Auckland Sky Tower

Auckland’s needle-like Sky Tower is the city’s most prominent landmark and at 328 meters high, New Zealand’s highest building. If you’re looking for a place to snap the perfect city panorama then the observation deck here (reached by zooming up to the top of the building in a glass-elevator) is just the place to get your camera out, with views spanning into the distance for 80 kilometers on a clear day. For many Sky Tower visitors though, it’s about more than the view. New Zealanders are renowned for turning attractions into thrill-seeking opportunities, and the Sky Tower doesn’t buck the trend. Visitors can enjoy dizzying views by walking the exterior 192-meter-high Sky Walk platform around the tower’s pergola, and those looking for a total adrenaline rush can base-jump off the platform on a Sky Jump.

Waitemata Harbour

The wide sweep of Waitemata Harbour slices Auckland in two and is the city’s most prominent natural feature. It was because of this easily navigable waterway that Auckland became New Zealand’s capital in 1840 (the country’s capital is now Wellington, though Auckland remains New Zealand’s economic powerhouse). The central harbor is dominated by Auckland Harbour Bridge, completed in 1959 and more than one-kilometer-long and some 43 meters high, which connects downtown Auckland to the northern districts and the sandy beaches of the bays further north. Quay Street runs parallel to the harbor in the central district with access to Princes Wharf and the ferry terminals to the Hauraki Gulf islands.

One Tree Hill

For many Aucklanders, the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill is the symbol of their city. The 182-meter-high hill sits amid the lush Cornwall Park with a series of flower beds and stands of mature trees set amid walking trails. One Tree Hill takes up the southwest corner of the park, and the slopes contain remnants of a Maori Pa (fortified village) located here during the pre-European era. At the top of the hill is a lone obelisk built over the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell who gifted this swath of greenery to Auckland to be used as a city park. There are fantastic views across the cityscape from the hill summit.

Waiheke Island

Of all Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf islands, Waiheke Island is the most popular to visit. Around 8,000 people live on the island year-round, and the island’s villages are home to art galleries and a thriving café culture, while the coast hosts plenty of white sand beaches. For keen walkers and hikers, a variety of trails wind along the coastline and through the island interior. For spectacular views and a challenging hike, the Church Bay Circuit is an excellent three-hour walk that showcases the best of the island. History fans shouldn’t miss Stony Batter Historic Reserve with its underground tunnel system carved out in World War II in case Auckland was attacked. Regular ferries to Waiheke Island run from Princes Wharf in central Auckland and take from 35-45 minutes.

Viaduct Harbour

The regeneration of Viaduct Harbour is a legacy of New Zealand hosting the America’s Cup yachting regatta and has turned this waterside area into one of the city’s main entertainment and dining hubs. As well as being one of the country’s major marinas, Viaduct Harbour’s lively calendar of events is a tourism draw card. Every Sunday, the Flower Market here brings in crowds with live music and street food, while regular free events during summer months are a favorite with local families. The vibrant waterside cafés and restaurants are a great place to stop and linger over lunch while exploring Auckland’s central attractions.

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

One of Auckland’s top attractions for visiting families, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium allows you to get up-close-and-personal with life under the water. A series of huge aquariums containing aquatic life can be observed from the tunnel walkways with aquariums devoted to sharks, tropical fish, and stingrays. Kelly Tarlton’s also houses an Antarctic Encounter gallery, complete with a snow-filled penguin enclosure, highlighting New Zealand’s close association with Antarctica’s international scientific communities. Adrenaline-junkies are catered for as well with the aquarium’s Shark Dive and Shark Cage Snorkel experiences.

Auckland City Center Architecture

Downtown Auckland can, at first, seem a thoroughly modern city, but amid the contemporary towers, there are several prime examples of early architecture for history fans to seek out. The imposing Ferry Building (Princes Wharf), forms a striking English-Baroque landmark on the harbor front, built in 1912. Adjoining the Ferry Building is the Chief Post Office, designed by John Campbell in 1911. Auckland Town Hall (Queen Street) has a marble façade, built in 1911, while St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Wyndham Street) is one of New Zealand’s first churches, built in 1848. Also, don’t miss Auckland High Court (Waterloo Quadrant) with its richly-decorated brickwork, complete with turrets and gargoyles, modeled on Warwick Castle in England.

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Islands

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Islands are a lush slice of nature right on Auckland’s doorstep. Ruggedly beautiful Great Barrier Island is a must-visit for wilderness fans with a multitude of camping, hiking, mountain biking, and sea kayaking opportunities. Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano and home to the world’s largest forest of pohutukawa trees. Hiking to the island’s summit rewards walkers with stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf. Tiny Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most endangered birdlife with a variety of easy walking trails winding through the island’s interior. Among the species that keen birdwatchers can spot here are takahe, blue penguins, kiwi, and brown teal. Ferries leave from Princes Wharf in the central city

Takapuna Beach

The city’s eastern coast is speckled with gorgeous forest-rimmed beaches that are top swimming and sun-bathing spots for locals during summer weekends. Takapuna Beach, overlooking Rangitoto Island across the water, is one of the finest sandy strips in the city and deservedly popular. Nearby are both Milford Beach and Cheltenham Beach, which tend to be less crowded. A short drive out of the city though, brings you to even more spectacular beaches. To the southeast is lovely Maraetai Beach with its calm waters, an excellent swimming spot even for little ones, while a short journey north from Auckland is the golden sand of Orewa Beach.

West Coast Beaches

Auckland’s west coast is home to some extremely beautiful beaches, but visitors should be aware that many can be dangerous for bathers unused to their sheer rocks, heavy surf from the Tasman Sea, and treacherous undertow. Piha Beach is the city’s most dramatic spot for a picnic and sunbathing with its volcanic black sand and jutting rock outcrops. It’s also a major haunt for local surfers. If you’re looking for a secluded slice of sand though, Karioitahi Beach, at Waiuku in South Auckland, is a long strip of black-sand beach that rarely draws more than a handful of sun-seekers.