The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Auckland

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Free Activities in Auckland

A sure-fire way to stick to a low budget when visiting Auckland is by filling in some time with the free activities. One of the most common types of free activities you’ll find in Auckland, and anywhere in New Zealand for that matter, is going for a walk.

A good walk for exploring the city centre and suburbs is the Coast to Coast Walk. The 16 km (10 mi) mission runs from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour all the way to Onehunga, taking in top free sights like Mt Eden and One Tree Hill.

Auckland is a coastal city with some superb beaches to relax on. One of the most popular beaches near the city centre is Mission Bay, backed by all sorts of eateries.

If you have your own transport, you can make a day trip out of visiting the beaches of the Auckland region, such as Piha Beach, Karekare or the Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Dive into some of the best beaches you can visit with Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Auckland and the 5 Best Beaches for Snorkelling in Auckland.

More free attractions to enjoy in Auckland are its regional parks. There are around 20 different regional parks to explore, each with their own charms and sights. For instance, the Hunua Ranges in south Auckland hides a majestic waterfall, while the Waitakere Ranges boasts 17,000 ha (42,008 acres) of unspoilt wilderness.

Pack up the car, tie up your hiking shoes and discover that there’s more to Auckland than the bustling city centre. Check out your options in the 20 Auckland Parks You Can’t Miss.

And that’s not all the free activities there is to enjoy in Auckland. Be sure to check out our 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Auckland for some ideas closer to the city centre.

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Cheap Activities in Auckland

Admittedly, Auckland’s museums, art galleries and other city attractions are not as “cheap” as what you will find elsewhere in New Zealand. Nevertheless, we’ve picked out some of the most affordable to add to the bucket list.

First, get some of the best city skyline and harbour views from the suburb of Devonport. It’s one of the most affordable destinations to get to on an Auckland ferry, costing around NZ$23 return per adult. The suburb has a quaint town centre where you can pick up some Kiwi fish and chips, enjoy a short walk up Mt Victoria for the views, and explore the old gun encampment tunnels of North Head. Ferries depart from the Downtown Ferry Terminal.

Auckland has a few fantastic museums, but the best-value option is the New Zealand Maritime Museum, costing around NZ$24 entry per adult. The museum tells the story of early migration of the Maori and Europeans across the southern Pacific Ocean to New Zealand. There’s also the option to upgrade to sailing tour of the harbour in a heritage vessel for only around NZ$63 per adult, one of the cheapest cruises in Auckland!

For more affordable attractions, check out the 17 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Auckland.

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Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations in Auckland

Auckland is a city of motels, cheap hotels and backpacker hostels.

Although we outline all your options in the 20 Best Budget Accommodations and 25 Best Backpacker Hostels, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.

ibis budget Auckland Central – Affordable Comfort in the Heart of the City

Kicking off our list of cheap accommodation in Auckland is ibis budget. Modernly designed, ibis budget Auckland Central gives that private hotel room experience without the big price tag.

Each room features a modern style with an en suite bathroom, kitchenette complete with a fridge, microwave and cooking facilities, and free WiFi. Some rooms even come with a private balcony offering great views over Auckland city.

The hotel’s location provides easy access to local transport, including trains and buses, making it simple to explore the city while sticking to your budget.

Discover why ibis budget Auckland Central is perfect for budget-conscious travellers, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

Haka House Auckland K’Road – Stylish Backpacker Stay on Karangahape Road

Featuring pod beds for ultimate privacy, this modern Auckland hostel is built around the backpacker.

Situated on the lively Karangahape Road, Haka House Auckland K’Road delivers the ideal combination of comfort and style in one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Whether you’re after a cosy private room or prefer the social buzz of a shared dorm, all accommodation features comfortable beds and practical furnishings to ensure a stress-free stay.

The hostel’s standout communal spaces include a fully equipped kitchen, social lounge and laundry facilities, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.

With great cafés, restaurants, bars and boutique shopping right on the doorstep, you’re perfectly positioned to explore Auckland like a local.

