A cycle tour is a great way to get familiar with central Auckland. Don’t let an incline deter you; with Power to the Pedal’s ebikes you don’t have to break a sweat. Cruise along dedicated cycle lanes, weaving through Auckland’s favourite neighbourhoods and parks. You’ll not only take in iconic sights of the city, but also get to discover places that only locals know about. Enjoy live commentary and fun facts from your guide through a cycle tour headset and get a true sense of city life up close.
One of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks, Maungawhau Mount Eden is the highest natural point (maunga) in the region. Stretch your legs with a scenic walk to the top. The incredible panoramic views from the summit offer an Insta-worthy backdrop of the city and its harbours.
Or take to the water (and to the helm) on an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Help steer the boat or work to hoist the mainsail during this hands-on sailing adventure. Experience the thrill of sailing a high-performance yacht (alongside experienced crew) as you cruise through the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.
Finish your day with dining in one of Auckland’s top restaurants. Serving up fresh New Zealand food at its best, Ahi celebrates local produce from both land and sea, with seasonal ingredients dished up in the most authentic Kiwi way. Or try local, sustainably caught seafood at Kingi, including a raw bar with a deliciously fresh selection of kingfish, oysters and kahawai. Try Kingi’s kina toast with pancetta, named one of Auckland’s most iconic eats in 2024. Vegetarians will find an incredible plant-focused spread with cuisine from Asia at East Restaurant.
Take a drive out to the wild west coast as you venture into the Waitākere Ranges, home to some of the most scenic walks Auckland has to offer. Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, there are tracks with varying difficulty levels, such as Omanawanui Track, Kitekite Falls Track and Mercer Bay Loop Walk. These tracks take you through lush native bush and offer legendary clifftop views, accompanied by a soundtrack of birdsong.
Auckland’s west coast is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Sit back, have your camera ready, and enjoy the journey with Bush and Beach, an award-winning eco tour company. Their Wilderness Experience Nature Tour will give you a great taste of this unique coastline, featuring stunning scenery of rainforest and native trees, easy walking tracks, waterfalls, clifftops and Piha’s unique black sand surf beach. The tour includes a stop at the Arataki Visitors Centre, with panoramic views across the rainforest to both of Auckland’s harbours, and see traditional Māori carvings.
The Hauraki Gulf is Auckland’s big blue backyard, and there are plenty of ways to discover what lies within it. Fullers360 makes it easy to explore the highlights, including one of the city’s most familiar icons, Rangitoto Island. Take a 25-minute ferry to the island, where you’ll find a safe and relatively easy walking track, with spectacular views back to the city. The more adventurous may prefer to paddle there under their own steam with Auckland Sea Kayaks.
Tiritiri Matangi Island is another of the Gulf’s main attractions. Three kilometres from the mainland, this island is a sanctuary for birdlife living within restored native forest. There are a variety of walks to suit different levels, and if the weather is right, enjoy a swim at Hobbs Beach and keep an eye out for little penguins.
Waiheke Island might be well-known for its vineyards, but equally it’s an island of outdoor adventure. Try Ziplining across tree canopies with EcoZip Adventures, join a walking or cycle tour, have a go at archery or claybird shooting, or explore the coastline by kayak. Of course, after working up a thirst, you can reward your efforts with a stop in at one of the islands renowned wineries. Waiheke Island is just a 40-minute trip across Auckland’s scenic Waitematā Harbour, which is a pretty picturesque journey to enjoy in itself.