There is plenty to do and see here, whether it's action packed activities for those adventurous types or something a bit more laid back.
Of course enjoying a dinner with friends or going for coffee and brunch is a part of experiencing what Auckland is all about. If this sounds like a bit of you, make sure you check out our Eating and Drinking guide.
SIGHTSEEING
If you’re a tourist to our city then you gotta do what tourists do, see the ‘sights’.
Of course there is the Sky Tower, casino and surrounding restaurants, and if you're game then why not do a bungy jump from the top! NZ is where the bungy was invented so this is the place to do it. You could even climb or bungy off the Harbour Bridge if that's more you thing.
Known as ‘the city of sails’ you need to experience Auckland from the Hauraki Gulf, be it kayaking to Rangitoto, whale and dolphin Safaris, fishing charters or racing an old Americas Cup yacht.
For those without sealegs, then a walk or bike along the flat coastline to Mission Bay or St Heliers where you can reward yourself with a hokey pokey icecream or fish & chips on the beach.
THINGS TO DO
Visit Auckland’s oldest park, the Auckland Domain, Wintergardens and The War Memorial Museum (if only for the view from the steps outside).
If views are what you are after then pick one of our 50 volcanoes and walk (or drive) to the top, try Mount Eden with its 50 metre deep crater, North Head to explore the military tunnels and views back to the city and Rangitoto for more of an adventurous island escape.
Head into the CBD to the Auckland Art Gallery and many more surrounding independent galleries for a bit of culture before having what could be Aucklander's favourite meal, brunch. The beauty of this meal is it can be accompanied by either a coffee or a glass of bubbles (or both!).
If you have little ones in tow then a visit to The Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarltons Aquarium, MOTAT or Rainbows End will make their day.
DAY TRIPPING
If you want to get out of the big smoke for an easy day trip there are plenty of places to choose from.
If you don’t have a car then a 40 minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island should do the trick, with its beautiful beaches, olive groves, wineries and galleries. Technically you’re still in Auckland but it feels like a world away as soon as you step of the ferry.
If you like that kind of thing then Matakana and the surrounding area 45 minutes north of Auckland is also worth a visit, especially on Saturday mornings for a bite to eat from the Matakana farmers market.
You haven't truly visited Auckland without experiencing the rugged west coast black sand beaches and Waitakere Ranges forest. If wildlife and natural beauty is your thing then a boat ride to Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary is well worth it.