18+ Fantastic Auckland Attractions in Photos

Auckland is where I grew up, so I already knew a few of its hidden gems, but there is so much more to this international city than downtown. I hope that you enjoy my post on what Auckland attractions there are to see while you are in Auckland.

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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

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West Auckland Attractions

West Auckland is home to some of New Zealand’s famous surfing beaches. From Karekare to Muriwai, there is more to surfing here, as you will soon discover by visiting West Auckland attractions.

Waitakeres

This rugged chain of hills is home to native forests that you can wander through. Here you can find waterfalls and walks of various lengths through the bush.

It is always best to check what is open at the Arataki Visitor Centre before you take off. When I was there in late 2018, a lot of the tracks were closed due to upgrading to protect the Kauri trees from dieback disease.

If you fancy a scenic drive, you can take the road that runs the length of the Waitakeres. It’s from here that you can take the turnoffs for the beaches that line the coast. The movie The Piano has Karekare Beach as a backdrop, and the TV show 800 Words used Piha and Karekare Beaches.

Titirangi

Titirangi is the start of the Hillary Trail. This track is a four-day, three-night 75km trek across the rugged countryside to Muriwai. The trail is named after Sir Edmund Hillary, and it’s not easy but is very rewarding. Once again, due to the Kauri dieback, you have to check what parts are open.

There are safe swimming beaches that can be accessed from Titirangi on the Manukau Harbour.

French’s Beach is one of these, and fans of the TV series 800 Words will find a familiar building.

Piha

One of the most famous west coast beaches is Piha. Lion Rock stands guard between north and south Piha, and for the adventurous, you can also climb it, although a rockfall has meant you can’t get to the top.

You could spend all day here exploring the beach, rock formations, and if the track is open, Kitekite Falls.

Remember, this is a dangerous beach to swim at with rips and a strong undertow. Always swim between the flags.

Muriwai

Auckland’s northern surfing beach is Muriwai. With black sands all along these West Coast beaches, you can relax, swim (but only if you’re a strong swimmer and always between the flags), or check out the Gannet colony that sits atop the cliffs here.

Driving is the best way to get here with plenty of car parks in the area.

From August to March, you have the added bonus of seeing the local Gannet colony.

You can walk up to the cliffs from the beach and see these amazing birds up close but protected behind a fence. You will also see them returning from a fishing expedition, flying close by you over the water.

Auckland Suburb Attractions

If you think there aren’t any sights to see in the Auckland suburbs, think again. These Auckland attractions in the suburbs are well worth the look and you can catch the Hop-on Hop-off Bus to get to them.

Pt. Chevalier

Point Chevalier is less than a 10-minute drive from the centre of Auckland city, and yet it seems you are miles away from the hustle and bustle.

One of the walks in the area is known to just about only locals, but you have the only waterfall and swimming hole in the city to explore.

As it is beside one of the main roads in Auckland, parking isn’t great, but there are regular buses from the city to Point Chevalier, or you could park on a side street a bit further away.

This walk takes you beside the creek and through the bush until you come out into the oasis of the waterfall, which is best viewed after recent rain.

Western Springs

A couple of kilometres up the road is Western Springs. This parkland and lake not only contain a lot of wildlife on the water, but in it as well.

Ducks, swans, geese and other waterfowl call this place home, as well as at least one rabbit I managed to see.

You can walk around the lake, which is a 1.24km loop, or use it to go between Auckland Zoo on one side to MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) on the other.

Meola Reserve

Another place to walk through the bush is the Meola Reserve off Meola Road. Here you can walk down to the western side of Auckland Harbour but still have excellent views back to the Harbour Bridge.

Once you’re at the shoreline, you can explore the Meola Reef, created from the lava flows of the volcanoes in the area. You must have suitable sturdy footwear to walk on the lava.

Mount Eden (Maungawhau)

An easy walk from the city is up Mount Eden. From the top, you can see the views over the city and harbour as well as looking into the crater of this dormant volcano.

Auckland City Attractions

Most tourists only see the city centre, and there is so much to do just by basing yourself in the city. Take a look at these Auckland attractions that you can visit.