See what makes Haka House Auckland K’Road a top pick for backpackers, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

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Auckland Cheap Eats

For those wanting to experience some of the tastes of Auckland, there are plenty of options for cheap eats! A favourite of ours is No.1 Pancake (corner Lorne Street and Wellesley Street) which serves some mean Korean-style pancakes, both sweet and savoury.

Best Ugly Bagel (90 Wellesley Street West) is where you can get an affordable bagel fix, while Chinoiserie (4 Owairaka Avenue) does affordable Chinese food.

Often said to be the best burger in town, check out Better Burger, with multiple branches in Auckland (Botany, Customs St., Lynn Mall, Manukau, Ormiston, Ponsonby, Sylvia Park).

When it comes to keeping meals cheap, vegetarian is the way to go and Shubh (520 Sandringham Road) is a great example with chreap vege curry and rice!

For more recommendations, head over to Cheap Eats in Auckland.

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Auckland CBD: Sky Tower, Queen Street and High Street

Auckland’s city centre is perhaps the most buzzing city centre in New Zealand! It has all the elements you need from a city centre, such as vibrant bars, shops, cafes and parks. Plus, extra qualities making Auckland CBD stand out.

Sky Tower

One point of interest, which is an easy thing to look out for if you ever get lost in the CBD, is the Sky Tower. At 328 metres (1,076 feet) tall, it is hard to miss. The tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere is an attraction for adrenaline junkies wishing to walk around its high ledge on the SkyWalk or do the SkyJump.

Or you can simply take in the view of central Auckland and the surrounding areas, such as the Hauraki Gulf and the Harbour Bridge, by going to multiple viewing platforms in the tower or having a coffee at the Sky Lounge.

Queen Street

Once you have got your bearings from the Sky Tower, a good place to go next is Queen Street. This is the main street of the CBD, primarily filled with shops.

However, this is not the cheapest option for shopping in Auckland so its best to save the shopping until you have the opportunity to go to K Road (see below) or perhaps get the free shuttle to the Dress Smart outlet shopping centre.

High Street

A smaller street running parallel to Queen Street is High Street. This is the place to go if you want to try some of that highly praised New Zealand coffee. Plus, if you are one of those “flashpackers” this street is where you’ll find high fashion clothes and accessories.

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Auckland CBD: Britomart and Waterfront

If you keep heading down Queen Street toward the sea, you’ll come across the Ferry Building. It stands out like a saw thumb with its historic orange building amongst the more modern architecture found in the city.

Nearby, you will see the Cloud a building which looks like a cloud inspired by the Maori description of New Zealand being “The Land of the Long White Cloud”.

From the Ferry Building you can get a relativity cheap ferry to explore the islands of Rangitoto and Waiheke Island, which you can read more about in our guide: Auckland Hauraki Gulf – Guide for Backpackers or cross over to Devonport, see Auckland North Shore – Guide for Backpackers. From the water, you can get the best views of the city skyline.

Britomart

The coastal end of Queen Street is also where you will find the Britomart area, indicated by all the bus stops. Not only is this the main transport connection in the CBD, but Britomart has a whole host of cool and quirky bars.

Check some of them out here: Guide to Auckland Nightlife. Furnished with bean bags, Takutai Square at Britomart is an excellent meeting place in summer. Gore Street, which comes off Takutai Square, is one of prettiest streets in the CBD in general.

Dotted with tiles cone structures and fairy lights strung from building to building, it is definitely worth walking down at night.

© Tataki Auckland Unlimited

Viaduct Harbour And Wynyard Quarter

More bars can be found on the Viaduct Harbour. These are especially worth having a drink at so you can look out onto the harbour. Danny Doolans is a particularly good bar for backpackers with decent prices and live entertainment every night of the week! See more from 10 Awesome Bars in Auckland.

Auckland would not be a very good “City of Sails” without a museum dedicated to voyages! Visit the Maritime Museum for insights into New Zealand’s maritime heritage. The harbour is also where you can depart on Auckland’s cruises, such as a dolphin and whale spotting cruise with Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari.

