New Zealand

Top Things to Do and Cool Places to Visit in Auckland in 6 Days

Auckland, known as Tamaki Makaurau in Maori language, is a city on the north island of New Zealand. The city’s name in Maori language means Tamaki desired by many. This name is presumed to be with regard to the abundance of natural resources found in the region.

When you visit Auckland, there are two aspects of the tour which you should explore, one is the urban side which includes history, culture and lifestyle and the other is the natural side which includes ocean side, beaches, hike trails, volcanic mountains and so on. There are fun things to do in Auckland concerning both these aspects in great abundance.

Auckland has one of the largest collection of Maori artefact, historical sites, museums and heritage items in New Zealand. Some of the best places to visit in Auckland give you an insight into Maori life and culture. On the flip side is the colonial and post colonial history of the region. These Auckland attractions include ports, colonial villages, historical buildings, museums, art galleries and so on.

Though biggest pull among Auckland tourist attractions are the nature sites, especially the beautiful islands. These islands have been popularized by Hollywood pop culture. These volcanic islands offer various activities in Auckland such as boat cruises, hiking, seaside trails, scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife safari, sea kayaking and so on.

Finally you have the modern and urban side of Auckland sightseeing. This is where tall towers, shopping, zoo, aquariums nightlife, restaurants and cafes come into picture. Here too you will find adrenaline pumping best things to do in Auckland like sky jumping.

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6 Days Trip Itinerary To Visit Auckland Tourist Attractions

Explore the most popular Auckland attractions in a span of 6 days.

Day 1

1. Auckland War Memorial Museum

This museum exhibits things to see in Auckland concerning the history of New Zealand. You can also learn about the history and culture of Maori tribes as well as war history of New Zealand. You will need an hour for this museum.

I suggest you should get Skip-the-Line Ticket of Auckland War Memorial Museum in advance.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

2. Auckland Domain

This is the oldest and largest park of the city. The park also has historical greenhouses to see. You will need about an hour to explore various aspects of the park.

Auckland Domain

3. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

This gallery boasts the largest collection of national and international artwork in the country. It is one of the finest places to see in Auckland for those who admire art. You will need about 2 hours to explore this art gallery.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

4. Albert Park

This park has a lot of activities to do in Auckland. The park has several historical sculptures and statues to explore. You will also see beautifully crafted fountains and some of the city’s oldest trees in Albert park. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this park.

Albert Park

5. Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is the venue for some of the most fun things to do in Auckland. The tower has a casino, a hotel, an observation deck, a club and Sky Jump. The observation deck is one of the best places for Auckland sightseeing. You will need about 2 hours to enjoy the Sky Tower and all its offerings.

I suggest you should book your Entry Ticket of Auckland Sky Tower in advance.

Sky Tower

6. New Zealand Maritime Museum

This museum explores the seafaring history of the country and its people. You can also take a cruise in one of the heritage boats. If you are looking for cool things to do in Auckland New Zealand, it doesn’t get any cooler than cruising in a heritage boat. You will need about 2 hours at this museum.

I suggest you should book entry ticket of New Zealand Maritime Museum in advance.

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Day 2

1. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

This aquarium is one of the most fun places to go in Auckland to witness marine life. You can walk through transparent tunnels and enjoy watching the sea life all around you. You will need about 2 hours for this aquarium tour.

I suggest you book your ticket of Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium in advance.

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

2. Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph

This catholic cathedral was built on ground gifted to the catholic church by the government. It is especially popular among Auckland tourist spots for historical treasures such as the bishop’s chair, bronze bust of Pompallier and many more. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph

3. Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT)

This explores the evolution of technology and means of transport in the country over the years. It can be an interesting addition to your itinerary when you visit Auckland.  You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT)

4. Devonport

This is seaside village is one the most important historical Auckland attractions to explore. You can enjoy harbor side restaurants, bars and cafes while your are in this area. Keep 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

Devonport

Day 3

1. Rangitoto Island

This volcanic island offers some of the top things to do in Auckland New Zealand for outdoor & adventure sports. You can enjoy seaside view, beaches, volcanic landscapes, hiking and more. You can easily spend half a day enjoying various experiences this island has to offer.

