10 Fun Things to do in Auckland

Whether you have lived in Auckland all your life or you’re just visiting for a weekend, trying to find fun things to do in Auckland city can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. That’s why I have put together this list of everything from hiking to dining and family fun activities in between.

Explore Aucklands’ West Coast

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Auckland but want to explore the outdoors, then checking out any of Auckland’s waterfalls or west coast beaches is the answer. This is and always will be my number 1 top activity to suggest to people visiting Auckland, especially if they’re here during summer. West Auckland is full of incredible waterfalls to explore and without a doubt, you will find me frolicking in these pools every summer.

Visit a Waterfall

Kitekite falls is great for a half a days hike and perfect for families, it takes around 45 minutes to reach the falls and a further 10 minutes to reach the top.
Karekare is a short walk that’s great for those who can’t walk too far, or just quickly want to squeeze in a waterfall experience into their tight schedule. For more information check out my article on the best waterfalls in Auckland.

Auckland Beaches

If you’re visiting any of the waterfalls above then you might as well check out some of our wild west coast beaches. Piha, Muriwai, and Bethells are popular for their incredible waves perfect for surfing. But unfortunately they can be the location of drownings, only get in the water if you’re confident around waves and never swim alone, I don’t want to scare you away from our beautiful west coast beaches but these aren’t a walk in the park. If you’re wanting a more relaxing swim then Cornwallis or any of the inner city beaches are great for this too.

Explore a Dormant Volcano

If you didn’t already know; Auckland is home to 53 volcanos all varying in size and depth. Our most popular for day-to-day walking would either be Mt Eden, One Tree Hill (Cornwall Park), or Mt Wellington, where you can stroll up the top and peer down into the crater below. But don’t worry these are all dormant so you won’t be falling into any hot lava.

Hike Rangitoto Island

If you have a full day to go exploring and want to get out of the city then catch a ferry over the Rangitoto Island and hike to the top. Hiking Rangitoto island is family friendly hike which I did plenty of times as a kid; the views from the top are amazing. You can check ferry times on the Fullers website here. Make sure to pack yourself a lunch and plenty of water as there are no cafes on the island.

Picnic in the Park

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Garden

A popular park sitting on the very edge of Auckland CBD on the waterfront in Orakei; Michael Joseph Savage Memorial is a popular park during the day for picnics, photoshoots, and sunbathing, and during the evening you’ll likely find car enthusiasts showing off their four-wheeled prized possessions. A great place for a lunch break or to have a moment of peace before heading back into the city.

Cornwall Park

Cornwall park is a working farm on a volcano in the suburb of Epsom, you need to look out for the odd cow or sheep and even chicken when traveling through the park in your car. Otherwise, you are free to roam practically anywhere throughout the park; have lunch down at any of the cafes or if you’re so keen then try jogging up the side of the volcano to reach the top. Cornwall park is a great place for family picnics, there are barbeques you can hire and gazebos for plenty of shelters.

Treat Yourself

Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar

The amazing cookie pies from Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar are a must-have if you’re visiting Auckland. I’ve seen them splashed all over my social media for years but only this week have a managed to try them and oh my goodness I am addicted! They have two stores in Auckland; Manukau and Remuera but they ship New Zealand-wide! So your sugary cravings can be satisfied no matter where you are in Aotearoa.

Gluten Free Treats

Being gluten free can suck, but these days it is much easier to avoid wheat than it was 10 years ago. Bakeries like Wen & Yen and Parnell GF Depot offer gluten free treats that are often hard to find. Gluten free donuts, slices, pies and cookies are only a few of the options on offer.

Spend a Day on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is where a lot of Aucklanders escape during summer to indulge in eating amazing food and drinking tasty wine at many of the island’s vineyards. Waiheke Island is a 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland city. Popular for its beaches and vineyards the island makes for the perfect weekend getaway without having to travel too far. So if you’re looking for things to do in Auckland and wanting to dress up a bit and enjoy a day in the sun then click the link below to find out more!

Read more about Waiheke Island and its vineyards here.

Shopping in Auckland

If the weather is far too crappy to explore any of the outdoor options, then you can always head to the movies at one of our many shopping malls or explore a bit of what Auckland has to offer in fashion retail. Commercial Bay is one of our newest malls with an amazing food court and restaurants, but it also boasts some of the most expensive shops. I love coming here just to check out the different fashion on offer and what new restaurants have popped up.

Commercial Bay is not the place you would come to hang out and buy some cheap toys for your kids, but if you want to try on some expensive outfits and go for a nice dinner then Commercial Bay is definitely the place to be.

Newmarket mall has a great mix of large chain stores and expensive shopping like Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. The rooftop dining is also incredible with a great range of restaurants and bars to satisfy your taste buds.

Our new outlet centre Manawa Bay has recently opened and is one of the best places if you’re looking for discount shopping.

Our other malls like Westfield Albany, Westfield Henderson, Sylvia Park, Lynmall or St Lukes have all the typical things you would expect; movie theatres, cheap eats and entertainment for children.

Walk Aucklands’ Waterfronts

One of the best things to do in Auckland on a clear day is explore the coastline; Auckland has some incredible beaches, views and horizons that are worth a sunrise or sunset. Grab yourself a morning coffee and stroll along any of these inner city coastlines to enjoy the nature that surrounds Auckland city.

