Things to do in Auckland — The Complete Local’s Guide to the City of Sails (2025)
Explore Auckland’s Best Attractions, Landmarks, and Hidden Gems (and See Them in Style with Vintage Views)
Few cities blend ocean horizons, volcanic skylines, and cultural energy quite like Auckland, New Zealand. The “City of Sails” is at once cosmopolitan and coastal — where cafés meet harbours, and leafy parks sit beside glass-tower skylines. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a cruise stopover, or a staycation, Auckland’s compact central area and nearby suburbs are bursting with things to do.
This ultra-comprehensive guide breaks down the top experiences across Auckland CBD and its surrounding areas, including free and paid attractions, local favourites, and scenic gems. You’ll also find how to connect it all through one of Auckland’s most unique experiences — the Vintage Views double-decker bus tour — which offers the perfect panoramic orientation of the city before you dive deeper into each area.
🚍 Start with Perspective: The Vintage Views Double-Decker Experience
Before exploring Auckland’s streets on foot, start by seeing it from above — literally. Vintage Views operates a lovingly restored 1960s London Routemaster bus, the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
The Double Decker Discovery tour departs from the CBD (Customs & Queen St corner), travelling through the city’s most scenic neighbourhoods:
Parnell, Auckland’s historic village suburb
Mission Bay, the city’s seaside playground
Ponsonby, vibrant, bohemian, and lined with cafés
Across the Harbour Bridge, for a skyline view that captures the City of Sails in all its glory
It’s an ideal first-day activity: just 90 minutes long, camera-ready, and full of photo stops.
👉 Tip: Book the 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. ride to pair it with lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants below, or make it the start of a day exploring everything else on this list.
More info: Vintage Views – Auckland Double Decker Discovery Tour
🌊 1. Auckland’s Waterfront & Viaduct Harbour
No visit to Auckland starts anywhere but by the sea. The Viaduct Harbour precinct is the beating heart of the CBD — home to yachts, rooftop bars, and some of the city’s best dining views.
Top highlights
Wynyard Quarter & North Wharf: pedestrian-friendly waterfront with restaurants like Baduzzi, Saint Alice, and Giraffe.
Silo Park: open-air cinema in summer, food trucks, and art installations.
New Zealand Maritime Museum: an engaging walk through NZ’s seafaring history, from Māori waka to modern America’s Cup yachts.
Harbour Bridge Bungee (AJ Hackett): for thrill-seekers wanting an iconic NZ adrenaline fix.
Local tip: Visit at sunset for photos of the Sky Tower reflected in the water.
☕ 2. Britomart Precinct – Fashion, Food, and Laneways
Just steps from the waterfront, Britomart mixes Auckland’s heritage architecture with its newest dining and design brands.
Don’t miss
Amano: iconic bakery & restaurant with handmade pasta, coffee, and pastries.
Kingi (The Hotel Britomart): sustainably sourced seafood in a polished setting.
Takutai Square Markets: occasional outdoor stalls and music events.
Boutique shopping: from Juliette Hogan to WORLD and Karen Walker.
Why it pairs with Vintage Views: the bus departs nearby — grab a flat white or lunch before your ride.
🌿 3. Albert Park & the Art Gallery
Right in the heart of the city, Albert Park offers greenery amid skyscrapers. Follow winding paths up to fountains and floral gardens, then duck into the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, home to more than 17,000 works spanning traditional Māori art to contemporary design.
Nearby stops:
University of Auckland Clock Tower: photogenic Gothic architecture.
High Street & Vulcan Lane: boutique shopping and espresso bars.
🗼 4. Sky Tower & Federal Street
Auckland’s most recognisable landmark, the Sky Tower, rises 328 metres and offers 360° views from its observation deck. For an adrenaline rush, try the SkyWalk (outside ledge) or SkyJump.
While you’re here
Federal Street Dining Precinct: restaurants like Depot (by Al Brown), The Sugar Club (at the top of the tower), and MASU (Japanese robata grill).
SkyCity Casino: entertainment and nightlife hub.
Pro tip: Go up at sunset for the best city lights panorama — perfect after an afternoon Vintage Views tour.
🌸 5. Parnell – Auckland’s Historic Village
One of the city’s oldest suburbs, Parnell combines colonial charm with boutique sophistication.