There are a lot more natural experiences like this to be had in Auckland too.

Walking over the Viaduct Harbour Bridge brings you to Wynyard Quarter. A platform along the side of Silo Park allows you to see the silos, sculptures, the water feature, bars and restaurants from above.

During summer, go to the Silo Cinema event, projecting a movie onto one of the silos every Friday or Saturday.

The freshest fish n’ chips in central Auckland can be found at the Fish Market. Down Jellicoe Wharf is Auckland’s only 7-day fresh food market.

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Auckland CBD: Park and Square

Aotea Square is an area of pavement and small green areas. It is also the place for outdoor events in the CBD. In winter, come and skate on the ice rink or browse the Friday and Saturday markets all year round.

Summer often sees a series of free music gigs in the square. Even if there isn’t an event coinciding with your visit in Auckland, Aotea Square is a good place to people watch.

There’s even a bit of greenery to enjoy the CBD in Albert Park. See the water fountain and bandstand, while walking past a variety of New Zealand trees. On the edge of the park, is the Auckland Art Gallery. With free admission, how can you say no?

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Auckland Domain

For your dose of bushwalks in Auckland Central, head to Auckland Domain. This huge park and forested area are where you can enjoy the great outdoors in the city. With football and cricket fields, gather a group of backpacker buddies to have a kick-about. You’ll see that this is where Aucklanders get their miles in by going for a run.

On the other end of the scale, if your feeling worse for wear, the hospital sits on the edge of the park.

Take the Lovers Walk: something you would never expect to find in a city. You would think you were in the middle of the forest as you take this short walk through trees and following a stream.

The star of the Auckland Domain show is, of course, the Auckland Museum. Impressive architecture is seen from the outside and a vast amount of interactive New Zealand displays are on the inside. The top of the museum building gives you excellent views of the domain, city skyline and Rangitoto Island. You can even see as far as Waiheke Island on a clear day.

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K Road

That’s right, there’s a “hip and happening” spot in Auckland for alternative shopping and nightlife. It also showcases the creative side of Auckland with quirky boutiques and street art. Backpackers will find K Road, short for Karangahape Road, a good place to stock up for their travels around New Zealand. It’s thrift shop-galore!

Plus, the army and sports surplus stockists can provide you gear to prepare for activities you might do along the way. As cheesy as it is to say, there’s something for everyone, from vintage lovers to comic book geeks.

As Auckland’s gay scene, there are fun nights out waiting on K Road. Check out more on Auckland’s gay scene in our Guide to Auckland Nightlife.

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Ponsonby

Ponsonby is as posh as it sounds. It shares similarities to K Road in the theme of alternative shops, such as vintage attire, and street art. On the other hand, it has a difference in vibe.

When making your way to Ponsonby, be sure to walk via Western Park with its fun sculptures of buildings sinking into the ground. More building photo opportunities are in Ponsonby at the grand Old Post Office.

Keep an eye out for the renowned Ponsonby Market. A market day like no other, all the shops and residents get involved by selling their wares on the street. Even the butchers have a BBQ on the street. This market only happens 3 times a year; March, September and December.

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Backpacking in Auckland Central

With towering buildings, it can sometimes feel like Auckland City is in its own little bubble. Especially because Auckland Central has snippets of everything.

There’s all the convenient services, shops, entertainment venues and nightlife, plus, plenty of squares and big green open spaces. The Auckland Domain is the largest of these green areas. A number of walks take you through wooded areas that you would never think could exist in a city!

Things to Do in Auckland Central

• Check out Maori carvings, WW2 memorabilia and more at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Take the ferry to Devonport to explore the WW2 tunnels at North Head and swim at Cheltenham Beach
• Hike the Coast to Coast Trail for a true backpacking experience in the city
• Explore the bushwalks and Winter Garden in the Auckland Domain
• See Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower
• Shop and drink coffee down Queen Street and High Street
• Go to the quirky bars in Britomart
• People watch in Aotea Square and Albert Park.

