Auckland is one of the prominent urban centers of New Zealand where history meets modernity. It is a vibrant city where museums and galleries coexist with clubs. Known for its picturesque beaches, Auckland also has a strong maritime history that attracts thousands of visitors to its shore from everywhere in the World. Auckland also boasts a handful of Instagram-worthy locations, making it the hub of visitors and influencers alike. Auckland’s major attractions are its sea sports which include kayaking, surfing, and sailing. Here are some things to do in Auckland.
Visit Auckland Art Gallery:
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is one of the significant public art galleries in New Zealand. The gallery has an extensive collection of over 1500 pieces of artwork, including European paintings and Maori paintings. If you are visiting Auckland, strolling through the Museum with family would be an evening well spent. The current exhibitions in the Museum include Gilbert and George, Heavenly Beings, and Declaration. Auckland Art Gallery also offers various fun games for children, therefore is a perfect place to visit if you are out for a family vacation.
Stargazing on Great Barrier Island:
Great Barrier Island lies in the outer Hauraki Gulf, about 100 km from Auckland, New Zealand. You can reach this scenic location either by flight or ferry. Flights from Auckland can take you to this location within 30 minutes while taking a ferry can take up to 4 hours. However, taking a ferry is the most commonly chosen mode of travel as tourists like to enjoy the relaxing ferry ride while taking in the surrounding breathtaking beauty. With a ferry ride, you might occasionally spot dolphins or whales. The Great Barrier Island is also a Dark Sky Sanctuary (private or public land certified to have exceptionally beautiful starry nights), making it tourists’ favorite location to stargaze and indulge in some deep thoughts while listening to the waves.
Shopping in Queen Street:
Buying souvenirs from Queen Street is a must-do activity if you are visiting Auckland. Queen Street facilitates a perfect shopping experience with its chain of the most popular brands all in one lane. Here you can take care of all your shopping needs and purchase gifts for friends and family back home. From Gucci, Prada, Dior, H&M, and Coach, Queen Street is the best place to go for a luxury shopping spree. Tired after a long day of shopping? You can enjoy a delicious meal at Commercial Bay, located on lower Queen Street. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the availability of local and International Cuisine at Commercial Bay.
Kayak to Rangitoto Island:
Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf is a volcanic island that can be reached by a short ferry ride from Auckland. You can also reach this beautiful destination by kayaking for almost two hours. If you want to spend quality time with your friends, chatting and cracking jokes along the way, we recommend you kayak to the island. Rangitoto Island boasts some of the best hiking trails in Auckland, tantalizing visitors with picturesque views. This island is home to some of the most visited Lava Caves, and if you are visiting Auckland, climbing one of these lava caves is a must-do activity. These caves are only 15 minutes away from the Rangitoto summit, and visitors can take a brisk walk after enjoying the scenic views from the summit.