11 ways to get active in Auckland

The adventure trail runs hot in Auckland. Whether you want to really get the adrenalin pumping or embark on an active outdoor escapade, you’ll find plenty to excite you here.

1. Whale and dolphin watching

Take a cruise on board a marine research vessel in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and you’ll likely encounter Bryde’s whales, dolphins, orcas and seals.

2. Weta Workshop

Academy award-winning design and effects company Weta Workshop (of Lord of the Rings’ fame) have a new immersive journey to experience at SkyCity, scheduled to open December 2020.

3. SkyJump and bridge climb

Take the trip up the Sky Tower one step further by venturing around its outer rim or leaping off the edge. Climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge or bungy jumping from its beams is also popular.

Fireworks over Auckland's Skyline

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4. Animal encounters

Auckland Zoo is an 11-minute drive from central Auckland and home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. The zoo is undergoing an extensive expansion to include the South East Asia Jungle Track. This habitat already houses orangutans and will soon feature tigers and crocodiles, too. For marine life, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is on Tāmaki Drive, a 10-minute drive from downtown Auckland.

5. All Blacks Experience

Can you beat the All Blacks? Test your skills in the interactive zone at the All Blacks Experience. All set to open December 2nd 2020, this state-of-the-art experience is located at SkyCity’s Entertainment Precinct and celebrates everything from New Zealand’s acclaimed rugby heritage to the All Blacks’ powerful pre-game haka.

6. Rainbow's End Theme park

Enjoy over 20 attractions, including rollercoasters and thrill rides; the log flume, bumper boats and miniature Suzuki Swift cars to drive. Located 20-minutes by car from central Auckland with free parking.

7. Daredevil antics

Set in a volcanic rock valley in Piha Canyon, a 50-minute drive from central Auckland, join AWOL Canyoning Adventures for a day of daring jumps, exploration and waterfall abseils, the biggest of which is 50m. For the ultimate thrill, Skydive Auckland offer the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand: 20,000ft.

8. Ziplining

Soar above native forest and a working vineyard on Waiheke Island with EcoZip Adventures, or head out west to Tree Adventures at Woodhill Forest. The treetop suspended obstacle and zipline course is a lot of fun. From December 2020, you’ll be able to zipline at Eden Park. Starting on the stadium’s roofline you’ll swoosh over the pitch, landing seconds later on the world-famous field.

9. PYO Strawberries

Most farms are approximately 30 minutes by car from central Auckland and open for PYO between December and February. Your first kilo is complimentary at Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens in Kumeū, and the farm shop at Sweet Red Strawberries in Helensville serves real strawberry ice cream. At family-friendly Zaberri in Riverhead there are raspberries to pick, too.

10. Habitat Tours

Spot adorable kiwi in their natural habitat. Your chances are greatly increased with the expertise of your guide on a full-day wildlife ecotour with Habitat Tours. Departing central Auckland, rove through Tāwharanui Regional Park with a maximum group of seven, stopping to admire the flora and fauna, including Nessie, a six-foot eel. A picnic dinner is included followed by a night hike to search for kiwi, nocturnal spiders and insects.

11. Auckland Harbour Cruises

Join The Red Boats for a 90-minute cruise to The Riverhead, a 160-year-old historic tavern where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch before ferrying back. The Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise also sails across Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, treating guests to welcome drinks, canapés, a three-course meal and dazzling views over a glistening skyline.

Auckland Harbour Bridge lit during Vector Lights

Shannon Kemp