First Time in Auckland? Here Are 5 Must-See Spots
Welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand’s most popular city. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is rich in maritime history, Māori culture and natural beauty. From the bustling city streets to the picturesque parks, Auckland will surprise and delight with activities and attractions for all. Ace has locations near the airport and the city centre so you can begin your adventure as soon as you get the keys to your rental car. Not sure where to start? We recommend checking out these five must-see spots in and around Auckland to make the most of your time on the North Island.
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Maungawhau/Mount Eden
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Piha Beach
See It All From the Sky Tower
Starting in the city centre, soar to new heights and experience Auckland from a unique angle at the Sky Tower. At 328 metres tall, the iconic tower is a notable feature of Auckland’s skyline and a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. With 360-degree panoramic views, you can take in the sights of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and beyond from the Tower’s observation deck. For those on the more adventurous side, check out the SkyJump where you can leap off Aotearoa New Zealand’s tallest building at a speed of up to 85kph, or the SkyWalk where you can make your way around the outside of the tower with no handrails! Head to the gift shop on your way out and bring home a memento from your visit to the landmark or stop for a meal at the SkyCity complex located on the ground level. We recommend Andy’s Burgers and Bar for a casual meal or Fortunata Buffet Restaurant for an all-you-can-eat style offering that’s great value for money!
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Tallest building in New Zealand
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SkyWalk and SkyJump experiences
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Dining options
Escape to Waiheke Island
A tropical oasis just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island showcases the best of the region’s sun, sand and sea. Bring your rental car along on the vehicle ferry so you can explore at your own pace. Craving a beach holiday? Rest, recharge and relax on the white sands of Palm Beach. The water is ideal for swimming, and there’s a children’s playground for the little ones. As far as food and drink go, Waiheke has you covered. With wineries, distilleries and restaurants scattered around the Island, there’s something to satisfy all cravings. Check out Arcadia - a cafe, restaurant and bar offering chilled-out vibes with a view of the ocean from across the road. As far as beachside holidays go, Waiheke Island has it all. Head here for diving and snorkel lessons, guided walks and outdoor activities, plus, there’s plenty of accommodation available if you want to extend your stay.
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Stunning beaches
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Diving and snorkelling experiences
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Passenger and vehicle ferries
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Accommodation options
Auckland War Memorial Museum
This fun, interactive and educational museum is an excellent place to learn all about the Māori culture and the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. On the ground floor, you’ll find a full-sized Marae, a traditional Māori meeting house, where you can step in and explore more. The Pacific Lifeways and Masterpieces exhibits showcase Oceanic artefacts with life-sized canoes and watercrafts. Head up to the first level to the Weird & Wonderful Discovery Centre - an interactive children’s gallery - and learn about the country’s turbulent geology. With an in-depth look at the history of New Zealand, and specifically Auckland, the Museum is a must-see for those wanting to learn more about the country. From native flora and fauna to war memorials and Māori history, there’s so much to discover over the three levels of this expansive museum.
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Three levels to explore
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Kids areas
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Bistro, bar and gift shop
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On-site car parking
Visit a Real Life Volcano at Maungawhau/Mount Eden
A trip to Aotearoa New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a volcano! Known for its extensive volcanic field, Auckland consists of about 53 volcanic features - with craters and cones giving the city a unique landscape and plenty of scenic lookouts. Maungawhau/Mount Eden is a dormant volcano located just a short drive from the city centre. As the highest volcanic peak in mainland Auckland, the views of the city and harbour are unparalleled from the volcano’s summit. Perfect for a sunset picnic or a day walk, head to Mount Eden and be immersed in Auckland’s geological history. From the top, journey back down the volcano to Friend & Whau Cafe for a drink or snack with epic views.
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Auckland’s highest volcanic peak
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Walking track to the summit
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Cafes and restaurants nearby
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Parking available
Discover the Beauty of Piha Beach
Travel a little further out of the city to discover natural beauty at one of Auckland’s most popular beaches - Piha Beach. A black sand beach nestled between rugged headlands, Piha is not so much a swimming beach as it is a destination for visitors to admire sweeping views of the Tasman Sea, rocky cliff faces and crashing waves. A notable feature of the beach is Lion Rock (Te Piha) - a picturesque rock formation that meets the strong currents of the ocean. Watching the waves crash against Lion Rock is an experience in itself! If you’re a surfer, Piha is well known for its powerful waves, with many experienced surfers competing here.
Seeking more solace? A 15-minute drive from Piha Beach is an exciting walking track that’ll lead you to Karekare Falls. A short walk through the lush rainforest will take you to the cascading waterfall - the perfect place to take a moment to close your eyes, hear the rushing sounds of the falls and feel the subtle spray of water on your skin. As New Zealand often experiences storms and heavy weather conditions, be sure to check if the site is open before you visit. It’s also important to follow local guidelines around cleaning your shoes before and after the walk to protect the country’s ecosystem - most walking trails will have stations to do this at entry and exit points.
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Black sand beach
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Lion Rock (Te Piha)
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Nearby waterfall tracks
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Parking
From natural beauty to cultural experiences, there’s so much to see and do in and around Auckland. Whether you’re looking for fun and adventure, seeking quiet time amongst nature or looking for ways to entertain the kids, Auckland has plenty to offer. Discover the best of North Island with a visit to these five must-see spots.