Mission Bay to St Heliers

The waterfront from Mission Bay, through Kohimarama to St Heliers is great for a bit of early morning exercise in the sun. There is plenty of street side parking and the route is flat the whole way, walk your way from either suburb and grab a coffee at any of the popular waterfront cafes. The waterfront faces east so if you’re keen enough you can make it a sunrise walk and make the most of your day.

Takapuna to Milford Beach

A simple yet enjoyable way to start your morning, I often walk my dog the 2.4km return length of Takapuna beach in the beach and there are usually plenty of dogs for him to run around and play with. If you choose to walk to the rocky path between Takapuna and Milford beach just make sure you are doing it at low tide or when the tide is on its way out as it can get a bit choppy. The pathway is beautiful though as it’s cut through volcanic rock

Visit Kelly Tarltons Aquarium

If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Auckland then Kelly Tarltons is one of the best places to go. Situated on the Waterfront between Orakei and Mission Bay, Kelly Tarltons is where you can learn about the native marine wildlife of New Zealand, and swimming with sharks in the main tank that stretches over the pedestrian tunnel. You can watch penguins gobble down some fish and learn about conservation efforts.

Drink, Eat and Play

You don’t travel to Auckland for its nightlife, however that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go out and see what fun you can have at any of Auckland’s restaurants and pubs. If you’re looking for a live band you can never go wrong at Danny Doolans; from there you can hop along to any of the other waterfront bars and see where the night takes you. Otherwise book yourself and your friends into a bit of drunken mini golf or ten pin bowling if you’re looking for something different.

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Enjoy the dazzling lights and sounds of Archie Brothers in Newmarket Shopping Mall, the adult and child friendly fun zone of Archie Brothers offers games for children and the option of alcoholic beverages for adults on date night. With a bowling alley, countless arcade games, photo booths, and everything else you would expect in an arcade except with alcohol ready to purchase. Another great date night idea, especially if you’ve just finished a meal at one of the rooftop restaurants.

Holey Moley Golf

Holey Moley Golf Club in Auckland Waterfront is a great place for families during the day, and even more fun for adults at night. Sitting under Dr. Rudis is the Holey Moley Mini Golf course, and probably the only late-night mini golf that allows you to drink alcohol while making your way around. Great for team bonding or a date night, and great for families during the daytime!

Bottomless Brunch

Discover a culinary adventure like no other in Auckland, where the concept of brunch takes on a whole new level of indulgence. Auckland’s top bottomless brunch spots offer a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds – great cuisine and free-flowing drinks. From trendy cafes nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Mt Eden to stylish restaurants with breathtaking city views. Indulge in options from a classic eggs benedict to chicken waffles.

Sip on bottomless mimosas, prosecco, or your favorite cocktails as you soak in the lively atmosphere and unwind with friends or loved ones. Whether you’re a local looking for a new brunch spot or a visitor eager to explore Auckland’s culinary scene, prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey of unlimited delights.

Hidden Bars of Auckland

Again, Auckland city isn’t a popular tourist destination for partiers and it isn’t famous for its clubbing scene, but we have some hidden gems if you’re willing to go searching! Deadshot, Caretaker, and Sly Bar are some of a few bars in Auckland that unless you knew they existed you would probably never come across them. They’re either hidden down a flight of dimly lit stairs or disguised behind a small room decorated with artwork and you have to try your luck finding the door handle.

Caretaker Bar doesn’t have a menu, instead, you tell the bartender the sort of flavours you like and they’ll put together a drink for you and they do not disappoint! I haven’t yet visited Deadshot or Sly Bar but when I do I’ll let you know.

Auckland Rooftop Bars

Auckland is no Berlin but we do have a great choice of rooftop bars. New Market mall has a massive rooftop dining area filled with an array of different dining options. Otherwise, if you head into the city hotels like S/O or Four Points by Sheraton both have bars that overlook the main city. Or if you head down towards Viaduct Harbour you’ll find plenty of bars that although sit closer to the ground, have a better view across the harbour; check out Dr. Rudis or Harbourside Bar Grill for a rooftop dining experience.

Comedy Club

The Classic Comedy Club on Auckland’s Queen Street is the city’s comedy institution, the place where comedians have carved out their comedic careers and patrons have been coming for one hell of a laugh for decades. The Comedy Club is something fun to do in Auckland at night and is a great way to start, or end any evening. Booking is essential especially if it’s an earlier show, otherwise, you can usually get away with purchasing a ticket at the door for the 10 pm shows. The location of the Auckland Comedy Club makes it perfect for you to grab dinner at Tanukis restaurant for you to continue drinking during the show from the bar inside the club.

Visit an Auckland Dog Park

If you’ve brought your dog for a weekend in the big smoke then why not treat them to a day out at the beach or park? Auckland has some of the best off-leash dog parks and I can vouch for almost all of them.There are plenty of wide open spaces that are off-leash friendly, and on weekends you’ll find these places heaving with dogs of varying sizes, abilities, and floof. Just make sure you take a towel and maybe some wet wipes because you never know what mud puddles your dog might find.