6 minute read
Central Auckland Must Do's
Queen Street
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Central Auckland’s famous city centre street jostles with shops, theatres, a cinema complex and colourful nightlife.
All Blacks Experience
Stand in the middle of a virtual pitch, come face-to-face with a life-size (albeit digital) All Blacks’ haka and test your ball skills at this interactive thrill, at SkyCity.
Te Komititanga Square
This new, beautifully designed pedestrian plaza outside Commercial Bay is a great place to relax, mid shopping.
Te Wānanga
Between the Ferry Building and Princes Wharf, this public space is a fabulous enhancement to the Auckland waterfront.
The Wintergardens
A free-to-visit Victorian-style glasshouse in the Auckland Domain. Established in the early 1900s, it is a peaceful enclave replete with rare plants.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Located on the edge of Albert Park, the striking gallery houses an impressive permanent collection and hosts temporary exhibitions of international quality. General admission is free for New Zealand residents.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Explore the world’s largest collection of Māori taonga and delve into ancient wonders. The South Atrium, Te Ao Mārama is the museum’s newest space, while the new Tāmaki Herenga Waka gallery is hugely hands-on. Free entry for New Zealand visitors.
Auckland Sky Tower
Be elevated above the city to the top of Auckland’s signature landmark. Volcano-spot from the viewing deck, dine at the revolving restaurant or strap in for the new Skyslide VR experience. (Your mind will bejettisoned around the cityscape while your feet stay firmly on the ground.) A Sunday option is sunrise yoga.
Bar Albert
This glamorous art decoinspired bar has cinched the title ofthe highest rooftop bar in Aotearoa, crowning the voco Auckland City Centre Hotel on level 38.
High Street
Fashionistas must make time to peruse this hub of affordable fashion boutiques, running parallel to Queen Street.
Venues at Aotea Arts Quarter
The Classic Comedy Club hosts live cabaret-style comedy shows; the Basement Theatre is small, personal and showcases home-grown talent and Q Theatre is well-known for its thought-provoking performances.
Britomart
In lanes and open spaces adjacent to Auckland’s main transport hub you’ll find designer stores by day and secret speakeasies by night.
Commercial Bay
A world-class hub of international shopping and worldwide dining spread over several stylish floors at the foot of Queen Street.
Superette - credit Commercial Bay
The Lighthouse at Queens Wharf
This art work by Michael Parekowhai invites you to peek inside a mysterious white house sitting at the end of the pier.
Giapo
Buying an ice cream creation from Giapo, on Gore Street, is as much of an experience as it is a dessert.
Auckland Explorer Bus
Enjoy this Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour and visit Auckland’s top attractions. Buses run every 30 minutes.
Spa Experiences
Try the renovated spa at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour or relax at Chuan Spa at the Cordis hotel, The Spa at Park Hyatt Auckland or East Day Spa at SkyCity Auckland.
Weta Workshop Unleashed
Step into one of their fantastical film effects workshops and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in the making.
The New Zealand Maritime Museum
Home to New Zealand’s largest maritime collection. Learn about Team New Zealand at the Blue Water Black Magic Gallery and book an America’s Cup Tour.
Elliott Stables
This buzzing indoor dining village serves up an array of international foods, so there’s no need to compromise! Perfect for socialising.
Go-Electric
Whip around the city in half the time on an e-bike or e-scooter. Simply find the one closest to you on the street, download their app and off you go!
Commercial Bay Bars
Public Bar has the air of a British pub, Ghost Donkey is a Mexican-influenced tequila bar and the glamorous Reign and Pour does just that.
Sidecar Tours
Zip around central Auckland in the two-seater sidecar of a motorbike. A three to four-hour city skedaddle stops at must-see sites and popular cafés.
High Tea at Sea
Combining bubbles and buttered scones, board Nautilus, a handsome vintage boat for a one-hour cruise and cream tea on the harbour. Book through the NZ Maritime Museum.
Historic Pubs and Restaurants
Tony’s Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant is an Auckland icon, sitting on Wellesley Street for over 58 years. Likewise, The Shakespeare Restaurant & Brewery on Albert St has been serving punters since 1898 and houses New Zealand’s oldest micro-brewery.
Daldang
Macaron lover? Time to try a ‘fatcaron’ at Daldang, on Upper Queen St. Twice as thick (think sandwich sized) and twice as nice, fillings range from strawberry cheesecake to affogato – and pretty much everything in between.
Waka Hourua sailing under Auckland Harbour Bridge © Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
MORE CITY MUST DO’S...
> Academy Arthouse Cinema
> Albert Park in the heart of the city
> Aotea Square
> Auckland Historic Bar Tour
> Britomart Sunday Market
> Civic on Queen Street
> Coast to Coast Walkway
> City Laneways - Vulcan Lane, Fort Lane, Snickel Lane, Ruakai Lane and Commercial Bay's floor-level walkway
> Miann Dessert Bars
> Myers Park playground
> Odyssey Sensory Maze in Sky World Entertainment Centre
> Skydive Auckland
> Te Ara I Whiti/The Lightpath
> Victoria Park
> Comvita Wellness Lab
Mt Eden © Scott Venning
