Attractions in Auckland

Auckland attractions run from a movie-effects workshop and an All Blacks museum on Federal Street to an aquarium on Tamaki Drive and sculpture gardens in Matakana. The things to do in Auckland in this category are venues and experiences you visit rather than trips you take, so they sit easily around the Sky Tower or on a day out of the city.

Attractions around the Sky Tower and Federal Street

Two of the city's indoor venues are in the SkyCity precinct at 88 Federal Street, opposite the Sky Tower. Weta Workshop Unleashed on level 5 is a 90-minute guided tour through three movie projects, with practical effects, creatures and robots to play with. Departures run through the day, and arriving early leaves time to explore the floor.

One level down, the All Blacks Experience is a 90-minute interactive encounter with New Zealand rugby: a guided experience, an interactive zone and a haka on a 4-metre screen. For something hands-on, Weta also runs workshops in the same building, including the Intro into Special Effects workshop, where you mix fake blood and sculpt a silicone wound in a 60-minute session.

Aquariums, mazes and other indoor attractions

Out on Tamaki Drive in Orakei, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium has a walk-through Antarctic Ice Adventure with a sub-Antarctic penguin colony, a turtle rescue zone and a curved tunnel through the fish tanks. Animal talks and feedings run daily. The zoos and aquariums in Auckland page groups the animal attractions together.

The Odyssey Sensory Maze is a 30-minute walk-through of 13 sensory rooms with lighting effects, illusions and unusual sounds, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Art, gardens and wine near Auckland

Matakana is about an hour north of Auckland, and Sculptureum general admission covers 1.5 kilometres of sculpture gardens and 6 art galleries, with restaurants on site. Visitors who would rather not drive can see Sculptureum on the Matakana Art and Wine Tour, a 6-hour day with lunch and wine tastings.

Film sets, caves and cultural experiences

Hobbiton and Waitomo are the big out-of-town attractions. The Hobbiton Express Tour takes in the 44 hobbit holes and the Mill with a buffet lunch and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and the small group Hobbiton and Waitomo day tour adds the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in an 11-hour day.

The Auckland Maori Culture Day Tour visits the Auckland Domain and the Waitākere Ranges with a Māori guide, and more of this kind are collected under cultural experiences in Auckland.

Island attractions and walks

The Full Day Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry is an 80-minute sail each way to a wildlife sanctuary with native birdlife and walking tracks. There is no food for sale on the island, so bring your own.

Planning an Auckland attractions day

Federal Street can fill a morning or an afternoon, and the aquarium is a separate trip east along the waterfront. For adrenaline rather than exhibits, head to Auckland activities; for guided days out, see Auckland tours and Auckland cruises. Families can start from the things to do with kids in Auckland page, and the rainy day things to do in Auckland page is the place for wet-weather picks.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best attractions in Auckland?

Auckland attractions worth booking include Weta Workshop Unleashed, the All Blacks Experience, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, Sculptureum in Matakana and the Hobbiton Movie Set.

How long is Weta Workshop Unleashed?

Weta Workshop Unleashed in Auckland is a 90-minute guided tour. It is on level 5 at 88 Federal Street, opposite the Sky Tower, with departures between 10.10am and 5.10pm, 7 days a week.

Where is the All Blacks Experience in Auckland?

The All Blacks Experience is on level 4 at 88 Federal Street in the SkyCity precinct. It runs regular departures between 10am and 4pm, 7 days a week, and is a 90-minute visit.

Where is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium?

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is at 23 Tamaki Drive in Orakei, Auckland. Entry is by timed slots and the aquarium has free parking and is wheelchair friendly.

Is the Odyssey Sensory Maze suitable for children?

Yes. The Odyssey Sensory Maze in Auckland sells child tickets for ages 3 to 12 and is a 30-minute visit, with no shoes or personal belongings inside the maze.

How far is Matakana's Sculptureum from Auckland?

Sculptureum in Matakana is about an hour's drive north of Auckland. General admission covers the sculpture gardens and 6 art galleries, and restaurants on site serve wine and food.

Pair a Federal Street morning with the aquarium or a Waiheke walk and you have a full Auckland day sorted. Book your Auckland attractions online with Experience Oz.