The best things to do in Auckland

What is it? Looming over the city at 328 metres high, the Sky Tower is Auckland’s most iconic building – and you can spot it from almost anywhere in the city. Sure, it’s a total mainstream tourist attraction, but the 360-degree views from the observation decks on level 60 are breathtaking.

Why go? Start your adventure on level 51, the Main Observation Level, where you can take in panoramic views of Auckland’s key landmarks, the 50-odd volcanoes, and 80 kilometres of city and coastline in every direction. From there, take it up a notch at the Sky Deck on level 60 – the highest viewing platform at 220 metres above street level. 

Time Out tip: Don’t limit your visit to the lookouts; indulge in ice cream goodness from Lewis Road Creamery at the level 53 café, or drink in the sunset scenes from SkyBar, New Zealand’s highest bar, on level 50.

What is it? New Zealand’s highest jump is a daredevil’s dream! Standing 192 metres above Auckland, this bungy-jump-inspired experience (without the scary dangling part at the end) offers thrill seekers the chance for a controlled free fall off the country’s tallest building. 

Why go? To feel like Superman, of course. In the ultimate leap of faith, you’ll fall at speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour before coming to a smooth landing at the base of the Sky Tower. As a reward for being brave, you’ll score free entry to the Sky Tower observation decks, so you can properly soak in the views without plummeting through the sky.

Time Out tip: If you’re not quite up for the jump, you can still get your heart pumping on the SkyWalk. You’ll inch your way around a 192-metre-high platform, clinging to nothing but your harness, while scoring epic 360-degree views (and brag-worthy photos).

What is it? Auckland’s tallest and most-visited volcanic peak, Maungawhau – meaning ‘mountain of the whau tree’ – draws more than 1 million visitors each year. Once one of the largest and most elaborate Māori pā (fortified settlements) in the region, you can now walk the rim of its dramatic 50-metre-deep crater, which last erupted 15,000 years ago.

Why go? We reckon Maungawhau is the city’s most spectacular sunset spot. Standing 143 metres tall, it offers absolutely incredible 360-degree vistas of the city, harbour, coastline and beyond. Maungawhau is an incredibly sacred site for the Māori community, so stick to the boardwalk and take time to visit the Te Ipu Kōrero o Maungawhau (Maungawhau Visitor Experience Centre) and the Friend & Whau Café, housed in the historic Kiosk building near the upper car park.

Time Out tip: Deepen your understanding of Maungawhau’s fascinating cultural significance by joining a 90-minute walking tour led by an Ngāti Whātua guide.

What is it? Every year, Auckland unveils a list of the city’s top 100 most iconic dishes – all nominated by locals. Selected from more than 3,000 entries, these signature dishes showcase the best of Auckland’s food scene across a range of cuisines. 

Why go? There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a new city than by eating your way through it. With the 100 Iconic Auckland Eats as your guide, you’ll have the locals’ best secrets right at your fingertips. Two dishes have held their spot on the list since its inception in 2020, including the raspberry lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay and Depot’s legendary fish sliders. Other crowd favourites include Azabu’s volcano sushi rolls, Eden Noodles’ dumplings in spicy sauce, Gemmayze Street’s babaganouj, Hello Beasty’s prawn and crab toast, Pici’s cacio e pepe and Lot Nineteen’s cinnamon scrolls.

Time Out tip: Build your ultimate food bucket list by exploring all past additions of the 100 Iconic Auckland Eats here.

What is it? The best way to see Auckland is on two wheels, and we reckon these e-bike tours are the way to go. Guided by local experts, you’ll take in all the sights and sounds without getting stuck in traffic or huffing up hills. A nifty headset allows you to enjoy engaging commentary along the way. There are tours to suit all abilities, ranging from The Easy Rider waterfront tour to the popular City Loop.

Why go? Given Auckland is built on and around volcanoes, it’s pretty hilly. Skip the sweat and the traffic and explore the city like a local while the e-bike does the hard work for you. On the popular City Loop tour, you’ll cruise through some of Auckland’s favourite neighbourhoods and landmarks, including Maungawhau/Mount Eden, where you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the skyline. Our favourite part was riding along Te Ara i Whiti – or ‘The Lightpath’ to locals – a hot-pink cycleway bridge that pulses with LED lights as you cycle across at night. 

Time Out tip: If you love the bright lights, Power to the Pedal runs a unique City Lights tour. You’ll ride past the twinkling lights of Britomart, Queens Wharf, the Harbour Bridge and more.

What is it? Home to more than 18,000 artworks, Auckland Art Gallery holds the world’s largest permanent collection of New Zealand art. Across four floors, you can explore historic and contemporary masterpieces from both Māori and Pacific Island artists alongside international talents. Entry to the public exhibitions is free daily, and the gallery also hosts weekly events, including curator tours, yoga sessions, drop-in drawing and kids’ workshops.

Why go? See the Pacific through fresh eyes by walking the halls of Auckland’s leading art gallery, open daily from 10am to 5pm. On the ground floor, you can check out Brett Graham’s monumental sculpture Wasterlands and its accompanying video work displaying the devastating wetlands fire of the Waikato River. Upstairs, you’ll find exhibitions representing treasured Māori portraits and the coastal Aotearoan way of life. Auckland Art Gallery is also a jewel box for incredible historic international art through both travelling and donated exhibitions.