21 Free Things To Do In Auckland

Challenge yourself on the Coast to Coast Walk

When I first arrived in Auckland, I’d heard of the coast to coast walk, and really wanted to do this.  The walk takes you from Waitemata in the north, to Manukau in the South.  It allows you to get your bearings a little, and you will pass a number of heritage areas and panoramic views on the way.

In total, the walk will take 4-5 hours, considering a couple of stops on the way, so set aside a whole morning or afternoon to do it.  Visit one of the iSite tourist information centres to get a map of the route. You can also see the route online here.

The Buzzing Viaduct Harbour

The Viaduct harbour is the main central drag of Auckland I would say.  You can’t avoid it really, so enjoy it.  The harbour is surrounded by bars, restaurants and night clubs.  

This place is busy all day and all night and you can see the super yachts docked in the harbour. I recommend to walk clockwise all around the harbour towards Wynyard Quarter.

Brand New Wynyard Quarter & Silo Park

Wynyard Quarter is an really an extension of Viaduct Harbour, just across the Wynyard Crossing Bridge and along Jellicoe Street.   It’s been rapidly developed over the last 10 years or so to what you see today.  I really like this part of town.

You can have a pleasant stroll along the waterfront, and stop at one of the many bars and restaurants with views out to the harbour.  There is also plenty of park space, and a little pool for the kids.

There’s often events going on here, especially at the weekends at Silo Park, which is just at the North West end of Wynyard Quarter.  Some evenings in Silo Park there is free movies, and at weekends, there is markets selling fresh food and drink, and souvenirs.

Check the website for the latest events. Here’s a cool map of Wynyard quarter, and you can also find out what’s happening.

The Wild West Coast Beaches

You can’t visit Auckland without going to the West Coast Beaches. Piha, Muriwai and Bethells (Te Henga) are three of my favourite to visit. The coastline is stunning, where rugged black sand beaches meets the Tasman Sea.

You need a car to visit, as no public transport comes here.  Piha is about a 45 minute drive from Central Auckland, and maybe because of that, its never too busy.

You can easily find your own spot on the beaches and I advise to take a picnic with you, as there is not really any food options nearby.  You can take surfing lessons here in the summer, which I highly recommend.

There is also a number of hiking trails, such as The Mercer Bay Track, and the Tasman Lookout. You can find details of the trails at the Auckland iSite, none are particularly hard, so choose one or two that suits you physical condition and available time. At Muruwai you can get up close to a huge gannet colony between August and March.

 

Admire the Beauty at Shakespear Regional Park

If you feel like escaping the city for a while, look no further. This is one of my favourite places to visit just outside of Auckland.  There is a bus service that will take you here, but’s it easier if you have your own car, it’s an hours drive from central Auckland.

It is a nature park located on the Whangaparaoa peninsula.  There is 3 walkways you can follow, and a sandy beach (Army Bay) too.  If you have time, definitely try to make it here, its so idyllic and peaceful.

Escape To K Road

Karangahapa Road, or ‘K’ Road as it is affectionately known, offers something a bit alternative to the rest of Auckland.  You’ll find a number of retro and vintage shops here, as well as some of the City’s best and cosiest cafe’s.  

It’s also known for its lively nightlife, and you’ll find a different crowd here. It’s very lively and colourful, and it’s home to a number of gay clubs and live music. 

Visit a Dormant Volcano – Rangitoto Island

Auckland is a thin isthmus, therefore is surrounded by water. Almost any view of the harbour from CBD, you will likely see a cone shaped island on the horizon.  That island is Rangitoto.  Rangitoto is a dormant volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf.

You can reach the Island in about 25 minutes on one of the Fullers Ferries departing from the downtown ferry terminal.

The landscape of the island is very different from the mainland, well, it is a volcano after all!  Once on the island, you can climb to the summit.  Be aware that there is no shops on the island, so you need to bring everything with you.  The day I went, it was boiling, so make sure you take sun screen, and plenty to drink and eat.

It will take a good few hours to walk to the summit, and it can be hard work. However, the experience is well worth it, and when else do you get to visit a volcano close up like this.

Appreciate The Best View From Mount Eden

Mount Eden is a small village, and the name of the dominating hill top overlooking it. The vantage point from the hill offers one of the best views of the City from its peak (the highest point in the city).

Mount Eden is another volcanic peak with hiking trails leading to the summit with views of the Hauraki Gulf.  You can walk from the bottom all the way to the top, it’s not too hard.  If you have a car, you can cheat, and drive more than halfway.

Be aware, it’s always very windy at the top, so bring an extra layer, even on a warm day.  Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Party at Night, Shop in the Day – Britomart

Britomart is the area at the end of Queen Street (the main through-fare) and Customs Street.  Originally a transport hub, you’ll find the main Train Station, and a number of bus stops here.  

It’s been completely regenerated in the last 10 years, and now, in the day, you can enjoy the cafes and boutique shops.  In the evenings, it is now one of the most popular and trendiest areas for a night out, and easy walking distance to Viaduct Harbour and Parnell. 

Beach Time at Takapuna

Takapuna is a coastal suburb on the North Shore of Auckland, and its most famous for its beach.  The waters are generally calm and great for paddle boarding and kayaking.  Takapuna has many shops, cafe’s and bars, and easily enough to keep you busy for a day.

