8 Days in Auckland: Exploring the City of Sails

Paolo Realini

4 Jan 2024

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Auckland, the City of Sails. Discover vibrant art, lush gardens, thrilling attractions, and breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of this captivating city.

Trip to Auckland

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Urban Oasis and Artistic Delights

$38

$ 5

Sculptures and statues line this open public space, sometimes used for rallies and outdoor concerts.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

Vast array of national & international art, plus Maori works, in a château-style 1800s building.

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$38

8 - 10 min

Directions

Historic Victorian-style glasshouses with tropical & seasonal flowers, plus a courtyard & pond.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Botanical Wonders and Wildlife Encounters

$63

$ 10

Sprawling botanical garden featuring many flowers, plants & trees, plus event venues & a cafe.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

A mix of zoo exhibits, including a butterfly house, plus a dinosaur area, playground & train.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$63

30 - 36 min

Directions

Popular public green space featuring a walking/jogging path, skate park, playground & sports fields.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Serene Parks and Historical Treasures

$38

$ 5

This tranquil, grassy park with a cafe & creamery is popular with runners, bikers & picnickers.

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Museum & war memorial in a neoclassical building with a permanent collection & temporary exhibits.

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$38

Day 4Thrills and Adventure in the Heart of Auckland

$75

$ 5

Popular theme park with many rides & roller coasters for kids, costumed characters & concessions.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$75

19 - 23 min

Directions

Established city park containing museums, memorials & the entire blast crater of Pukekawa volcano.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Uncover the Past and Get Wild with Nature

$113

MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology

Interactive zones & exhibits on a 40-acre site including original 1877 pump house & Kiwi cars.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

11 - 16 min

Directions

New Zealand's largest zoo, with 130+ species & nearly 900 animals in a range of exhibits.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$63

Day 6Coastal Beauty and Majestic Birds

$ 5

Seaside retreat featuring a coastline with black-sand beaches & a gannet breeding ground.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

47 - 57 min

Directions

Clifftop walking trails plus swimming & kite flying in a beach park with BBQ & picnic sites.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Parks, Marine Life, and a Tribute to History

$63

$ 5

Public park incorporating parts of a former industrial site, with outdoor concerts, films & markets.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

Aquatic life habitats are explored via glass viewing tunnels, displays & shows at this site.

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$63

15 - 22 min

Directions

Landmark obelisk, sunken pool & gardens with harbor views, commemorating a former prime minister.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 8Parks, Sky-high Views, and Historic Landmarks

$75

$ 10

Park (also called Tuna Mau) with trails, sports fields, tennis courts, a playground & picnic areas.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Landmark 60-storey tower with panoramic views, bungee jumping & a high-end revolving restaurant.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$75

27 - 33 min

Directions

Maungauika / North Head Historic Reserve

Former military fortifications atop a grassy headland, with tunnels & guns, plus harbour views.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $508 In total

Activities & Food:$463

Transport:$45