One thing you can see nearly from wherever you are in Auckland is the Sky Tower.

Standing 328m high, it has a casino on the ground floor and restaurants and an observation deck on the upper levels, where on a good day, you can see all of Auckland.

For the adventurous, adrenalin junkies, you can walk around the outside or take the Skyjump down to the ground.

Silo Park

Silo Park is along the wharves of Auckland city waterfront. It has been turned into a recreational area with restaurants, food trucks, parks and playgrounds for the kids, as well as outdoor movies in the summer.

Auckland Museum and the Domain

There is more to explore in this area than the Auckland Museum and War Memorial. Hot Houses full of exotic plants, rose gardens, as well as duck ponds are located here.

Taking a break from exploring the 75 hectares is easy with the Wintergarden Cafe right in the middle of the grounds.

Parnell

If you feel up to a walk, you could take a loop from the city, through the Domain and out the other side to Parnell before heading back to the city.

Parnell Village is a quaint village in Inner City, Auckland. As Auckland’s oldest suburb, it has cobbled streets and colonial-style buildings. This is where boutique shops mix with first-class restaurants and sidewalk cafes to give you a different side of Auckland.

East Auckland Attractions

Whichever way you get to them, these Auckland attractions are fun for all ages, especially in the summer.

Round The Bays

As one of the playgrounds of Auckland, this stretch of beach coastline is called Round the Bays.

From Okahu Bay to Achilles Point, you have attractions, beaches, cafes, restaurants and views across the harbour and city.

Another easy walk from the city is to the Auckland Museum and the parklands of the Domain.

Kelly Tarleton’s Underwater World is a world under the sea showcasing penguins, a shark cage experience or looking at the sea life floating around you as you walk through the tunnels.

Bastion Point holds the memorial to Michael Savage, a New Zealand Prime Minister during the 1930s. You will also find gardens to walk through as well as more views over the harbour and city.

There is a wide footpath accommodating walkers, scooters and bicycles that are very popular in the summer and on weekends. This goes all the way from Okahu Bay to St. Heliers Beach.

Not only do you get to visit all the beaches along this stretch, but the restaurants and cafes that are at each beach. If you want to do this walk, it’s 5.6km from Okahu Bay Beach to Achilles Point.

At Achilles Point, the most easterly point you can access along this stretch of coast, you’ll find more views of the harbour and city from this clifftop point.

On a clear day, you can see all the way across to the Coromandel Peninsula.

North Auckland Attractions

There are not only Auckland attractions to see around the city centre. For a short ferry ride, the North Shore and Harbour are opened up for you to explore.

Devonport, North Head and Mt. Victoria

Take the ferry across the harbour to explore the beautiful old houses and volcanoes of Devonport.

You can walk along the foreshore and go up Mt. Victoria as well as North Head. At the base of North Head is the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, where you can see all of New Zealand’s naval history from the 1840s.

Rangitoto Island

You could take a ferry across to the dormant volcano Rangitoto Island.

Here you can climb to the top and see the views across the Harbour and city through the Pohutukawa forest.

Orewa Beach

All along the North Shore of Auckland and Whangaparaoa Peninsula, there are safe swimming beaches. My favourite beach growing up was Orewa, which you will pass heading north to Northland.

Remember to always swim between the flags if you are not a very good or confident swimmer.

Orewa is a great beach just to walk along as the tide is going in or out. At 3km long, it makes for a great way to end your day at the beach.

How To Get Around & More Information

If you don’t have a car, most inner-city places can be reached on either the bus system or the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Buses Explorer Bus.

If you would like to hire a car, DiscoverCars can find you the best deal with over 500 trusted suppliers at their disposal.

You can read more on Auckland attractions from my blogs by clicking here.

With so many islands to visit in Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf, you’ll be spoilt for choice between visiting nature, wineries and more sights.

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed viewing Auckland attractions through my photography and have explored my other blogs in the area. Hopefully, one day, you can visit and have your own experiences.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
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• Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
• Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
• Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).

If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.

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