Things to do in Auckland

It has never been easier to find the best things to do in Auckland thanks to RedBalloon. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something to do on the weekend, a touristy experience to enjoy with family travelling interstate or from overseas, or you simply want to keep the kids entertained. With our range of experiences across flying, driving, tours, dining and more, we guarantee you’ll find the perfect activity whether no matter what your interest or the occasion.

What is the city of Auckland, New Zealand known for?

Located on the North Island, Auckland is one of the country’s most popular destinations and New Zealand’s largest city both in population and landmass. It is also known as the ‘City of Sails’ given the popularity of sailing in the region, and the Viaduct area. It also has some very well known iconic attractions and landmarks including the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, its beautiful beaches and the Auckland harbour bridge.

What are some important places to see in Auckland?

If you’re visiting for the first time there are plenty of things to do in Auckland that will allow you to discover all the amazing things this city has to offer. Alternatively, if you’re a local you may just be looking for fun things to do in Auckland over the weekend or with your friends that you don’t always have the chance to do. Whichever it is, we have the perfect list of experiences to make sure you visit the important must-see places and stay up to date with what’s on in Auckland. Below are some of our favourite Auckland experiences:

1. Sky Tower: standing at 328 metres tall, this tower has been an icon of the Auckland city skyline for over 20 years. Not only does it offer breathtaking views at the top but it is also a hub for adrenaline activities like the skywalk and bungy jump. This is one of the best Auckland attractions for the adventure seekers want to feel the rush whilst enjoying panoramic, 360 degree views of central Auckland. The skywalk will see you take on the narrow path 192m above the ground, discovering views of the hills, harbour and islands beyond. For the brave, the bungy jump will see you fall very fast at approx 85kph for around 11 seconds before coming to a smooth landing in the middle of Auckland city centre. Add this to the top of your ‘what to do in Auckland’ list!!

2. Rangitoto Island: this volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf is an iconic landmark of Auckland. This majestic island should definitely on your Auckland to do list regardless if you’re a local after some ideas for the weekend or visiting the city for the first time. Enjoy the stunning location from up high with a seaplane flight, from the water with a cruise or kayaking adventure, or by foot with a afternoon tour or day trip. There is no better way to enjoy incredible panoramic views across the harbour.

3. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland for kids, then this will be your new favourite spot! Both the little kids and adults will love exploring the thousands of deep sea creatures, 13 themed zones with over 30 live animal displays and New Zealand’s only colony of sub-antarctic penguins. It’s often one of the best places to visit in Auckland according to our customers who want to keep their kids entertained or after a weekend activity.

4. Waiheke Island: known as the most populated and second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, it’s definitely on the popular list of things to do in Auckland city. With its beautiful landscapes and beaches, amazing food and wine tasting experiences, day tours and ziplining adventures, there is no shortage of amazing Auckland activities to tick off your list on Waiheke.

Why should we visit Auckland?

There are plenty of reasons of why visiting Auckland should be on top of your bucket list both for interstate or overseas tourists. There is so much to see and do in New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city. At RedBalloon we also offer plenty of different ways to experience the City of Sails including from the sky with helicopter flights, skydiving and seaplane flights, or by the sea with cruises, sailing adventures, kayaking and jet boating, or even by foot with the bridge climb, day tours and more!

If that isn’t reason enough we definitely think you should visit Auckland for it’s amazing islands, adrenaline pumping activities, outdoor adventures,the  Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, and the delicious food and wine culture. Once you visit this city, you’ll definitely want to come back to visit again and again!

What are the best touristy things to do in Auckland?

If you’re visiting, there are plenty of things to do in Auckland at night and day, but to help you pick, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 must do experiences.

1. Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb: climb the iconic bridge and take in the incredible views across the city. This is the ultimate sightseeing tour to discover the amazing surroundings this city has to offer.

2. Skydiving: There is no better vantage point to discover Auckland then from 20,000 feet in the sky. Experience tandem skydiving over Auckland and enjoy the most picturesque views of the city and its surrounds.

3. Kayaking Tour: With its beautiful harbour and surrounding majestic islands, the best way to soak in Auckland is with a kayaking tour. Imagine experiencing a sunset tour of Rangitoto Island from a kayak or a half day adventure of Motukorea… you’ll be blown away at the beauty you’ll discover from the sea.

4. Bungy Jumping: For the ultimate action-packed tourist adventure, you can’t go past a bungy jumping experiences. With options like jumping from the Sky Tower or off the harbour bridge, you’ll definitely feel the ultimate rush of a lifetime.

5. Jet Boating: tick off that need for speed with a jet boat ride on Waitemata Harbour and enjoy high speed tricks like fishtails, spins and power brake stops. This experience is not only about an adrenaline rush but combines it with a tour of the different landmarks in Auckland.