Sightseeing in Auckland

Auckland Domain and Auckland Museum 

Among Auckland's principal sights and attractions, the Auckland Domain looms large. It is a do-not-miss spot that ought to be at the top of every Auckland visitor's list. It is of course the oldest park in the city, and wonderfully diverse. It is built around the cone of an extinct volcano and the land contours form a natural amphitheater. In addition to the Auckland Museum, it is home to the Winter Garden, with a fabulous collection of temperate-zone and tropical plants. The museum is set on three floors: the ground level is devoted to the people of New Zealand and contains one of the best Maori and Pacific collections in the world; the first level explains the place – how New Zealand came to be and its natural history; and the second level concerns New Zealand at War. The Auckland Museum was established in 1852, and the museum building (opened in 1929) was established as a memorial to New Zealand war dead. The original museum contents were moved to this complex, and during the 1990s a major renovation and renewal was undertaken. There is a Maori Cultural Performance three times daily.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki 

For art lovers there's the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. This is the place to see New Zealand art, for the gallery has a great collection of contemporary and traditional New Zealand as well as international art. You can view works by both Gottfried Lindauer and Charles F. Goldie, two of New Zealand’s favorite artists of Maori subjects. The gallery is conveniently located near downtown (jonly a block from Queen Street) and offers free tours daily at 2 pm. This is an absolutely superb spot to spend some time, since the gallery itself is free. The gallery is located at the corner of Wellesley and Kichener Streets, and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Sky Tower

Sky City, located at the corner of Federal and Victoria Streets, features a 328-meter (1,066-foot) needle that pirces the Auckland sky, clouds and all. However, if you're in the city on a clear day, ride the elevator to the top for an unobstructed, 360°ree; panoramic view, which is out of this world! There is also a casino here for the gamblers among us. But even more interesting, particularly for the intrepid lot, is the adrenaline-pumping Sky Jump, New Zealand’s highest bungy jump - one to remember! Alternatively, you can simply climb to the top of the tower with Vertigo Climb.

Auckland Bridge Climb

And here's another. For more heights and activity, consider the Auckland Bridge Climb. It’s a 2½-hour trip, up and thorough and over the Auckland harbor bridge, well worth it for the brave souls. But there's a small caveat: it's open only to persons seven years and older. The bridge climb is open to the public daily.

MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)

MOTAT, Museum of Transport and Technology, located at 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, combined with the Sir Keith Park Memorial Site which is a part of MOTAT, offers yet more interest. Here, among the principal displays, from the ceiling there hangs an airplane, The Flaglor Scooter, a before-its-time ultralight. In addition, there are several considerably more historically significant airplanes in the exhibits inventory, such as the Solent Mark IV Flying Boat that is outfitted for the period. For those seriously into airplanes, this is indeed the place – especially as the volunteers here are quite engaging. Also on display at the museum are trains, vehicles, and military transport exhibits, as well as a replica Victorian Village.

Mt. Eden 

Mt. Eden, or Maungawhau, is one of Auckland's more prominent dormant volcanos. From its summit you can enjoy superb views of the city and harbor. There are also some worthwhile walking trails here. Besides which, it is really quite a pleasant little spot for a picnic, and fairly close to downtown.

One Tree Hill 

One Tree Hill, or Maungakiekie, is easily one of Auckland's most famous landmarks. It is of course also a dormant volcano, yet much more. Located a bit farther out from the city center, it nevertheless has some exceptionally good walking and biking trails. And here's something to ponder: right in the heart of the business district of Auckland, you can see sheep and cattle grazing in the lower paddocks of the One Tree Hill park. There are also olive groves, kauri trees and massive oaks in the park. As an added bonus, on a clear day, the views from the top of the "hill" are spectacular. One Tree Hill Park and Cornwall Park come together to form the largest park in Auckland.