With a whole lot of backpacker hostels, no doubt you’ll find yourself staying in Auckland Central at some point. Don’t waste your time here; check out what there is to do with our Auckland Central Travel Guide.

Auckland nightlife is as if it has been made for backpackers with a super cheap bar crawl and backpacker events. Just check out our Guide to Auckland Nightlife for more information.

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Backpacking the Hauraki Gulf Islands

From the Downtown Ferry Building in Auckland Central – a big orange building easily spotted from the end of Queen Street – you can take an affordable ferry ride to one of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Around 50 islands are dotted around the Hauraki Gulf, part of the Pacific Ocean that lies next to Auckland.

Check them all out in The 10 Best Islands in Auckland to Visit. Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown…

Rangitoto and Motutapu Island

A highlight is Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest volcano, which offers amazing bush walks over black volcanic rock. There are quite a few adventures squeezed into this day trip from Auckland Central:

Adventure #1: You can’t miss the last ferry, which can be as early as 3:30 pm on weekdays in the off-peak season, or else you will have to survive the island overnight!

Adventure #2: Scramble through the lava caves (make sure to bring a torch or use your phone’s light).

Adventure #3: Walk among black volcanic rock on the way to the summit.

Adventure #4: Feast your eyes on the huge volcanic crater and over to the Auckland city skyline. Then use the Summit Track to get a 360-degree view of the surrounding islands.

All adventures aside, Rangitoto Island is a protected island with no predators, hence the chorus of native New Zealand birds perhaps like nothing you have heard before if this is your first time outside of Auckland city.

Keep in mind that there are no shops on Rangitoto, so bring your own food and water.

Although the tracks are well maintained, the jagged volcanic rock requires some decent sneakers or walking shoes.

For a full guide to Rangitoto, as well as the neighbouring Mototapu, check out The Guide to Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island.

Waiheke Island

In contrast to Rangitoto, there is the populated Waiheke Island. With beautiful homes overlooking the beach and their anchored sailing boats, it is evident that the rich and mighty have called this paradise home.

We’re not jealous… For us backpackers, Waiheke is a paradise day trip or overnight stay with some reasonably priced backpacker accommodation. Plus, there is more than plenty to do.

Getting Around Waiheke Island

There are some fun (and challenging) ways to get around the island. Depending on fitness level, hiring a bike is a popular option with lots of uphill climbs and downhill fun! Alternatively, there are scooter rentals, car rentals, horse riding, or you could take the bus. Sea kayaking gives a different perspective of the island. Make sure to book in advance.

Of course, don’t underestimate the power of the legs! There are some coastal tracks capturing amazing views. We especially like the Matiatia Headland Path, a beautiful coastal walk easily accessible from the ferry terminal.

Beaches and Vineyards on Waiheke Island

Whether you’re cycling, walking or getting stuffy on the bus, a good way to cool off is by taking a swim in the clear refreshing water. Oneroa, Little Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi are great beaches for relaxing and swimming.

With around 20 vineyards, you can make a ‘vineyard crawl’ out of your journey around the island. Waiheke Island provides the hot dry summers and stony soils to produce excellent award-winning wines.

Get the full Waiheke Island story here: Waiheke Island – Guide for Backpackers.

Great Barrier Island

Further over yonder is Great Barrier Island. Treat yourself to diving in the most diverse underwater worlds in the Hauraki Gulf. For warmer water activities, bathe in the free natural thermal pools of Kaitoke. There is parking just off Whangaparapara Road for the hot pools.

Considering how you are going to travel around Great Barrier Island is important because there is so much to see. The east coast has beautiful stretches of beach and the west has sheltered rocky beaches.

Cycling on Great Barrier Island offers something for different fitness levels and is a quick way of seeing the island, as does car hire! You can hire a kayak independently or with a guide to explore off the coast.