I suggest you should get Round Trip Ferry Pass of Rangitoto Island in advance.

Rangitoto Island

2. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

You can enjoy the view of the stars far away with this telescope and planetarium show. You will need about 2 hours for this observatory.

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

3. Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill

This park sits on the second largest volcano in the region. It is also one of the best places to visit in Auckland to learn about the Maori culture. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill

Day 4

1. Auckland Zoo

This zoo has 875 animals from 138 species from several continents around the world. It is one of the best Auckland attractions to visit with children. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

Auckland Zoo

2. Howick Historical Village

This village has been recreated to revive the colonial period as it was in the city between 1840 and 1880. It is one of the most interesting historical Auckland tourist attractions. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

Howick Historical Village

3. Auckland Botanic Gardens

You can witness a variety of fauna collected from several countries. You will need about an hour to explore these gardens.

Auckland Botanic Gardens

Day 5

1. Tiritiri Matangi Island

This island has some of the beautiful natural sights among things to see in Auckland. The island has nature trails, wildlife, birdwatching, beaches, boat cruises and more. You will need an entire day for this island during Auckland travel.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Day 6

1. Sheep World

If you want to step in the pastoral world and surround yourself with farmlife, this is one of the fun places to go in Auckland. You would need about half a day to explore various experiences at this farm.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Sheep World in advance.

Sheep World

2. Matakana Village

This is again a pastoral village to explore a complete different side of New Zealand. It is one of the nicest places to see in Auckland. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this village.

Matakana Village

If you plan to visit Auckland for more than 6 days or if you want to add more places to your itinerary, check out the section below. It covers almost all the places to visit and best things to do in Auckland which you can enjoy.

Things to do in Auckland

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Auckland

  1. Auckland War Memorial Museum
  2. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
  3. MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology
  4. New Zealand Maritime Museum
  5. Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Art Gallery
  6. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
  7. Howick Historical Village
  8. Gow Langsford Gallery
  9. The Wallace Art Center
  10. Artspace Aotearoa
  11. Manukau Heads Lighhouse
  12. Auckland Town Hall
  13. Gus Fisher Gallery
  14. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
  15. Objectspace Art Museum
  16. Te Tuhi Art Museum
  17. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
  18. Starwhite Art Gallery
  19. Muangauika North Head Historic Reserve
  20. Crystal Mountain Museum
  21. Melanie Roger Gallery
  22. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
  23. Cathedral of St. Patrick & St Joseph
  24. Artis Gallery
  25. Holy trinity Cathedral

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Auckland

  1. Waitakere Ranges
  2. Maunakiekie One Tree Hill
  3. Kitekite Falls
  4. Butterfly Creek
  5. Maungawhau Mount Eden
  6. North Head
  7. Takarunga Mount Victoria
  8. Ambura Regional Park
  9. Long Bay Regional Park
  10. Lake Pupuke
  11. Karekare Falls
  12. Mangere Mountain
  13. Rangitoto Summit Trek
  14. Mokoroa Falls
  15. Lake Wainamu
  16. Omanawanui Track
  17. Highwic Historic Estate
  18. Oakley Creek Waterfall

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Auckland

  1. Auckland Zoo
  2. Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
  3. Auckland Domain Park
  4. Rainbow’s End
  5. Cornwall Park
  6. Auckland Botanical Garden
  7. AJ Hackett Auckland Sky Jump & Skywalk
  8. Snowplanet
  9. Domain Wintergardens
  10. Villa Maria Estate Winery
  11. AJ Hackett Auckland Bridge Bungy Jump & Climb
  12. Dove Myer Robinson Park
  13. Silo Park
  14. Vector Wero Whitewater Park
  15. Eden Garden
  16. SkyCity Casino
  17. Titirangi Golf Club
  18. Western Park
  19. Odessy Sensory Maze
  20. Ayrlies Garden
  21. Babich Wines
  22. Weta Workshop Unleash
  23. Westbrook Winery
  24. Myers Park
  25. Victoria Park
  26. Coopers Creek Wineyard
  27. Ambury Farm
  28. Whoa! Studios

