Your Ultimate Guide to an unforgettable 1 day in Auckland!
If you are crazy enough to spend only 1 day in Auckland, then get ready to reveal our adventurous list of must-do’s and must-see’s, including most popular places and easiest ways to get to them!
Hint: in the end of this post you will find a map with all places featured in this post, with number indicators that you will find as you read!
Auckland is the ‘City of Sails’.
It’s called so because you simply cannot miss all the stunning waterfront, endless beaches, wharfs, stunning yachts marinas (that usually host ridiculously expensive yachts), sailboats anchoring offshore, ferries cruising to the islands and back… It is also the main port for the biggest cruise ships that come to New Zealand, that are sometimes so big – they do not fit into port and get parked on the water!
#1 on the map
Auckland waterfront attractions
In 2021 Auckland is going to host America’s Cup and it is already building the future village on Auckland’s waterfront, that you can explore now and see how it looks before reconstruction! Viaduct Basin and Wynyard Quarter, is where you can visit Maritime Museum and hunt for the best nz-made craft beers, wines and great places to have lunch and enjoy the views. It is also where you can visit Auckland’s Fish Market and book one of the must-do’s attractions – Jet Boat (30-60 mints activity) or join an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht (2 hours activity) !
#1 on the map
Quay Street
Quay Street is our next stop, that hosts such must-visit places as Ferry terminal, where you can jump on a boat for a scenic cruise of Auckland’s Waitemata harbour (1,5hours) that will take you under the Harbour Bridge and allow you to take views of Rangitoto Volcano, Sky Tower and Stunning city view of Auckland’s Waterfront!
It is home to the most Social and new hotel in town – M Social, having one of the longest bars and best cocktails in town. Beast and Butterflies is a truly unusual and must-try restaurant located on hotel’s corner, new and exciting restaurant with unique cuisine and dishes you won’t find anywhere else, that features exotic flavours from the Pacific Rim, showcasing New Zealand’s best fresh seafood.
Moreover, M Social is the base station for Kiwi TukTuk, 100% emissions free, innovative Auckland transport, first and only of its kind in New Zealand, that provides tours around City of Sails in a private and fun manner.
Marked with Kiwi TukTuk logo and #2 on the map
City Centre
Going further into the city, a must-see sight is Auckland’s Sky Tower, that has numerous attractions both on it and around it! Jump from 25th highest building in the world with bunjee jump, walk on top of the Tower and enjoy the 360 view of Auckland and beautiful Hauraki Gulf. It is located in the city centre, near to the main shopping street – Queen street. 10 mints from it is one of the oldest parks in Auckland – Albert Park, a real gem in the heart of the city! Some of the trees there are 130 years and older, park offers a lot of art and historic objects to explore!
# 3 and 4 on the map
Other Must-See Attractions
Auckland Museum is our next must-see spot. If not inside, at least get there and go for a walk, as it is truly stunning! It is regarded as one of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures. It is also a war memorial for the Auckland province.
Next to the museum is the Auckland Domain – the oldest park in Auckland, that includes cute duck ponds, beautiful winter gardens and is simply a great place to relax and soak in the beautiful atmosphere. Further, we highly recommend visiting the Parnel Rose Gardens, containing over 5000 roses which create a blaze of colour throughout summer and autumn.
Our last, must-see spot is Mt Eden, that offers a 360-panoramic view of Auckland city, Rangitoto island, endless Pacific Ocean and long white clouds.
# 5, 6, 7 on the map
How to get to all these places in the fastest way?
Use Kiwi TukTuk! With our tours you can not only see all the places mentioned above, but you will experience them as nobody else! We provide the ultimate experience and let you explore the city at its best, as you choose where to stop and what to visit!
Choose from our pre-made 1 or 2 hour tours or book for as many hours as you want with our Private Hire, we will make sure you leave Auckland full of memories and great emotions!
The map with all must-visit places mentioned above
