Top Things to Do and Cool Places to Visit in Auckland in 6 Days

June 8, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 3510 Views

Auckland, known as Tamaki Makaurau in Maori language, is a city on the north island of New Zealand. The city’s name in Maori language means Tamaki desired by many. This name is presumed to be with regard to the abundance of natural resources found in the region.

When you visit Auckland, there are two aspects of the tour which you should explore, one is the urban side which includes history, culture and lifestyle and the other is the natural side which includes ocean side, beaches, hike trails, volcanic mountains and so on. There are fun things to do in Auckland concerning both these aspects in great abundance.

Auckland has one of the largest collection of Maori artefact, historical sites, museums and heritage items in New Zealand. Some of the best places to visit in Auckland give you an insight into Maori life and culture. On the flip side is the colonial and post colonial history of the region. These Auckland attractions include ports, colonial villages, historical buildings, museums, art galleries and so on.

Though biggest pull among Auckland tourist attractions are the nature sites, especially the beautiful islands. These islands have been popularized by Hollywood pop culture. These volcanic islands offer various activities in Auckland such as boat cruises, hiking, seaside trails, scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife safari, sea kayaking and so on.

Finally you have the modern and urban side of Auckland sightseeing. This is where tall towers, shopping, zoo, aquariums nightlife, restaurants and cafes come into picture. Here too you will find adrenaline pumping best things to do in Auckland like sky jumping.

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Table of Contents

6 Days Trip Itinerary To Visit Auckland Tourist Attractions

Explore the most popular Auckland attractions in a span of 6 days.

Day 1

1. Auckland War Memorial Museum

This museum exhibits things to see in Auckland concerning the history of New Zealand. You can also learn about the history and culture of Maori tribes as well as war history of New Zealand. You will need an hour for this museum.

I suggest you should get Skip-the-Line Ticket of Auckland War Memorial Museum in advance.

2. Auckland Domain

This is the oldest and largest park of the city. The park also has historical greenhouses to see. You will need about an hour to explore various aspects of the park.

3. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

This gallery boasts the largest collection of national and international artwork in the country. It is one of the finest places to see in Auckland for those who admire art. You will need about 2 hours to explore this art gallery.

4. Albert Park

This park has a lot of activities to do in Auckland. The park has several historical sculptures and statues to explore. You will also see beautifully crafted fountains and some of the city’s oldest trees in Albert park. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this park.

5. Sky Tower

The Sky Tower is the venue for some of the most fun things to do in Auckland. The tower has a casino, a hotel, an observation deck, a club and Sky Jump. The observation deck is one of the best places for Auckland sightseeing. You will need about 2 hours to enjoy the Sky Tower and all its offerings.

I suggest you should book your Entry Ticket of Auckland Sky Tower in advance.

6. New Zealand Maritime Museum

This museum explores the seafaring history of the country and its people. You can also take a cruise in one of the heritage boats. If you are looking for cool things to do in Auckland New Zealand, it doesn’t get any cooler than cruising in a heritage boat. You will need about 2 hours at this museum.

I suggest you should book entry ticket of New Zealand Maritime Museum in advance.

Day 2

1. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

This aquarium is one of the most fun places to go in Auckland to witness marine life. You can walk through transparent tunnels and enjoy watching the sea life all around you. You will need about 2 hours for this aquarium tour.

I suggest you book your ticket of Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium in advance.

2. Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph

This catholic cathedral was built on ground gifted to the catholic church by the government. It is especially popular among Auckland tourist spots for historical treasures such as the bishop’s chair, bronze bust of Pompallier and many more. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

3. Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT)

This explores the evolution of technology and means of transport in the country over the years. It can be an interesting addition to your itinerary when you visit Auckland. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

4. Devonport

This is seaside village is one the most important historical Auckland attractions to explore. You can enjoy harbor side restaurants, bars and cafes while your are in this area. Keep 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

Day 3

1. Rangitoto Island

This volcanic island offers some of the top things to do in Auckland New Zealand for outdoor & adventure sports. You can enjoy seaside view, beaches, volcanic landscapes, hiking and more. You can easily spend half a day enjoying various experiences this island has to offer.

I suggest you should get Round Trip Ferry Pass of Rangitoto Island in advance.

2. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

You can enjoy the view of the stars far away with this telescope and planetarium show. You will need about 2 hours for this observatory.

3. Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill

This park sits on the second largest volcano in the region. It is also one of the best places to visit in Auckland to learn about the Maori culture. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

Day 4

1. Auckland Zoo

This zoo has 875 animals from 138 species from several continents around the world. It is one of the best Auckland attractions to visit with children. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

2. Howick Historical Village

This village has been recreated to revive the colonial period as it was in the city between 1840 and 1880. It is one of the most interesting historical Auckland tourist attractions. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

3. Auckland Botanic Gardens

You can witness a variety of fauna collected from several countries. You will need about an hour to explore these gardens.

Day 5

1. Tiritiri Matangi Island

This island has some of the beautiful natural sights among things to see in Auckland. The island has nature trails, wildlife, birdwatching, beaches, boat cruises and more. You will need an entire day for this island during Auckland travel.

Day 6

1. Sheep World

If you want to step in the pastoral world and surround yourself with farmlife, this is one of the fun places to go in Auckland. You would need about half a day to explore various experiences at this farm.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Sheep World in advance.

2. Matakana Village

This is again a pastoral village to explore a complete different side of New Zealand. It is one of the nicest places to see in Auckland. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this village.

