by 111 Emergency (cropped)  / [CC BY-SA 2.0

A Dynamic and Cosmopolitan City with Stunning Nature Right on the City's Doorstep

A. About Auckland

Nickname: City of Sails

Dynamic and cosmopolitan Auckland is New Zealand’s most populated major city with fine beaches and stunning nature right on the city's doorstep.

The city is home to over a quarter of the population of New Zealand and is the vibrant economic heart of the country.

Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland is home to a rich maritime culture, with thousands of yachts and sailing opportunities on the Hauraki Gulf.

The North Shore is a popular destination for its golden beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing, and scenic coastal walks just a short drive from the city center.

Best Things to do in Auckland

The Good 

Auckland enjoys, first of all, a scenic harbor-side location, and its inhabitants are exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Furthermore, the city is very safe and clean.

Finally, the nightlife is vibrant, and the weather is mostly fine. 

Negative Aspects

Auckland is an expensive city.

In addition, there are only a few pedestrian zones and not as many impressive sights as in most other cities in our top one hundred. 


B. Best Things to Do in Auckland in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than twenty sights in Auckland. The following sights contribute to a low score of 5.5/10 in this most important category:

# Sky Tower 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

At the top of this 328 m high iconic tower, you can take in 360-degree views of Auckland and the surrounding land and ocean.

Observation Tower Total Height: 328 m / 1,076.1 ft | Observation Deck: 222 m / 728.3 ft | Completed: 1997

Best Things to do in Auckland

by Chris275 / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Viaduct Harbour 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The scenic city's waterfront at Viaduct Harbour is the city's main entertainment and dining area.

City District

Best Things to do in Auckland

by JosephWatkins / CC BY-SA 3.0

# One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This 182-meter (597-foot) volcano and its obelisk is the symbol of the city and provides a wonderful panorama of the city.

Hill and Park 

Best Things to do in Auckland

by Techno246 / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Mt Eden 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The top of Mount Eden’s volcanic cone offers postcard-like views.

Hill

Best Things to do in Auckland

by Christian Mairoll / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 4 2 out of 5 stars

This interesting museum is home to artworks and collections from New Zealand, the Pacific and abroad.

Art Gallery 

Best Things to do in Auckland

by Amyaag / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Auckland War Memorial Museum 4 2 out of 5 stars

This large museum focuses on various aspects of New Zealand's history.

Museum 

Best Things to do in Auckland

by wehunts / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

# Piha Beach 4 2 out of 5 stars

Located just west of Auckland, this picturesque beach is famous for its Lion Rock and its surrounding Maori carvings. 

Beach 

by Follash / Public domain

 

# Devonport 4 2 out of 5 stars

The scenic seaside village is situated just a 12-minute ferry ride from the city.

City District 

by Follash / Public domain

 

# New Zealand Maritime Museum 4 2 out of 5 stars

In this well-curated museum, you can discover New Zealand and its exciting seafaring history.

Maritime Museum

by Ingolfson / Public domain

 

# Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) 4 2 out of 5 stars

This innovative museum is devoted to the history of technology and transport in New Zealand.

Museum

by Pseudopanax / Public domain

 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Auckland

#11 | Michael Joseph Savage Memorial 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Michael Joseph Savage Memorial in Auckland commemorates New Zealand's first Labour Prime Minister with an obelisk and gardens, providing scenic views and a historical tribute.

Park

Best Things to do in Auckland

by Bjoertvedt / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

    • Auckland Botanic Gardens 4
    • Auckland Zoo 4
    • Waitemata Harbour 4
    • Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Auckland

Great Barrier Island 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Great Barrier Island, New Zealand's sixth-largest island, is celebrated for its pristine natural landscapes, rich cultural history, sustainable living practices, and vibrant eco-tourism industry.

Island Distance from Auckland: 115 km

by Hasse A / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Near The City: 

Rangitoto Island (13.9 km from Auckland) 6

Waiheke Island (50.8 km from Auckland) 6

Greater Distance Away:

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (195 km from Auckland) 6 

Hobbiton Movie Set (170 km from Auckland) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Auckland 2025 (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Auckland for at least two entire days.

Sky Tower 6 

Rangitoto Island (13.9 km from Auckland) 6 

Waiheke Island (50.8 km from Auckland) 6 

Viaduct Harbour 5

One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park 5

Mt Eden 5

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 4

Auckland War Memorial Museum 4 

Piha Beach 4

Devonport 4