Get to Great Barrier Island by the two-hour ferry in the peak season or 4 hrs 30 mins in the off-peak season. Alternatively, a 30-minute flight from Auckland domestic terminal is also available. Due to the lengthier travel time it takes to get to the island, it is worth checking out the backpacker accommodation.

Find out more about how to get to the island in Public Transport in Auckland.

Check out Great Barrier Island – Guide for Backpackers for more things to do and places to stay.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

New Zealand has some incredible native wildlife, which is best seen at Tiritiri Matangi. See the three-eyed lizard and a “living dinosaur”, the tuatara, the takahe with its shocking blue feathers, and the little blue penguin.

Best of the Rest

There are many more islands to see in Hauraki Gulf. They are more off the beaten track simply because ferries are not as frequent or you have to take a boat cruise to get there.

Motuihe and Motutapu both have ferries from the Auckland ferry terminal, in fact, Motutapu is connected to Rangitoto Island. They are steeped in World War One and Two history. Motuihe held prisoners and a naval base and Matutapu still has WW2 ex-military barracks. Nowadays, people enjoy their beaches, volunteer for conservation, and camp on the islands.

Check out more about the campsites on Where to Camp in Auckland.

Protected wildlife and native bush can be found on Browns Island, Little Barrier Island, Kawau Island and Rotoroa Island. The latter used to be off-limits except for those using the drug and rehabilitation centre in the care of the Salvation Army.

Today, you can take the walking trails, go to the four beaches, and visit the museum to learn about this intriguing island’s past.

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Backpacking Auckland North Shore

Moving into the upper suburbs of Auckland, North Shore is the area you arrive in when you cross the Harbour Bridge from Auckland Central. Alternatively, take a quick ferry ride across the water from the Downtown Ferry Building.

Devonport

Beaches, lookout points, military tunnels and a charming seaside town are what attract locals and backpackers to Devonport. A 10-minute ferry from Auckland to Devonport is a quick escape from the bustling city. At around NZ$23 return it makes our list of the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Auckland.

The great thing about Devonport is the awesome skyline view of the CBD captured from a quick climb up Mt Victoria and North Head.

Apart from views, North Head, on the east side of Devonport has a network of military tunnels, caves, bunkers and guns.

Armaments started appearing on North Head after 1875 when there was a Russian invasion scare. The Russians did not come… Then in World War Two, there was the anticipation of a Japanese attack. The Japanese did not come… But the guns from WW2 are practically in pristine condition to see atop North Head today.

Make sure to grab some lunch at Auckland’s best-value fish n’ chips, Riba Fish & Chips. It is the cheapest looking fish n’ chips shop but between you and me, it’s the best one. The NZ$10 meal is more than anyone can finish! For more good food, check out our Cheap Eats in Auckland.

Takapuna

North of Devonport, you will come across the stylish Auckland suburb of Takapuna. With beaches to the east showing a spectacular view of Rangitoto Island and Lake Pupuke to the north, there are plenty of cool places to relax after a hard day of being an awesome backpacker.

If you can’t resist a good shopping session, then Takapuna has a 70+ store shopping mall. A well-renowned market is Takapuna’s Sunday Market your best bet if you want a bargain and something locally produced.

Birkenhead

There’s more to explore on North Shore’s west coast. A suburb worth checking out is Birkenhead. Apart from close proximity to the amazing beaches of Beach Haven and views of the city, Birkenhead has bush walks and a ‘sweet’ history. You can see New Zealand’s only sugar factory, which was built in 1884.

There is even a Sugar Workers Walk to see the main points of interest in Birkenhead and follow in the footsteps of the sugar workers.

Another place where the city couldn’t feel further away is at Leroy’s Bush. This 1-hour Maori Pipi Walk is through native bush with extremely vocal birds all around you. Come here in the evening to see the Riverbank Glowworms.

North Shore Beaches

Around 20 beaches line North Shore, so once the sun comes you are spoiled for choice with bathing beaches. Aucklanders also take advantage of this coast for sailing, paddle boarding and windsurfing. Make sure to never miss a beach by taking the North Shore Coastal Walk from Browns Bay all the way to Devonport.