Although often busy, you will always be able to find enough space on the beach to lay your towel down.  If you walk about 2.5km north, you’ll come to Milford Beach, which is potentially even more beautiful and quiet, as it’s a bit further away from the busy throngs of Takapuna.

Relax at Albert Park

Albert Park is atop a small hill (obviously) right in the centre of Auckland.  It’s not very big, but makes for a very pleasant afternoon stroll, or maybe a picnic in the park.  In it’s centre are some colourful gardens, monuments and fountains.

Wander through Parnell

Trendy Parnell is an inner-city suburb, east of Auckland CBD.  Take a stroll along Parnell Road to explore the great cafe’s and boutique shops.  I particularly adore the wood panelled villa’s with their perfect veranda’s that align the road, probably because such architecture doesn’t really exist in my home country.

If you start your walk from Parnell Rise, and walk inland, you’ll eventually arrive at Newmarket, which is the largest shopping area in the CBD. Alternatively, you can take a right hand turn down Domain Drive to visit The Domain.

Get Fit at Auckland Domain

The Auckland Domain is the largest park nearest to the CBD.  It sits around the cone of an extinct volcano, the contours of the land creating almost a natural type of amphitheatre. Elevated in the centre of the park is the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Whenever you visit the park, you’ll likely see locals going for a run, or playing some kind of sports, football, rugby or cricket.  If you feel like fitting in some exercise on your trip, come here for a little inspiration.

Slow Down and Chill at Devonport

Devonport is a picturesque waterfront suburb on the North Shore peninsula, best accessed by ferry from Quay St. (10 mins).  Devonport’s location means it is kind of so near, yet so far in a way, which I think gives it it’s lovely village feel.

Whenever I visited, it just seemed more of a chilled out quaint village vibe, always relaxing, and enjoyable.  While in Devonport, you can climb two extinct volcanoes, Mount Victoria and North Head for panoramic views of Auckland City and the surrounding Hauraki Gulf.

Free things to do in Auckland – Trendy Ponsonby

The trendy neighbourhood of Ponsonby is one of the nearest suburbs to the CBD. Ponsonby is probably my favourite place to have an afternoon stroll. It’s always busy and vibrant, and has many boutique shops, independent cafe’s and plenty of restaurants. 

I particularly like Ponsonby Central, which is a funky food court essentially, but looks really good. There is a lots of different cuisine options here, and feels a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere. 

My favourite is El Sizzling Chorizo, a great Argentinian steak house, where you can watch the chef’s at work right in front of you.

Let Loose Your Inner Child on the e-Scooters

When you arrive in Auckland, you can not help but notice these scooters left lying all over the City. Whilst this activity is not entirely free, I have to recommend you take these for a spin, at least once.

They’ve caused a bit of debate and controversy in Auckland, some complaining they litter the streets, and some fearing the danger they pose to pedestrians. Whatever your views, it looks like they’re here to stay.

The scooters offer an alternative way navigate the hilly CBD, and can give your legs a rest for awhile! I liked to ride them around Viaduct and Wynyard quarter, but please be careful and look out for pedestrians!

They’re not particularly cheap, and there is now four operators, so I wouldn’t go crazy with them, but it it a bit of fun once in a while. Prices are usually per minute.

Party Time at Father Ted’s Irish Pub

I don’t usually name specific restaurants and bars, as they can change so often, but I’ll make an exception on this occasion.  I had so many good nights here, I have to make a mention.  

On the corner of Queen Street and Wellesley Street West, you’ll find Father Teds.  It’s your typical Irish bar, but just the best one in Auckland!   Have a sing along, play some pool, sit outside and people watch. Pay them a visit, and tell me what you think.

SkyCity and Sky Tower

I couldn’t write an article about Auckland and not mention the iconic Sky Tower.  You can’t miss the huge 328 metre structure that dominates the Auckland skyline.  I won’t talk about going up the Sky Tower, as that definitely isn’t free! You can walk around the rim, and even bungee jump from it. If this does interest you, find out more on their website.

However, SkyCity is an entertainment complex just next to the tower.  The main draw here is the huge casino set over two floors.  I often came here for a cheap eat, surprisingly cheap and quite good. I guess they want to keep the punters here gambling.  There is a couple of popular bars here too that often have live music and performances.

Nelson Street Cycleway

Finally, the last item on 21 free things to do in Auckland, is this new cycle path. The authorities have repurposed an old motorway off ramp that wasn’t used anymore.  I have to admit I haven’t seen this, it was completed after my last visit.

It’s been nominated for architecture awards, its pink, and looks awesome, sounds good enough for me!  If you don’t have a bike, it’s also open to pedestrians too. If you visit, let me know what you think?

Conclusion – 21 Free Things to do in Auckland

So there it is, my top tips of free things to do in Auckland. Auckland is definitely worth visiting for a few days, and I highly recommend all of the activities I have mentioned.

Auckland is a great City to base yourself in to explore some of the best places to visit on the North Island. I can’t wait to write more content on this Country, my second home really. 

It’s so beautiful, and amazing, if you haven’t been, don’t hesitate to book that flight. It’s a once in a lifetime destination for most, so make the most of of it, you seriously won’t regret it.