Auckland is a fantastic city, it is vibrant, cultural, fun and beautiful. We love it! It is not just a city for locals, there are so many things for visitors to do, even with a small window of time. We at the Attic Backpackers have put together a list of things to do and see in Auckland. If you have any more suggestions, contact us today to get it added to the list.
Visiting Auckland in one day
For those of you crazy enough to spend only one day in our gorgeous city here’s the best way to make the most of your time:
Start off the day by taking a walk around the city stopping off at the free art gallery, museum and Auckland’s tallest natural point Mt.Eden, this dormant volcano gives you 3600 views of the whole city.
In the early afternoon have a wander up to the Sky Tower, Australasia’s tallest building reaching a height of 328m! Backpackers can enjoy a $3 discount, just talk to the reception before you head out! If you’re feeling adventurous go for a SkyWalk around the outside of The Sugar Club Restaurant at a cool 192m above street level. Or if you’re feeling like a real daredevil take on the SkyJump, New Zealand’s tallest jump! This thrilling drop has you falling at a speed of 85km/hr for a whopping 11 seconds!
Finally what better way to end the day than watching the kayaking out to Rangitoto Island, the youngest and most active of Auckland’s 53 volcanoes, and enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner whilst watching the sun set over the city, available from the awesome team at Auckland Sea Kayaks.
Visiting Auckland in two days
If you’re visiting Auckland on a tight time schedule here’s the best way to make the most of your limited time in our awesome city:
Day 1
Why not make your first day in Auckland the most thrilling, start your day by heading up the Sky Tower, Australasia’s tallest building, and have a walk around the outside of The Sugar Club restaurant at 192m above street level! The views up here can’t be beat and get yourself your very own postcard shot of Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s landmark volcano island.
You’ve done the scary bit, so now head out with the team from AJ Hackett bungy and take a leap of faith off Auckland’s harbour bridge, New Zealand’s only ocean touch bungy jump, at 43m above ground level.
To end off your day head over to Jack Tar’s restaurant/bar on Auckland’s stunning water front, for the best fish ‘n’ chips in town and that well deserved beer.
Day 2
After your day of thrills and spills, spend your second day getting to know this iconic city. Start off your morning with coffee and/breakfast at Reslau, the French Café just beneath our hostel in the beautiful Elliott Stables.
Next up take a trip to the free art gallery or war memorial museum, to get a sense of Auckland’s rich history and art culture.
Your next stop is to Auckland’s tallest natural point Mt.Eden, this dormant volcano gives you 3600views of the whole city, the hike to the summit is easy and best of all, it’s free!
Finally end off your day down at Mission Bay, one of Auckland’s city beaches a short 10 minute bus journey from the waterfront. Some points of interest at Mission Bay.
Mission Bay’s promenade is lined with some tasty and inexpensive eateries and ice cream parlours, grab some tasty fish and chips or some frozen yoghurt and pick a perch on the beach to watch the sun set!
Visiting Auckland in Three days
If you’ve got quite a few days in Auckland and want to do as much as you can while you’re here, this is the best way to do it:
Day 1
Spend the first part of the day getting to know our lovely city by heading over to the free art gallery and museum, to get a taste of Auckland’s rich history and art culture.
For the second half of your day, kayak over to Rangitoto Island the youngest and most active of Auckland’s 53 volcanoes, and watch the sun set over the city from the summit and enjoy a gourmet dinner with the team from Auckland Sea Kayaks.
Day 2
Start off your day nice and early by heading out for a surf at one of Auckland’s black sand beaches with the team from Surf The Elements. Whether you’re a beginner or semi-pro the well trained team from Surf The Elements, will ensure that your time is safe, fun and memorable!
End off your day with a relaxing drink and dinner at Brothers Beer brewery and restaurant, just a short walk from the hostel.
Day 3
There’s no better way to end your visit to Auckland than by visiting our largest island Waiheke. This island boasts spectacular beaches, vineyards, and a unique Zip Trek tour with breath taking views. The team from Fuller’s ferries has a number of tour options that will allow you to make the most of your time on the island, and ferries run late in to the night so this can be turned into an all out day trip. Bike’s travel for free on the ferry, so if you’re keen to cycle the island (though beware, it is very hilly!) then hire a bike from the guys at adventure cycles and enjoy the day at your own pace. Take the ferry home at the end of the day, enjoy watching the sun set over the city as the ferry draws closer and walk to one of Auckland’s cosmopolitan bars on the waterfront.