Cheltenham Beach in Devonport is a long stretch of sand leading to North Head. It has the perfect isolated view of Rangitoto Island. Additionally, check out Takapuna’s 1 km long crescent-shaped beach; a host of recreation activities.

Find some beaches off the beaten track are Beach Haven and Chatsworth: Charcoal Bay, Island Bay, Soldiers Bay, Onetaunga Bay and Kauri Point Centennial Park.

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Backpacking in the Other Suburbs of Auckland

The Auckland suburbs stretch far and wide in the Auckland region. 13 suburbs are divided between 5 districts. Within some districts, there is wilderness, walks and waterfalls, while in others there’s shopping and entertainment. We have a whole separate guide to the suburb, which you can check out at Auckland Suburbs Travel Guide.

Otherwise, here’s what’s going on there to see if it’s worth the backpacking mission!

The Best Auckland Inner Suburbs

The inner suburbs mainly offer alternative shopping than what is found in Auckland Central. However, there are volcanic cones to climb in Mt Eden and One Tree Hill and birds to feed at Western Springs. Some of the best inner suburbs of Auckland include:

• Mt Eden – What attracts most backpackers here is Mt Eden itself. It is the highest natural vantage point of the city giving you awesome views of the Auckland skyline and surrounding suburbs.
• Newmarket – Newmarket is a shopping and dining option an easy walk from the Auckland Domain. Many backpackers are hired in the suburb’s cafes, shops and restaurants who want to stay in Auckland.
• Ponsonby – Quality dining, bars and shops can be found in Ponsonby.
• Parnell – Apart from the Auckland Domain full of walks and luscious greenery, there’s heaps of history to be seen in the Auckland Museum. More of your upmarket shopping and dining can also be found in Parnell. Plus, you can stroll through Parnell Rose Gardens.
• Kingsland – Catch a rugby or cricket match at Eden Park Stadium. Again, Kingsland is another suburb enticing you with bars, restaurants and posh shops. During the weekend, spend an evening at The Kingslander pub for live bands and meet open-minded locals.
• One Tree Hill – The hill with no tree is connected to the beautiful Cornwall Park, which has so many trees that it has a Tree Trail. This huge area is ideal for walking in, plus you’ll be greeted with more city views from the top of One Tree Hill.
• Western Springs – See animals, birds and fish surrounding a lake or manmade flying birds – aeroplanes to you and me – at the MOTAT Museum, a.k.a. Museum of Transport and Technology. Then take a walk across the bridge in Western Springs Park to see eels squirming about in the water beneath you.

Manukau

Going further over yonder, there’s the outer suburb of Manukau, which is likely to be the first and/or last place you go to in New Zealand, because this is where New Zealand’s busiest airport, Auckland Airport, happens to be.

With the huge international movement in the airport, it comes as no surprise that Manukau is known to be the most multicultural area of New Zealand with around 165 ethnicities. This is celebrated every third Sunday of the month with a Live Day at Howick Historical Village. Historical events are reenacted by costumed villagers.

As well as different cultures, there are different plants in the Botanic Gardens. This is a nice place to take a stroll through different themed gardens.

On the other end of the scale, there is the not-so-peaceful Rainbow’s End. The theme park has a selection of crazy rides like a corkscrew coaster, the Fear Fall and the Invader. Then there are your classic fairground rides, such as the dodgems and a log flume.

Auckland’s largest shopping centre, Sylvia Park, is also in Manukau. Shop to your heart’s content, go to the cinema, eat and get your supermarket shopping.

South Auckland

The southernmost district of Auckland runs into rolling green hills and holds the mouth of New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River. The Hunua Ranges can also be found in South Auckland.

