Top things to do in Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, on the North Island, and most things to do in Auckland sit within a short trip of the CBD. The city centre wraps around the Waitematā Harbour, with the islands of the Hauraki Gulf just offshore, so a good share of the region's experiences happen on or above the water.

The city has a few clear clusters. Federal Street and the SkyCity precinct hold the indoor attractions, the Viaduct Harbour and Z Pier are where Auckland cruises and island ferries depart, and Westhaven Reserve in Herne Bay is the base for the bridge activities. Further out, Waiheke Island is a ferry ride from downtown, Tamaki Drive runs east along the waterfront, and the west coast is a 30-minute drive through the Waitākere Ranges to the black sand beaches.

The day trips out of Auckland are long ones. Hobbiton is about a 2-hour drive south, Waitomo's glowworm caves and the Coromandel are each about a 2.5-hour drive, Rotorua about a 3-hour drive, and Matakana's wineries and galleries are around an hour north. Most of those run as guided Auckland tours, and the Hobbiton tours from Auckland are grouped on their own page. For things to do closer in, the Auckland activities and Auckland attractions pages cover the city itself.

The list below picks out places and experiences to start with.