visit Manukau Heads Lighthouse
At the tip of the southern side of the Manukau Heads, this lighthouse provides stunning 360 degree views of the whole area.
First lit on the 1st September 1874, the lighthouse was 6 metres high when first erected and 115 metres above sea level. Today, a refurbished replica of the original stands in its place.
Open 9 am to 5 pm everyday, the natural surroundings are great for exploring, as are the small towns in the area. An hour and a half drive south west of Auckland City.
Own car required to get here.
37. Spend a day on Rotoroa Island
Rotoroa started out as a rehabilitation facility for alcoholics in 1911. The unfortunates were banished to the island to dry out. These days, the island is a pristine wild life sanctuary.
Rotoroa is home to Coromandel Brown Kiwi which have a survival rate of around 5% in the wild. Here, they are relatively safe from predators. Takahē also inhabit the island. These birds were so rare at one stage that they were thought to be extinct.
Located to the east of Waiheke Island, (see number 13 on this list) Rotoroa Island is a 75 minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland.
You will be charged a $5 NZD fee on arrival which goes toward wildlife conservation.
Ferry Tickets: $55 NZD Adult $33 NZD Child https://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations/rotoroa-island/
38. Explore Muriwai Beach
The northern most west coast black sand beach and by far the largest, Muriwai has a lot to offer.
One of the most unique things about a visit to Muriwai is the Gannet Colony. Australasian Gannets are a seabird native to the shores of Northern New Zealand and Southern Australia. They have a wingspan of 1.8 metres and congregate in large coastal colonies.
The beach itself is 42 km long and people often drive 4WD vehicles up the beach north of the life guard tower. Between the rocks that host the Gannet colony and the life guard tower is the best and safest place to swim, but be careful, strong currents abound here.
Woodhill Forest backs onto the beach and there are some neat bush walks to explore throughout the area. Just to the south of Muriwai is Māori Bay. A smaller beach popular with surfers. You can take a walk from Muriwai to Māori Bay via the Gannet Colony.
For a detailed guide on Muriwai Beach and how to get there, Click HERE
39. Wander around Shakespear Regional Park
Shakespaer integrates conservation, farming and recreation and is the most popular regional park in the Auckland Region.
Located on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in North East Auckland. The park is full of native birds including Kiwi although the Kiwi keep well hidden. As well as the wildlife, there is a ton of beaches, walkways and even a waterfall thrown in for good measure. Easy to spend the entire day here so bring a picnic.
Located 45 minutes north of the city, you will need a car to access the park
40. Go canyoning in the Waitakere Ranges
There are 4 different canyoning experiences to be had in the Waitakeres including a night encounter with Glow Worms which I highly recommend.
The trips can take you through lush rainforest, down many cliff faces, under waterfalls, through underground streams, and even down natural water slides into hidden pools. No experience is required. Only a sense of adventure.
Book your journey here
41. Get over to Tiritiri Matangi Island
A wildlife sanctuary located on an island in the Hauraki Gulf, Tiritiri Matangi makes for a great day trip. The name in the Māori language translates to “blown by the wind”.
With all predators been eliminated from the island, it is home to a wide variety of native birdlife including Takahē, Korora (little blue penguin) Hihi, Kaka (forest parrot) Tui and Little spotted Kiwi.
As well as birds, the island is home to one of the worlds rarest species: The Tuatara. One of the only survivors of the Triassic period (250 million years ago), the Tuatara is unique. It has a visible third eye on top of its head and has no external ears like lizards do. They also prefer cool weather as instead to warm.
The is land is a 75-minute ferry ride from the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Ferry tickets: $82 NZD Adult Child $50 NZD Child available here: https://www.fullers.co.nz/
42. Soak up the sun on Pakiri Beach
A beautiful sprawling white sand beach. Pakiri is well worth the trip up from Auckland City. There are campgrounds here if you feel like staying overnight.
One of the most popular activities to do here is horse riding. Riding down the main beach by horseback on a sunny day is fantastic. The beach itself is extremely swimmable and there are many little bush walks to explore in the area too.
Located 1 hour and 20 minutes north of Auckland City, a car is required to get here.
43. Check out Kawau Island
Kawau is one of the larger islands in the Hauraki Gulf and is situated just off the Tawharanui Peninsula to the north of Auckland City.
The island was extremely popular with Māori before European settlers arrived and wars between tribes were often fought for dominion over the island. Once Europeans got hold, copper mines opened up and the settlement revolved around mining for some time. In 1862 Sir George Grey purchased the island and turned it into a private retreat importing exotic plants and animals.
These days, the island is home to two thirds of the North Islands Weka population and well as Kiwi. One of the species that Grey introduced was the Australian Wallaby. These little mini Kangaroos still live on the island and do considerable damage to the local biodiversity.
There are a ton of bushwalks around the island and plenty of beaches to swim at. Bring a picnic lunch. Mansion House which you will see once disembarking from the ferry is definitely worth a look too.
Ferries travel 5 times a day from Sandspit Wharf near Warkworth about 1 hour north of Auckland by car.
Ferry cost:- $25 NZD Adult $10 NZD Child
44. Go snorkeling at Goat Island
Goat Island was the first marine reserve to be established in the country. This is the place to come for quality snorkeling and diving. Gear can be hired on the day if you don’t have your own.
If snorkeling isn’t for you, you can hop on the Glass Bottom Boat or hire a clear Kayak and see the marine life that way. There are also a variety of bushwalks and walkways in the area to explore.
Located 1 hour 15 minutes north of Auckland on the East Coat. A car is required to get here.
See https://www.goatislanddive.co.nz/ for diving and snorkel gear hire
45. Explore Great Barrier Island
I saved the best for last.
Great Barrier Island is not only one of my favourite spots in Auckland, but one of my best-loved destinations in the whole of New Zealand. Not many international travelers venture here at all. Totally off the radar.
Aotea (White Cloud) in the Māori language, Great Barrier is New Zealand’s 4th largest island after the main three. People living here all live off the grid and there is a certain “hippy vibe” to the place. It has been said that life here is as it was in New Zealand many decades back. 60% of the island is a nature reserve.
There are beaches galore, bush walks and even some natural hot springs to swim in surrounded by native bush. Plenty of accommodation options are available from backpacker to eco resort. I recommend staying at least a couple of days. Its a 5 hour ferry or 45 minute flight from Auckland.
For everything you need to know about visiting the island, click HERE
If you fancy a day at the beach while in Auckland, Check out my Top 10 East & West Auckland Beaches post
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