Shopping in Auckland

  1. Queen Street
  2. Newmarket
  3. Devonpport
  4. Britomart
  5. T Galleria
  6. Ponsonby
  7. Matakana
  8. Parnell
  9. Sylvia Park Shopping Center
  10. High Street
  11. Karangahape Road
  12. Royal oak Shopping Mall
  13. Takapuna
  14. Chancery Street
  15. Mt. Eden Village
  16. Clevedon

Beaches & Island in Auckland

  1. Piha Beach
  2. Karekare Beach
  3. Takapuna Beach
  4. Motuihe Island
  5. Muriwai Gannet Colony
  6. Whatipu Beach
  7. Cheltenham Beach
  8. Browns Island
  9. Anawhata Beach
  10. Lion Rock Beach
  11. Te Henga Beach
  12. Mercer Bay
  13. Rangitoto Island
  14. Browns Bay Beach Reserve

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Auckland

  1. Bungee Jumping
  2. Hiking
  3. Boat Cruise
  4. Beach Sports
  5. Scuba Diving
  6. Sailing
  7. Cycling
  8. Kayaking

Sightseeing in Auckland

  1. Sky Tower
  2. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
  3. Sky City Auckland
  4. Albert Park
  5. Downtown Ferry
  6. Aotea Square
  7. Auckland Harbour Bridge
  8. Orakei Basin

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Auckland

  1. Andiamo
  2. Pasture
  3. Cotto
  4. Depot Eatery
  5. Amano
  6. Paradise
  7. Khu Khu Eatery
  8. Azabu
  9. Apero
  10. Culprit
  11. Peach’s Hot Chicken
  12. Baduzzi
  13. Ima Cuisine
  14. Barbarino’s Spaghetteria
  15. Lilian
  16. Celeste
  17. Federal Delicatessen
  18. Bracu
  19. Masu

Where to Stay in Auckland?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Auckland. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Auckland.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Hilton Auckland
  2. The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
  3. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
  4. The Grand by SkyCity
  5. SkyCity Hotel
  6. Hotel DeBrett
  7. Novotel Auckland Ellerslie Hotel
  8. Stamford Plaza Auckland
  9. Grand Millennium Auckland
  10. Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
  11. Park Hyatt Auckland
  12. Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
  2. The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
  3. Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
  4. Barclay Suites Auckland
  5. Rydges Auckland
  6. CityLife Auckland
  7. Auckland Harbour Suites
  8. Quest Ponsonby
  9. New Haven Motel
  10. Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
  11. Mercure Auckland Queen Street
  12. Parkside Hotel & Apartments

Budget Hotels

  1. Auckland City Hotel – Hobson St
  2. Red Monkey Ponsonby Manor
  3. Kiwi International Hotel
  4. Auckland Rose Park Hotel
  5. The Quadrant Hotel and Suites
  6. VR Queen Street
  7. President Hotel Auckland
  8. Auckland Airport Lodge
  9. The Salty Dog Inn
  10. Ascotia off Queen
  11. Grand Chancellor Auckland Hotel
  12. Quest Auckland Serviced Apartments

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Auckland

How to Reach Auckland?

By Air

Auckland airport is the easiest option to reach the city. You can get direct flights from several cities in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, and North America for Auckland travel like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Seoul, Bali, Manila, Guangzhou, Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, London, Dubai, Doha, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Vancouver, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Tonga, Vanuatu, Buenos Aires, Santiago and many more.

Once at the airport, you can use a bus, train, or cab to reach all the best places to visit in Auckland. Buses depart at intervals of 15 minutes to various destinations in the city. There are special Skybus which takes you directly to downtown and departs every 30 mins. It is much cheaper to travel by bus or train instead of choosing a cab to reach Auckland tourist spots.

By Road

If you are already in New Zealand, you can use the bus and train network to visit Aukland. The road network connecting to Auckland meets the city via routes 20,16 and 1. Route 1 faces the ocean and is one of the best routes for Auckland sightseeing and road trips in New Zealand.

By Water

Auckland has a cruise ship port with more than 100 ships taking a stop at the city during their tour. The duration of the stay varies from cruise to cruise, but you can surely check out some of the best places to visit in Auckland which are close to the port during your stop.


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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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