If you plan to visit Auckland for more than 6 days or if you want to add more places to your itinerary, check out the section below. It covers almost all the places to visit and best things to do in Auckland which you can enjoy.

Things to do in Auckland

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology
New Zealand Maritime Museum
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Art Gallery
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Howick Historical Village
Gow Langsford Gallery
The Wallace Art Center
Artspace Aotearoa
Manukau Heads Lighhouse
Auckland Town Hall
Gus Fisher Gallery
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
Objectspace Art Museum
Te Tuhi Art Museum
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
Starwhite Art Gallery
Muangauika North Head Historic Reserve
Crystal Mountain Museum
Melanie Roger Gallery
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Cathedral of St. Patrick & St Joseph
Artis Gallery
Holy trinity Cathedral

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Auckland

Waitakere Ranges
Maunakiekie One Tree Hill
Kitekite Falls
Butterfly Creek
Maungawhau Mount Eden
North Head
Takarunga Mount Victoria
Ambura Regional Park
Long Bay Regional Park
Lake Pupuke
Karekare Falls
Mangere Mountain
Rangitoto Summit Trek
Mokoroa Falls
Lake Wainamu
Omanawanui Track
Highwic Historic Estate
Oakley Creek Waterfall

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Auckland

Auckland Zoo
Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Auckland Domain Park
Rainbow’s End
Cornwall Park
Auckland Botanical Garden
AJ Hackett Auckland Sky Jump & Skywalk
Snowplanet
Domain Wintergardens
Villa Maria Estate Winery
AJ Hackett Auckland Bridge Bungy Jump & Climb
Dove Myer Robinson Park
Silo Park
Vector Wero Whitewater Park
Eden Garden
SkyCity Casino
Titirangi Golf Club
Western Park
Odessy Sensory Maze
Ayrlies Garden
Babich Wines
Weta Workshop Unleash
Westbrook Winery
Myers Park
Victoria Park
Coopers Creek Wineyard
Ambury Farm
Whoa! Studios

Shopping in Auckland

Queen Street
Newmarket
Devonpport
Britomart
T Galleria
Ponsonby
Matakana
Parnell
Sylvia Park Shopping Center
High Street
Karangahape Road
Royal oak Shopping Mall
Takapuna
Chancery Street
Mt. Eden Village
Clevedon

Beaches & Island in Auckland

Piha Beach
Karekare Beach
Takapuna Beach
Motuihe Island
Muriwai Gannet Colony
Whatipu Beach
Cheltenham Beach
Browns Island
Anawhata Beach
Lion Rock Beach
Te Henga Beach
Mercer Bay
Rangitoto Island
Browns Bay Beach Reserve

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Auckland

Bungee Jumping
Hiking
Boat Cruise
Beach Sports
Scuba Diving
Sailing
Cycling
Kayaking

Sightseeing in Auckland

Sky Tower
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Sky City Auckland
Albert Park
Downtown Ferry
Aotea Square
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Orakei Basin

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Auckland

Andiamo
Pasture
Cotto
Depot Eatery
Amano
Paradise
Khu Khu Eatery
Azabu
Apero
Culprit
Peach’s Hot Chicken
Baduzzi
Ima Cuisine
Barbarino’s Spaghetteria
Lilian
Celeste
Federal Delicatessen
Bracu
Masu

Where to Stay in Auckland?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Auckland. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Auckland.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Auckland

How to Reach Auckland?

By Air

Auckland airport is the easiest option to reach the city. You can get direct flights from several cities in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, and North America for Auckland travel like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Seoul, Bali, Manila, Guangzhou, Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, London, Dubai, Doha, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Vancouver, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Tonga, Vanuatu, Buenos Aires, Santiago and many more.

Once at the airport, you can use a bus, train, or cab to reach all the best places to visit in Auckland. Buses depart at intervals of 15 minutes to various destinations in the city. There are special Skybus which takes you directly to downtown and departs every 30 mins. It is much cheaper to travel by bus or train instead of choosing a cab to reach Auckland tourist spots.

By Road

If you are already in New Zealand, you can use the bus and train network to visit Aukland. The road network connecting to Auckland meets the city via routes 20,16 and 1. Route 1 faces the ocean and is one of the best routes for Auckland sightseeing and road trips in New Zealand.

By Water

Auckland has a cruise ship port with more than 100 ships taking a stop at the city during their tour. The duration of the stay varies from cruise to cruise, but you can surely check out some of the best places to visit in Auckland which are close to the port during your stop.

Image Reference

Auckland War Memorial Museum – Jim Hoffman / Flickr
Auckland Domain – russellstreet / Flickr
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – ChewyPineapple / Wikimedia Commons
Albert Park – Michael Zimmer / Flickr
Sky Tower – Pexels / PixaBay
New Zealand Maritime Museum – Yasuhiro Chatani / Flickr
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – Larry Koester / Flickr
Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph – Jason Pratt / Flickr
Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT) – Jenny Scott / Flickr
Devonport – Darrel Rhea / Flickr
Rangitoto Island – LPNZ / PixaBay
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium – Gwydion M. Williams / Flickr
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill – russellstreet / Flickr
Auckland Zoo – Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr
Howick Historical Village – Mark in New Zealand / Flickr
Auckland Botanic Gardens – russellstreet / Flickr
Tiritiri Matangi Island – pluckytree / Flickr
Sheep World – Ryan Taylor / Flickr
Matakana Village – russellstreet / Flickr