Top Things to Do in Auckland - Best Tourist Activities in Auckland

Considered the most illustrious cultural institution in the state, a holiday in Auckland would truly be incomplete without a tour of the city's iconic museum. The Auckland museum not only allows visitors to uncover the rich cultural heritage of Auckland but also its colourful and at times, tumultuous past. One of the key highlights at the venue is the Māori taonga treasures which are contained and displayed within its confines. With more than a thousand artefacts, it is the largest collection of Māori taonga relics in both New Zealand and the world at large.

There's nothing quite like kayaking over to the volcanic island of Rangitoto Island during a getaway to Auckland as it is easily accessible from the city's downtown area. Exploring the coastlines at one's own pace, the island which is home to a dormant volcano is also accessible to those who hop on a ferry from Downtown Auckland. The kayaking trip offers visitors the chance to paddle their way to an exotic landscape but also to gaze down at the old lava tracks still visible around the island's volcanic mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Auckland harbour and the city.

A trip to Auckland is a great chance to explore the city's world renowned marine life sanctuary, the SEALIFE Aquarium. The larger than life point of interest is home to the only Spiny Sea Dragons display on the planet while other wonders within the aquarium include the largest sting rays in the world and the biggest colony of penguins in the globe. Those with chutzpah can also sign up to feed the sharks at SEALIFE Aquarium's shark tanks or enjoy a diving experience with the deadly mammals. Visitors based at Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences will find that spending time at the aquarium is one of the best things to do in Auckland City.

While it may not be regarded as a beach Mecca for the masses, Auckland's access to two shorelines means the city is ideal for beach vacationers and water sports lovers. The east coast beaches of Auckland are ideal for swimming activities while the west coast beaches with its black sanded surfs are a wave rider's dream destination. Those who wish to make the most of their beach time in Auckland should head to the east coast in the morning for a relaxing swim and visit the surfing beaches of the west in the late afternoon as that's when the swells are biggest.

Regarded as the narrowest stretch of land in the entire country, the Coast to Coast Walkway Walk begins from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour which occupies the eastern shores of the city. Travelling west across city landscapes and picturesque parks as well as now dormant volcanic mountains, the walk ends at Manukau Harbour which is 16km away from the starting point. The entire trek takes nearly five hours to complete but it is rightfully dubbed a walk "across the country" due to the diversity of the terrains one encounters along the way.