Time Off

The Auckland climate and environment encourage almost everyone to take some outdoor activity, be it lazing on a local beach, sipping a well-made coffee, or doing something more active.

Sailors and ocean-lovers will find themselves well catered for: the Viaduct Harbour makes a fashionable centrepiece for the yachting scene; close at hand are a magnificent sea and the tempting islands of the Huaraki Gulf. Cycling, hiking, bungee jumping and rock climbing opportunities are available; much cricket and rugby is played.

Music and the arts play their parts in the city's life too, with fine exhibitions and performances in the city's museums, galleries and concert halls.

Auckland Attractions

Viaduct Harbour
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 979 2333

Newly renovated dock that played host to the Americas Cup teams when the yachting extravaganza was in town and is now one of the world's most vibrant premier sailing centres.

New Zealand National Maritime Museum
Corner of Quay and Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 373 0800

Working sailing ships, steam ships and seafaring history.

The Ferry Building
99 Quay Street, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 979 2333

Renovated ferry terminus - ferry departures and prestigious restaurants.

Sky Tower
Corner of Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 363 6422

Tall, slender tower located in the middle of Auckland - great views of the city and the sea from its observation levels.

The Edge
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 309 2677 | Fax: +64 9 309 2679

A collection of historic and contemporary buildings housing theatres and concert halls, amongst them the Aotea Centre.

Auckland Art Gallery
Corner of Wellesley and Kitchener Streets, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 307 7700 | Fax: +64 9 302 1096

The city's premier art gallery features works from New Zealand and around the world.

Auckland War Memorial Museum
Domain Drive, The Domain, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 309 0443 | Fax: +64 9 306 7065

Located in a handsome park with extensive views, the museum shows interesting temporary exhibitions and has permanent collections of the history, flora and fauna of New Zealand and surrounding areas.

Rangitoto Island
Waitemata Harbour, Auckland

Exhausted volcanic cone hosting a small nature reserve at the entrance to Waitemata Harbour.

Waiheke Island
Waitemata Harbour, Auckland
Island of beaches and vineyards, with opportunities for sailing, canoeing and horse-riding.

Judges Bay and Mission Bay Beaches
Auckland
Beaches of a high quality close to the city.

Auckland Shopping

Fashionable clothes and jewellery are popular buys for visitors to New Zealand. The country has a tradition of handicrafts and its varied climactic conditions encourage the making of clothes from woollen jumpers to beachwear. Some New Zealand designers are world-renowned.

Auckland Shopping Neighbourhoods

In the centre of the city High Street and Queen Street are the places for fashion and speciality shopping. Nearby, the Aotea Square markets are held on Fridays and Saturdays. On the waterfront the Downtown Shopping Centre is a convenient and upmarket mall. Ponsonby houses chic clothing stores and upmarket antiques shops.