Auckland, the largest and most populous city of New Zealand, sits on the country’s North Island amidst two major harbours and tranquil surroundings. The harbour city is home to many iconic landmarks such as the Sky Tower, various historical sites, art and culture centres, parks, museums, markets and food destinations, offering numerous opportunities for locals and visitors to engage in Auckland’s vibrant multicultural scenes. Find out all about the top Things to Do in Auckland, right here.

Also, check out the Top Places to Visit in Auckland, NZ

Start your Auckland tour with the city’s most famous tourist spot, the iconic Sky Tower, which is one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. Head to the observation deck for some stunning views of the city and surroundings. For thrill-seekers, a SkyWalk around the tower's edge will make a lasting memory.

History enthusiasts must visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain. This is one of the largest museums in the area, featuring Maori and Pacific Island artefacts and exhibits on the region’s history and many international events. The Parnell district, a cultural precinct within Auckland, features a lovely mix of galleries, shops, boutiques and eateries housed in heritage buildings.

Other must-visit tourist spots include Viaduct Harbour, Mission Bay Beach, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Town Hall, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Rainbow's End is a theme park located in South Auckland. It is the largest in the country.

For nature lovers, Auckland is a great place to find and explore stunning green spaces, water bodies and native wildlife. The Auckland Botanic Gardens, which is spread across 64 hectares, boasts an extensive display of local and international flora. The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, just a few kilometres from the CBD, features spectacular hiking trails, expansive green fields, rainforest gardens, cascading waterfalls and stunning landscapes.

For beach enthusiasts, Auckland has a serene coastline dotted with many beautiful beaches. Piha and Karekare are among the most famous beaches known for their untouched beauty and black sand. Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach are other popular beaches, where you can indulge in swimming, surfing and local cuisine and shopping at nearby cafes and shops.

For thrill-seekers, Auckland has plenty of options, including jet boat rides through the Hauraki Gulf and guided kayaking tours across bays and marine reserves.

Other than its landmarks and natural beauty, Auckland is well-known for its diverse culture, which is reflected in its exciting shopping and culinary scene, with options ranging from high-end boutiques and vibrant markets to various ethnic restaurants. Britomart, on Quay Street, is a shopping mall featuring designer stores, retail boutiques, eateries and a farmer’s market. It’s also a major rail and bus station. Nearby, the Viaduct Harbour presents a variety of bars, cafes and souvenir shops with views.

For food aficionados, Auckland offers an extremely diverse and delectable culinary scene. From fresh seafood at the Auckland Fish Market to freshly baked items and coffee at seaside cafes and fine-dining restaurants, you’ll not run out of options. Restaurants like Depot and The Grove are great places to taste local cuisines.

There is so much for art enthusiasts to do in Auckland. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the largest art gallery and institution in the country. Showcasing an extensive collection of local and international art, it also routinely holds exhibitions and art events.

To get a peek into Auckland's cultural heritage, visit the Otara Markets in South Auckland to explore the vibrant Polynesian culture through regional arts, cuisines, craftworks, and antiques. The Mangere Arts Centre is where you can experience Maori and Pacific Island culture up close with diverse art and performances.