Auckland & Tours from Auckland

Auckland Travel Guide: Things to Do in the City of Sails

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, a bustling, multicultural harbour city (much larger than the capital, Wellington) and the starting point for most New Zealand adventures. It's known as the City of Sails because there are more boats per capita here than anywhere else on earth, roughly one boat for every four people. And you thought New Zealand just had a lot of sheep.

It's also built on a volcanic field of around 50 volcanoes, which means the number one thing to do in Auckland is refreshingly simple: climb one. This guide covers the best of the city, the big adrenaline experiences, the wildlife, the day trips, and how to choose the right New Zealand tour departing from Auckland.

Things to see and do in Auckland

• Get out on the water: catch a ferry from the downtown terminal to the historic township of Devonport across the harbour, then walk around the bay to the North Head lookout for spectacular views of the city, harbour and gulf.
• Climb a volcano: Rangitoto Island, the volcano you can see in the harbour, is a half-hour ferry ride from downtown and Auckland's youngest volcano at just 550 years old. Hike from the wharf to the crater for spectacular city views, native bush and lava caves. It's dormant, so no safety gear required. Short on time or money? Catch a bus to Mt Eden village and climb Mt Eden for the crater and 360-degree views, then reward yourself with a hot chocolate in the village.
• Go vineyard hopping on Waiheke Island: a 40-minute ferry ride to an island Lonely Planet ranked among the best destinations in the world, home to fantastic vineyards and beaches you can explore by foot, bicycle, scooter, bus or hire car. Cable Bay and Mudbrick vineyards are an easy walk from the ferry.
• Explore downtown: wander the waterfront to see the marina, harbourside restaurants and bars, with summer markets and free outdoor movies at Wynyard Quarter.
• Visit the Auckland Domain: a great central park with harbour views, anchored by the Greco-Roman style Auckland Museum (Te Papa Whakahiku), home to one of the finest collections of Maori and Pacific art and treasures. Entry is by donation, valid for repeat entry on the day.
• Hit the shops: Queen Street is the city's main artery, High Street runs parallel with designer labels and upmarket cafes, and Karangahape Road (K Road) at the top end is the home of alternative and vintage shops and some of the city's best nightclubs. The Link bus connects the wider shopping precincts of Parnell, Ponsonby and Newmarket.

Auckland Bungy & Bridge Climb

The Harbour Bridge holds a special place in the history of bungy, New Zealand's most iconic adventure activity. AJ Hackett first jumped off it in 1987, back when the activity was still 'not technically legal', and after taking over the Bridge Climb in 2003, adding the world's first Harbour Bridge Bungy brought that colourful history full circle. The Bridge Climb is the only walking access over this Auckland icon, and combo deals let you do both and save.

• Need to know: bungy from age 10 (under-14s accompanied), 35 to 150kg, minimum 120cm, covered footwear required. Bridge Climb from age 7, same weight and height rules, with climb suits provided and no cameras or loose items allowed on the bridge for safety.

SkyWalk

Walk a 1.2 metre-wide ledge around the outside of the Sky Tower, 192 metres above the city, with no handrails and nothing but air on either side. Guides point out the sights, tell stories of the tower's construction and challenge you to daredevil tricks. You'll start out clinging nervously to your rope and end up waving at diners in the restaurant and hanging out over the edge. Wear comfortable clothing and lace-up shoes.

SkyJump

New Zealand's highest jump and its only base jump by wire: 192 metres straight down the side of the Sky Tower at around 85 kilometres per hour, landing smoothly in the SkyCity plaza about 11 seconds later, sometimes to a round of applause. It's different from a bungy, more like being a movie stuntman, and it's open to almost everyone: minimum age 10, no maximum. The ticket includes a return trip to the Sky Tower observation level.

The All Blacks Experience

Step into the boots of New Zealand's sporting royalty. Located right in the heart of Auckland's SkyCity precinct, this state-of-the-art, fully interactive showcase takes you behind the scenes of the legendary All Blacks and Black Ferns. Feel the ground shake as you face a full-scale, four-meter-high digital Haka, test your rugby skills in the interactive kicking and passing zones, and learn the history, culture, and mental prep that goes into wearing the famous black jersey.

How to book: Grab your tickets on request through the Seymour app.

Weta Workshop Unleashed

If you love movie magic, horror, or sci-fi, this is an absolute must-do in downtown Auckland. Weta Workshop Unleashed is a fantastical, 90-minute immersive tour through three newly designed film sets. You’ll step inside dedicated workshops celebrating the worlds of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi filmmaking, getting up close and personal with massive giants, animatronics, prosthetic makeup, and mind-bending special effects. It's wildly creative, interactive, and beautifully weird.

