Things to Do in Auckland
Make the most of your visit to the multicultural city of Auckland with a hire car from Omega Rental Cars. Explore the stunning scenery created by dormant volcanoes, whose once-raging molten lava cooled to form the hills, lakes, and basins of Auckland.
You’ll discover fantastic nightlife, shopping, natural attractions, and adventure activities on New Zealand’s North Island. Auckland is a veritable hive of activity, so collect your Omega Auckland Rental Car from our CBD or airport depot and get exploring.
Downtown Auckland - the best places to eat, drink, and shop
Auckland is a tourist goldmine with hundreds of things to do. For adrenaline enthusiasts and adventurers in particular, Auckland offers a great selection of activities that are unique, cheap, and enlivening in turn.
What are the top attractions to visit in Auckland Central?
Where should you start? We think it makes sense to start in the sky. Auckland City is invariably associated with its Sky Tower, standing tall over the rest of the city’s buildings at a whopping 220 metres. Ascending the Sky Tower (and standing on its see-through-to-the-ground glass) is an experience in itself! But if you want to go even further, try the Sky Jump! Basically, it’s a bungee off the Tower. Or try the Sky Walk—a no-handrail jaunt around the tower. For a similar experience, opt to climb or bungee from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. If you’ve always wanted to skydive, then Auckland has a few highly professional skydiving outfits just for you.
Arts and Culture - Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Museum
Visit the historic Albert Park and take a stroll in Auckland’s Art Gallery to feast your eyes on national and international art dating back to the 11th century. Located on the eastern side of the Northwestern Motorway is the iconic Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain. Discover interactive displays, new and exciting exhibitions, and events—there’s something for the whole family.
The City of Sails… and beaches!
For the marine enthusiasts of the world, Auckland is a stone’s throw from a bevy of beautiful beaches, and better yet, the city itself is set around the gorgeous Viaduct Harbour. From the harbour, you can take your Omega rental car on the vehicular ferry to Waiheke Island to discover beaches, sample local organic wine, go sailing, snorkel, or visit the intimate art gallery for some gorgeous sea-themed local craftsmanship and artwork.
Auckland is also a great place for whale and dolphin-watching. You can spot a fin or two from the city’s waterfront for free. Or participate in one of the fully-fledged whale and dolphin-watching safaris on offer.
Extend your animal-watching pleasures with a trip to the Auckland Zoo. Housing everything from elephants to the national Kiwi bird, Auckland Zoo boasts the most extensive collection of native and exotic animal life found in New Zealand and makes for one of the most fun things to do in Auckland.
Get your adrenaline pumping with exciting activities
It’s difficult to narrow down the 10 best things to do here in Auckland – a sure sign that if you’re looking for thrills, wildlife, and unbeatable experiences, this is the city for you.
If you just can’t get enough of the sea - kayaking, riding in seaplanes over the harbour, and jet boating are unceasingly popular Auckland experiences. With your Omega rental car, head a little out of Auckland to the gorgeous Piha beach. Admire incredible sea vistas as you abseil down the volcanic cliff face of Piha Canyon.
What can you do in Auckland for free?
While Auckland has so many exciting things to offer her visitors, there are still plenty of free things to do.
A short drive from central Auckland will lead you to the waterfront haven of Mission Bay. Enjoy pohutukawa-lined beaches, parks, and restaurants with views of Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island—Auckland's largest dormant volcanic cone. Visit historic Cornwall Park, gifted to New Zealand by the “father of Auckland,” Sir John Logan Campbell.
Drive your Auckland rental car to discover the beautiful scenery of the nature reserve at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Take a waterfall hike through lush, native bush or try surfing off the black-sand beaches—just a 45-minute drive north at Muriwai Beach. If you’re visiting Auckland from August to March, make sure you catch the fun happenings of the busy gannet colony.
On the other side of Manukau Harbour is the iconic wooden Manukau Heads Lighthouse, extending out from the tip of the Awhitu Peninsula. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the coastline.
Why not go and discover Great Barrier Island—the largest of the Hauraki Gulf islands off the coast of Auckland? This self-sufficient island relies solely on renewable power and is home to only 1000 residents. You will need to fly or take a ferry, but you can discover plenty of free activities to enjoy once you’re there. Hike the Aotea Track, have a picnic or relax on the white-sand beaches.
Take your pick from the full range of activities, and whatever you don’t manage to do the first time you visit, put on your list of reasons to return to the Auckland region! Explore our blogs for inspiration on more things to do to get the best out of your visit to the North and South Island of New Zealand.
Nau mai, haere mai!
Omega Keytag discounts for Auckland attractions
Omega Rental Cars has partnered with some of Auckland’s most well known and loved activity providers to bring you a collection of great deals. Check out our Hot Deals and Key Tag Bonus pages to check out our current specials and bonus deals for these amazing attractions. Just show your Omega rental keytag and mention our deal, and you’re good to go!