Top things to do
Parnell Rose Gardens (Dove-Myer Robinson Park): over 5,000 rose bushes, best November–April.
Holy Trinity Cathedral: remarkable modern architecture and stained glass.
Parnell Village: converted brick warehouses now filled with art galleries, chocolatiers, and cafés.
La Porchetta Parnell Road or Woodpecker Hill for casual dining.
Pairing idea: Join the morning Vintage Views tour, hop off near Parnell, and stroll the village before lunch.
🏖️ 6. Mission Bay & the Eastern Beaches
Just a short ride east from the CBD lies Mission Bay, a palm-lined seaside suburb famous for its relaxed coastal feel.
What to do
Walk or cycle the Tamaki Drive Coastal Path.
Swim at Mission Bay Beach or nearby Kohimarama.
Eat at Mission Bay Pavilion, Dos Amigos Cantina, or BurgerFuel right by the sand.
Visit Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium en route for penguins, sharks, and seahorses.
Why it works with Vintage Views: the bus route includes Mission Bay — preview it from above, then return later for a full beach afternoon.
🖼️ 7. Auckland War Memorial Museum & Domain
A cornerstone of Auckland heritage, the War Memorial Museum sits atop the Auckland Domain, a lush volcanic parkland. Inside, find extensive exhibits on Māori and Pacific cultures, NZ’s wartime history, and natural history collections.
Highlights:
Daily Māori cultural performances.
ANZAC Hall for military history buffs.
Wintergardens (two glasshouses with tropical and temperate plants).
Getting there: a short drive or bus from the CBD; combine with a Vintage Views morning tour to set the scene, then spend the afternoon exploring here.
🌇 8. Ponsonby – Culture, Coffee, and Character
If Auckland had a personality suburb, it would be Ponsonby. Trendy yet grounded, it’s all about great food, indie fashion, and a friendly vibe.
Favourites
Ponsonby Central: food hall meets design space — sushi, tapas, coffee, craft beer.
SPQR & Prego: iconic restaurants lining Ponsonby Road.
Boutiques: Ruby, Deadly Ponies, Workshop Denim.
Street art & nightlife: colourful murals and small bars like Revelry or Pocket Bar.
Perfect combo: The Vintage Views bus swings through Ponsonby — note your favourite spots, then return in the evening for dinner and cocktails.
🌉 9. Auckland Harbour Bridge & Westhaven Marina
Driving over the Harbour Bridge is one thing; seeing the view from the top deck of a Routemaster bus is another. But if you want to go further, try:
Harbour Bridge Climb: guided walk along the bridge’s arches for 360° panoramas.
Westhaven Promenade: scenic walkway beneath the bridge with yachts and harbour views.
For photographers: go at golden hour for the city skyline framed under the bridge.
🏞️ 10. Mount Eden & Auckland’s Volcanic Views
Auckland was built on 48 volcanic cones — none more famous than Mount Eden (Maungawhau). Just 10 minutes from the CBD, it offers one of the best free lookouts in the country.
Highlights:
Crater rim walk (20 min round trip).
360° views of the skyline, harbour, and Waitākere Ranges.
Nearby cafés: The Garden Shed, Circus Circus.
🌅 11. Devonport – Across the Harbour
Take a 15-minute ferry from the downtown terminal to the North Shore’s most charming seaside village.
What to see
Mount Victoria & North Head: twin volcanic hills with tunnels, WWII fortifications, and harbour views.
Cheltenham Beach: calm waters and golden sand.
Devonport Chocolate Factory and Vic Theatre for local flavour.
Fish & chips at the Esplanade Hotel while watching the city skyline sparkle.
Tip: After crossing the Harbour Bridge on the Vintage Views bus, you’ll recognise Devonport’s perfect skyline — it’s a great next-day outing.
🍷 12. Eat & Drink Like a Local
Auckland’s dining scene is thriving, from harbourfront seafood to hidden laneway bistros.
Best for lunch after your tour
Soul Bar & Bistro (Viaduct) — classic NZ seafood and rosé in the sun.
Williams Eatery (Wynyard Quarter) — minimalist, modern, sustainable.
The Brit (Britomart) — gastropub meets modern Kiwi dining (and featured on the Great British Pub Crawl).
Evening picks
Cassia (Fort Lane): modern Indian fine dining.
Mr Morris (Fort Street): creative Kiwi cuisine by award-winning chef Michael Meredith.