How to book: Book your guided tour spot on request via the Seymour app.

Waiheke Eco-Zip Adventures

Experience the ultimate island adrenaline rush. This award-winning tour pairs a scenic 40-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island with an epic ziplining and forest walking experience. You'll soar down three dual-ziplines (up to 200 meters long!) flying side-by-side with a friend over lush vineyards, working valleys, and stunning native forest, before enjoying a guided walk back through ancient pōhutukawa and tawa trees.

How to book: Book in the Seymour app.

Eating and drinking in Auckland

You'll never go hungry here. Favourites include Elliot Stables in the heart of the city, The Mexican Cafe near the Sky Tower for cheap and cheerful Mexican and margaritas, and the downtown Viaduct for a full spread of restaurants and bars. Ponsonby Road is the go-to dining precinct for a Friday or Saturday night. Saving your pennies? Bus to Mission Bay for fish and chips on the beach, or grab supplies from the downtown supermarket and use the free public BBQs on Queens Wharf for budget harbourside dining.

Day trips from Auckland

Waiting for your tour to start, or with days to fill after it ends? Auckland is the perfect base:

• Waiheke Island: wine-lovers' tours of the island's vineyards, a warm microclimate and vineyard lunches, all a short ferry from downtown.
• More ferry adventures: ferries also run to the Coromandel Peninsula, the North Shore beaches and Rangitoto Island.
• The Waitomo Caves: a couple of hours south through the Waikato, the famous glowworm caves make a brilliant full-day trip, combinable with the Hobbiton Movie Set, and the brave can try black water rafting.
• Piha and the West Coast: Auckland's west coast is a surfer's paradise, with beaches like Piha ready for a spontaneous surf and exceptional bush walks for nature lovers.
• The Bay of Islands: with a couple of spare days, head north for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the famous Hole in the Rock cruise.

Starting your New Zealand tour from Auckland

Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand and the starting point for most Stray tours, which is handy, because New Zealand is like a supermodel: long and lean. With only 5 million people (and around 25 million sheep) spread across two islands of non-stop scenery, the hardest part is choosing how much of it to see.

How much time do you have?

• The full Kiwi immersion (roughly 18 to 24 days): the head-to-toe adventure covering both islands, from Auckland's big city energy all the way to the deep south. Think volcano treks, geothermal pools, Hobbiton, glaciers, national parks, Milford Sound and the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown.
• Short and sweet (roughly 8 to 11 days): still packing a punch: a North Island adventure from Auckland to Wellington taking in Hot Water Beach, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Maori cultural experiences and the Tongariro National Park, or an Auckland to Christchurch journey that adds Abel Tasman and the spectacular TranzAlpine train.

Which style suits you?

There are two types of Stray traveller, and a tour tier for each (plus one in between):

• Stray Adventure: New Zealand backpacking at its best: shared dorm-style stays at some of the country's best hostels, maximum energy and maximum value, perfect for the wallet and the storytelling.
• Stray Select: for the adventurous comfort lovers. Three to four-star accommodation to recharge at night, without compromising a gram of adventure during the day. Think soaking in a hot pool after breakfast and skydiving after lunch.

FAQs

What is Auckland known for?

Auckland is the City of Sails, with more boats per capita than anywhere in the world, and it's built on a volcanic field of around 50 volcanoes. It's New Zealand's biggest city and the starting point for most New Zealand tours.

Which volcano should I climb in Auckland?

Rangitoto Island for the full experience: a half-hour ferry, a hike to the crater, lava caves and spectacular views. Mt Eden is the quicker, cheaper option, a bus ride and a short climb for 360-degree views over the city. Both are dormant.

Can you bungy jump in Auckland?

Yes, off the Harbour Bridge, where AJ Hackett first jumped in 1987, and you can pair it with the Bridge Climb in a combo. You can also SkyJump 192 metres off the Sky Tower by wire, walk the SkyWalk ledge around its rim, or go tandem skydiving at Parakai.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed on the Hauraki Gulf safari?

Effectively, yes. Dolphins are seen on over 90 per cent of trips and whales on over 70 per cent, and if you don't see any marine mammals you can return free until you do.

Can I start a Stray tour from a city other than Auckland?

Yes. Tours also depart from Christchurch, Wellington and Picton, giving you flexibility in how you plan your trip, though Auckland offers the widest choice of departures.

Are Stray tours from Auckland suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely. Most Stray travellers join solo, and the small-group format makes it easy to meet like-minded people from day one, with a guide handling the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.