27+ Cheap, Free and Fantastic Auckland Attractions in Photos

Auckland is where I grew up, so I already knew a few of its hidden gems; however, there is so much more to this international city than its downtown area. I hope you enjoy my post on the top attractions in Auckland. Some are free, some are cheap, and some are worth paying to visit.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links, I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me maintain this site. Thank you.

Subscribe to my blog to stay up to date as I share more about my travel experiences.

All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

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 visited in late 2018, many of the tracks were closed due to upgrades aimed at protecting 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 uses Piha and Karekare Beaches as locations.

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 must check which parts are open.

There are safe swimming beaches accessible 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 numerous car parks available in the area.

From August to March, you have the 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 they are protected behind a fence. You will also see them returning from a fishing expedition, flying close by you over the water.

Inner West Auckland 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 a 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 only to locals, but you can also explore the city’s only waterfall and swimming hole.

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 emerge into the oasis of the waterfall, which is best viewed after recent rainfall.

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 also in it.

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 1.24 km loop, or use it to travel between Auckland Zoo on one side and 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 while still enjoying 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)

A short walk from the city is 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.

• Explore the Auckland Art Gallery and see English and Maori art at its best.
• Enjoy the gardens of Albert Park.
• Go up Auckland’s highest viewing point, Sky Tower.

Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland Art Gallery is open every day between 10 am and 5 pm except Christmas Day and is a great free place to escape to when the weather isn’t on your side.

Here, you can see artwork unique to New Zealand, featuring Maori portraits and exhibits that change regularly.

Albert Park

Heading up the stairs behind the art gallery, you’ll find Albert Park. Here, you can see gardens laid out, serving as a gateway to the University of Auckland.

Sky Tower

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

Standing 328m high, it features a casino on the ground floor, as well as restaurants and an observation deck on the upper levels, from which, on a clear day, you can see all of Auckland.

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

Silo Park

Silo Park is located along the waterfront wharves of Auckland City. It has been transformed into a recreational area featuring restaurants, food trucks, parks, children’s playgrounds, and outdoor movie screenings during the summer.

Auckland Museum and the Domain

There is more to explore in this area than the Auckland Museum and the 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 inner-city neighbourhood in 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 Domain parklands.

Sealife Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World is a world under the sea, showcasing penguins, a shark cage experience, and 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, which 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 you also get to visit 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 across to the Coromandel Peninsula.

North Shore of Auckland Attractions

There are attractions beyond Auckland’s city centre to see. For a short ferry ride, the North Shore and Harbour are open 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 the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, there are safe swimming beaches. My favourite beach growing up was Orewa, which you will pass on your way 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 place to walk along, especially as the tide is coming in or going out. At 3km long, it makes for a great way to end your day at the beach.

South Auckland Attractions

If you love getting out into nature and learning about the history of an area, then the Manukau Heads out of Waiuku is for you.

Manukau Heads

Here you see the Manukau Harbour and the dangerous heads from the historic Manukau Heads Lighthouse. Stop off at Awhitu Regional Park and explore the wetlands, pastures and beaches on the Manukau Harbour.

Also in the area is the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, where you can take a trip into the past on a steam train.

How To Get Around & More Information

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

You can read more about Auckland attractions in my blog posts 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.

Have You Found This Blog Helpful? Then, Why Not Buy Me a Coffee?

Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping, and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click the links for each.

Travel Resources

• All-in-One Travel App—Klook is for all your travel needs, from tickets to attractions to sim cards to fast-track through customs and immigration.
• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using AviaSales, Booking.com, or Tripadvisor.
• Car Hire—In Australia, you can use Budget Car Rentals Australia or Avis Car Rentals Australia or in New Zealand, Budget Car Rentals New Zealand or Avis Car Rentals New Zealand.
• Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable travelling experience.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• SIM cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the road or at home.

• If you’re interested in learning more, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!