Attractions in Auckland

Auckland Botanic Gardens
Stroll around the garden paths and discover plants from all around the world. If you are after a refreshing drink or a bite to eat, stop in at Café Miko, which has sweeping views of the gardens and is open for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Huakaiwaka, the Visitor Centre is open daily and features the integration of artworks and landscaping, with themed displays. The gardens are open dawn to dusk daily and entry is free.

Auckland Bridge Climb
The Auckland Harbour Bridge Experience takes you on a 1 1/2 hour adventure - a must do for those wanting to experience outstanding views of the harbour, volcanic geography, city and outer Auckland region. Learn about the bridge and city during the commentary and check out the AJ Hackett Bungy site in the centre of the bridge!

Auckland Museum
Overlooking the Waitemata harbour and occupying one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings, the Auckland Museum War Memorial Museum is the cultural and spiritual touchstone for New Zealanders. The Museum is the first stop for anyone wishing to gain an insight into New Zealand and its people. Includes priceless Maori treasures, amazing natural history, daily Maori cultural performances, and an ever-changing feast of local and international exhibitions. Open daily 10am – 5pm except Christmas Day. Admission by donation, $5 per adult is suggested, children are free. Special exhibition charges apply.

Auckland’s Whale and Dolphin Safari
The Hauraki Gulf is one of the world’s richest habitats for marine mammals: 22 species of dolphins and whales have been found here. Auckland's Dolphin and Whale Safari is the original Auckland operator permitted to show you whales, dolphins and other fascinating marine animals in their natural environment. With a 90% dolphin sighting rate and a 70% whale sighting rate all year round, Dolphin and Whale Safari offer a guaranteed viewing of dolphins or whales, as well as many other captivating animals on every trip. Daily departure available from the Viaduct Harbour.

Auckland Zoo
Daily Keeper Encounters allow you to come eye to eye with some awesome native and exotic animals and you can also experience the expanse of the African plains with Pridelands. Watch the graceful movement of the giraffe and see zebra, rhino and springbok quietly grazing. And why not journey through New Zealand's unique coastal habitat. Experience the fragile eco-system of New Zealand coast complete with little blue penguins, sealions and shore birds. A range of experiences are available for you to get up close to the animals including the ZOOM tour. The Auckland Zoo has a Conservation Fund that contributes to helping save some of the world's most endangered species including native New Zealand birds and our iconic tuatara - which at 225 million years old, is the world's oldest living dinousaur! Internationally the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund helps fund programmes to save the cheetah, Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tiger, Vietnamese turtles and more.

Fly Dakota
Fly on Auckland's own classic Warbird DC3 aircraft. Join the pilots and cabin crew for a scenic flight flying low and slow over Auckland. Flights are 25 - 30 minutes, departing from Ardmore on Sundays at 11am. Look down on Auckland's volcanoes, beaches, harbour and Sky Tower. With that 1940s music in the cabin, you'll experience how flying used to be! This reliable and friendly service is an ideal way for your group to travel, bypassing queues and timetables. Ideas are for golf trips, fishing, aero clubs, sports groups, conferences, and general tourism and sightseeing in our beautiful country.

Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Board the genuine steam train at Glenbrook Station, and settle yourself into the wood panelled carriages as you travel through the beautiful Franklin countryside. Other activities include hand & motorised jigger rides, and the Glenbrook Farm Park, where children can have some "hands on" (literally) experience with animals. The regular operating season starts on Labour Weekend (late October) and continues until Queens Birthday (early June) - during this time the trains operate Sundays and most public holiday weekends, from 10am to 4pm.

Goat Island Marine Reserve
Renowned for its amazing marine-life, Goat Island - New Zealand's first marine reserve, is a great place to spend a day in the outdoors with friends and family. At Goat Island you will discover an abundance of New Zealand marine life and enjoy the experience of being surrounded by schools of playful fish. Goat Island Dive has a range of equipment available for hire, including kayaks and underwater scooters. They also offer dive-training sessions, and a complete range of Professional Association Dive Instructors (PADI) courses, charter tours out to other islands of the gulf, and tours around Goat Island.

Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island's remoteness and rugged beauty makes the island the ideal place for a true holiday escape. If it's escapism you're after, a scenic flight or ferry ride will deliver you to a pristine island paradise lined with white sand beaches. Here, on Great Barrier Island, you can spend days lazing on beaches, discover numerous bush walks, enjoy diving, fishing, surfing, sailing and untouched landscape.

Mission Bay
There is always something happening at Mission Bay, located only ten minutes from Auckland city alongside one of Auckland’s most beautiful urban beaches. Brunch, lunch, dinner and social evening drinks are popular pastimes in Mission Bay. No matter what season or time of day, the promenade is always thriving with people dining al fresco with views of the sandy beach, Rangitoto Island and the activities on the harbour. Great spots for dining and nightlife include Bar Comida, Portofino, De Fontein Belgian Beer Café and Ruan Thai & Reef Bar. Mecca Stonehouse Cafe is right on the beach perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the harbour. Sailing and kayaking are hugely popular all year round with rollerblades, bicycles, sailboards and small catamarans also available for hire during the summer months. Get involved in these activities or laze on the beach with an icecream from Gelato or Movenpick and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Puhoi River Canoe Hire
Puhoi River Canoe Hire, a Qualmark visitor endorsed activity, offer a safe leisurely paddle along the Puhoi River, which meanders from historic bohemian Puhoi Village to the scenic Wenderholm Regional Park. Providing kayaks and canoes to suit the whole family, and can cater to almost all ages. Buoyancy aids, paddling instructions and a pick up service are also provided. Or you can join us for a guided moonlight trip! No previous paddling experience is necessary. Bookings are essential.

Stardome Observatory
The furthest reaches of the universe are 14 billion light-years away... Stardome can take you there in just 5 minutes. Visit our 360° planetarium, where you can lie back in comfort as your guide takes you on an incredible space journey. To complete your Stardome experience, observe the current southern skies using our vast array of telescopes (weather dependent).

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