Hunua Ranges

This is the largest native forest in the Auckland region. Hunua Falls is the main attraction of the park, so much so that a picture frame has been installed in front of the falls allowing visitors to get their token tourist photo. The picture frame is a feature put in 10 “picture perfect” views in Auckland. Obviously, a park is not a park without some walking tracks.

There are full-day options:

• Ernies Track – This 4-hour hike starts at Waterline Road and descends into the forest to reach Mangatawhiri Dam. Follow the swamplands beside the Mangatawhiri River. Then follow the steep track past an old mine.
• Mangatangi Ridge Track – Climb to the highest point in the ranges, Mt Kohukohunui. Start the 6-hour hike from Rate Ridge Track.
• Pukapuka Track – This track is an easier walk than the two walks mentioned above. Start at Mangatangi Hill Road and take the 4-hour walk bush and grasslands. Reach the Pukapuka Summit.
• Lower Mangatawhiri – Staying close to the park boundary, this easy walk starts at Moumoukai Road. It follows forest and farmland.

Of course, if you don’t fancy walking your legs off, there are some shorter tracks, such as the Suspension Bridge Track, Lilburne Road Track, Rata Ridge and Wairoa Loop Track.

Popular biking tracks are Mangatawhiri Challenge Track – obviously a challenge, Valley Loop Track – an easy ride, and the Moumourkai Farm Track – a medium-grade detour off the Valley Loop Track.

Manukau Heads

Another point of interest in South Auckland is the Manukau Heads Lighthouse. Get beautiful views from the lighthouse itself, as it is one of the rare visitor-accessible lighthouses in New Zealand. You may even spot the rare maui dolphins.

Rodney

Holding the northernmost suburbs, Rodney is mainly farmland. That is why Rodney, in particular, Helensville, is a good destination for WWOOFing. However, along the coast is an adventure playground! Watersports, birdlife and marine life can all be enjoyed in Rodney.

Shakespear Regional Park

There is an abundance of regional parks in Rodney, including the Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The park makes a good lookout over the Hauraki Gulf and is full of birdlife and walking tracks.

Muriwai

For more birdlife encounters, visit the gannet colony at Otakamiro Point, Muriwai. The viewing platform allows you to feast your eyes on rock formations dotted with nesting gannets.

Pakiri Beach

Sunny days beg you to head to one of Rodney’s white-sand beaches, such as Pakiri Beach. The 14 km stretch of beach is perfect for long walks, swimming, surfing or just topping up the tan weather permitting, of course.

Orewa

Another water sports playground is Orewa Beach. Surf, kitesurf, windsurf, kayak and swim! On dry land, catch an amazing sunrise with an early morning stroll on the beach or take the Te Ara Tahuna/Orewa Estuary Path.

The walkway starts from Orewa Bridge at the southern end. It is a loop walk taking boardwalks around a lake and into the forest, then onto the beach. Along the way, you’ll see the locals jogging and cycling.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

New Zealand’s most accessible marine reserve is Goat Island. The crystal clear waters make it easy to spot the colourful fish. You can either choose from the dive activity providers to take you to the best spots, see the fish from a glass-bottom boat, or take your snorkel and simply go for a dip!

Check out 5 Fun Things to Do at Goat Island Marine Reserve for more inspiration. For more great snorkelling beaches, see 5 Best Beaches for Snorkelling in Auckland.

Waitakere Ranges

Who would have thought that, after just a 40-minute drive from Auckland Central, you could be in the complete wilderness? Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is more than 16,000 ha (39,567 acres) of rainforest, streams, waterfalls and beaches.

Well-maintained bridges and boardwalks take you through the forest to sensational waterfalls, like the multiple-tiered Kitekite Falls. You can reach Kitekite Falls by taking the Kitekite Track at the end of Glen Esk Road in Piha.

Piha

One of New Zealand’s most popular surf beaches, Piha, lies on the coast of Waitakere. The black sand beach has a reputation for “gnarly” waves, but they can also be rough so it is best to be an experienced surfer or go with a surf school like Piha Surf Academy.

For more information, check out Waitakere Ranges – Guide for Backpackers.