Bar Non Solo (Vulcan Lane): Italian aperitivo vibe.
🍺 13. Nightlife & Pubs
Auckland’s nightlife is friendly and walkable, with venues clustered around Ponsonby, Britomart, and the Viaduct.
Where to go
The Brit, Galbraith’s Ale House, Northcote Tavern – stops on the Vintage Views Great British Pub Crawl (a lively evening on wheels).
Caretaker – hidden cocktail bar in Britomart.
Housebar at Hotel DeBrett – vintage interior and martinis.
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen – craft beer and live music.
Pro tip: Even if you’re not on the Pub Crawl tour, these venues make a great DIY circuit for a Saturday night out.
🎭 14. Arts, Culture, and Live Entertainment
Aotea Centre & Civic Theatre: home to musicals, concerts, and the NZ Symphony Orchestra.
Basement Theatre: indie comedy and local drama.
Q Theatre: contemporary performing arts.
Auckland Town Hall: classical concerts and historic architecture.
Check local listings via aucklandlive.co.nz before your trip.
🌳 15. Free & Outdoors
Auckland Domain & Wintergardens – classic park strolls.
Western Park (Ponsonby) – sculptures & views.
Myers Park (K Rd) – inner-city greenery.
Cornwall Park & One Tree Hill – heritage farm park with sweeping city vistas.
These spots are free, family-friendly, and close enough to pair with the Vintage Views Discovery Tour as morning-or-afternoon add-ons.
🛍️ 16. Shopping Highlights
Queen Street: flagship stores (Glassons, Country Road, Apple Store).
Commercial Bay: high-end retail meets food court chic.
Ponsonby Road: boutique designers & gifts.
Parnell Village: art galleries and homeware.
🚢 17. For Cruise Visitors
Auckland’s cruise terminal is within walking distance of most attractions on this list. The Vintage Views bus departs just 2 minutes from the port — making it one of the easiest “shore excursion” style options.
Combine it with:
A quick Sky Tower visit (1 hour).
Lunch at the Viaduct.
Shopping at Britomart before boarding again.
📸 18. Best Photo Spots
Sky Tower Observation Deck – for the full panorama.
Mission Bay Fountain & Beach – with Rangitoto Island in the background.
Harbour Bridge (from the bus or marina) – sunset skyline.
Mount Eden Summit – sunrise or twilight.
Wynyard Quarter Boardwalk – yachts and reflection shots.
Albert Park – floral foreground, city backdrop.
Include hashtags like #ExploreAuckland #ThingsToDoInAuckland #VintageViewsNZ to join the online conversation.
🧭 19. Sample 1-Day Auckland Itinerary
Morning: Coffee in Britomart → Vintage Views Double Decker Tour (11 a.m.)
Lunch: Viaduct Harbour – Soul Bar or Williams Eatery
Afternoon: Auckland Art Gallery → Sky Tower → Harbour Bridge Walk
Evening: Dinner in Ponsonby → optional Pub Crawl tour or cocktails at Caretaker
(Swap in Mission Bay or Parnell if you prefer scenic or heritage focus.)
🧡 20. Why Auckland Works So Well for Visitors
Auckland’s appeal lies in its balance: beaches and city, culture and coffee, Māori heritage and modern design. And because everything listed here is within 30 minutes of the CBD, you can experience a huge range in just a few days.
Adding the Vintage Views bus tour as your introduction to the city ensures you start with context — and that makes every stop that follows richer.
✅ Final Tips for Travellers
Transport: Auckland Transport HOP cards work on ferries, trains, and buses. Taxis and rideshares are widely available.
Weather: Summer (Dec–Mar) is ideal; spring and autumn are mild.
Stay: Central City, Britomart, or Ponsonby are the best bases for walking access to most attractions.
Book ahead: For Sky Tower dining, Vintage Views tours, and popular restaurants.
Free Wi-Fi: Wynyard Quarter, libraries, and major shopping areas.
Final Word
Auckland rewards curiosity — it’s a city best explored with open eyes and an adventurous spirit. Whether you’re sipping coffee in Ponsonby, admiring art in Albert Park, or rolling across the Harbour Bridge on a vintage double-decker, you’ll discover that every corner tells a story.
Start your journey the right way: aboard Vintage Views, where nostalgia meets modern city charm — and where your Auckland adventure truly begins.