Interested in visiting the City of Sails? New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is a multicultural gem with mesmerizing natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a lively entertainment scene.
You could spend years exploring Auckland and still find something new each time you return. But if it’s your first visit, these experiences are a perfect place to start.
Foodies Will Enjoy a Cooking Class
Attending a class doesn’t necessarily fit everyone’s definition of fun. However, in a city with a vibrant culinary scene like Auckland, taking a class, specifically a cooking course, deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Culinary schools require signing up in advance as they must organize groups and provide the necessary ingredients. Many allow specifying dietary requirements upon application to ensure a personalized experience.
Attendees get the chance to learn new recipes, sharpen their cooking skills, and, most importantly, have fun. At the end of the class, each student (or a pair) presents their dish, and everyone gets to enjoy a bite or two.
Or, You Can…
Skip the prep and simply explore Auckland’s vibrant dining scene. Eateries across the city cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
The fusion of traditional dishes from New Zealand, Europe, and Asia, combined with contemporary cooking techniques, offers a diverse spectrum of local and international flavors your palate will love.
During the summer, Auckland hosts night markets at various locations. These markets attract both locals and tourists eager to spend enjoyable summer nights surrounded by fun-loving people, with a good craft beer in hand and some tasty street food – simplicity at its finest.
The City in the Palm of Your Hand
Head to the SkyTower to enjoy the panoramic view of Auckland from the 328m tall landmark and one of the city’s most popular attractions. Get your tickets on time, especially if it is a group visit.
The view from the tower is spectacular both day and night. Some people come right before sunset to enjoy both. SkyCity Casino is part of the same entertainment complex as Sky Tower, making it easy to combine both in a single visit. The venue has become synonymous with entertainment in Auckland, be it in its brick-and-mortar or online form.
Enjoying the panoramic splendour at the top of the SkyCity Tower, spiced up with a round or two of your favorite casino games, is a day well spent. Even if you decide to visit just one, it will be memorable.
Travel Beyond the Auckland Sky
Go to the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium to take part in a virtual visit to a faraway galaxy by attending Our Sky Tonight. The observatory organizes various shows, one of which is a reproduction of the sky as it is on the night you visit.
After the show, many visitors go outside to gaze up at the sky, stars, and planets through the telescopes located in the courtyard. It’s an engaging, family-friendly way to end the evening.
Is It a Bar or a Golf Court?
Near Viaduct Harbour, you’ll find Holey Moley Golf Club — a quirky mini-golf-themed bar where you can play, sip your favorite beverage, and enjoy snacks or a proper dinner.
It’s family-friendly during the day and adults-only after 7 p.m. Alongside mini golf, it also offers karaoke rooms, making it a fun prelude to a night out in the Viaduct area.
Enjoy the Sunset from the Top of the Volcano
Just to be clear, all of these volcanoes are long extinct — the city sits on about 50 of them. Exploring one is a uniquely Auckland experience, especially popular with first-time visitors.
You can hike up one of Auckland’s volcanic peaks and watch the sunset — a mesmerizing experience. Some of the most visited are One Tree Hill and Mount Eden, the city’s highest natural point. Vehicle access to Mount Eden’s summit is restricted to protect the sacred site, but walking paths remain open and offer breathtaking views of the city.
Go to an Open Air Cinema
There are tourists, and then there are travelers — the ones who want to feel a city rather than just see it. If that’s you, skip the guidebook trail and join the locals for a movie under the stars.
Every summer, Auckland’s parks turn into open-air cinemas. Screenings are free, the mood is easygoing, and the best seats are on the grass with a snack and a drink in hand.
It’s a perfect snapshot of Auckland’s spirit. Friendly, diverse, and full of quiet surprises that make you want to come back.
By night or by day, Auckland never runs out of ways to surprise you. Be it a cooking class or gazing up at the heavens, every new experience feels like a discovery. Whether you come for adventure, culture, or simple relaxation, you’ll leave already planning your return.
By Gregory O'NeillGreg is a modern-day explorer with an insatiable love for travel. His passion for adventure has led him to far-flung corners of the world, where he immerses himself in diverse cultures and experiences. Greg's zest for life is epitomized by a continuous pursuit of new horizons and captivating journeys.
