New Zealand’s scenic beauty often grabs the headlines but this is a land that isn’t blessed solely with lakes, glaciers, and mountains. The islands that make up this enchanting country also boast some incredibly charming and vibrant cities.
The North Island is a particularly popular destination for those keen to enjoy an urban adventure on their travels. When planning a trip up north, visits to Wellington and Auckland come highly recommended. With plenty of attractions, city vibes and sights to see, these are cities worth taking in on any trip to New Zealand.
Uncover the best things to do in Auckland and Wellington for your adventure to New Zealand.
Auckland is a hub of activity located on the west coast of the North Island. Famed for its bustling streets, lively nightlife scene and cosmopolitan vibe, Auckland is an eclectic and enigmatic city that offers something for everyone.
Although the heart of the city is scattered with skyscrapers, trendy bars, and shopping malls, it takes just a matter of minutes to be transported to the tranquillity of the surrounding suburbia. A huge range of day trips are available for those looking to soak up the sun or put their calves and quads to the test with a bit of hiking.
A trip to Auckland provides the best of both worlds: there’s scope to see the city sights and enjoy the attractions on offer, but visitors and locals alike are also afforded the opportunity to explore the beauty of the surrounding area and to access other parts of the island.
As a major international city, Auckland is easily accessible by air from major airports all over the world as well as on internal flights from Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and Dunedin.
Self drives in New Zealand are very popular among tourists, and on the North Island, the road networks leading to Auckland are well-maintained and easy to navigate. Public transport is readily available here too, so hiring a car within the city isn’t necessary as buses and trains provide a great way of getting around.
Auckland is a thriving metropolis that provides a perfect base for city slicking in New Zealand. There’s an abundance of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars to sample and enjoy, and there’s also a range of sights and attractions on offer. Uncover the best things to do in Auckland and the best day trips from the city too.
The first thing most people notice when arriving in Auckland is the distinctive spire of the Sky Tower. Those with a head for heights can visit the observation deck, which provides incredible panoramic views of the city below and the stunning landscapes that surround this urban oasis.
On a clear day, it’s possible to see up to 80 kilometres, meaning stunning views are part of the attraction. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy the opportunity to take part in the Sky Jump, which involves base jumping off the skywalk platform, around 192 metres in the air.
One of the most picturesque Auckland attractions, Waitemata Harbour bisects the city. The harbour has an important role to play in terms of transport and trade, but it’s also an attractive focal point for a city that stretches out on either side of it.
The waterfront, particularly Quay Street, is a hive of activity, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge is a sight to behold in itself. The harbour looks fabulous during the day but it really captures attention at night when the twinkling city lights rebound off the rippling surface of the water.
From the harbour, it’s possible to catch ferries to the picturesque islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is an imposing, masterful building, which stands on the city’s highest point. Characterised by regal columns and neoclassical features, the white stone sparkles in the sun.
Dating back to 1929, this feat of architecture was originally a memorial commemorating soldiers that served in World War I but it was later turned into a museum that honours members of the country’s armed forces who have represented their nation in combat all over the world and features artefacts and displays dating back to the 12th century.
This museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of New Zealand boasts an impressive range of paraphernalia, including a canoe measuring 25 metres in length and dating back to 1836.
Many Aucklanders view One Tree Hill as the most significant symbol of their city. This grass-covered, volcanic mass is located in Cornwall Park, a tranquil green space that overlooks the urban maze beneath.
Standing 182 metres above sea level, an obelisk, which was built on the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, rises from the top of the hill. The park is a beautiful spot in itself but it also offers magnificent views of the city skyline.
Just a 30 minute ferry ride from the harbour, Waiheke Island is a picture-perfect location famed for its vineyards and beaches. Here, it’s possible to enjoy wine tasting, sample local produce at the many cafes and restaurants on offer, soak up the sun or try out water sports.
The Onetangi Reserve offers a host of hiking trails and visitors can even take a zipline through the natural beauty of the island.
Often touted as one of the most beautiful parts of the whole of New Zealand, the Coromandel Peninsula spans 40 kilometres and comprises a series of inlets, secluded bays and pristine golden sand beaches.
Beyond the natural beauty and the bright blue water of the area, though, there is also a host of activities on offer here, such as our Cathedral Cove kayaking tour. Hot Water Beach, a natural thermal beach, is a popular site for tourists where it’s also possible to go kayaking, swimming and hiking.
Look out for other mesmerising natural wonders here including The Pinnacles.
Auckland is officially the largest city but Wellington is the official capital. Located on the southern tip of the North Island, it is affectionately known as the Windy City due to its reputation for blustery conditions. Nestled on the coast, Wellington enjoys beautiful views over the Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range.
It is easily accessible via boat from the South Island and via both international and internal flights.
Wellington is a cultural hub which is known for its arts scene, as well as it’s ever-expanding range of pubs, bars and restaurants. There’s a clear fondness for music, dance, art and gastronomy in the city, as well as some incredible spots to sample modern Kiwi cuisine and craft ales.
Events and festivals take place throughout the year and the streets often come alive with the sound of buskers singing or playing instruments. There’s no shortage of things to do in Wellington so it’s a good idea to have a rough plan of what you want to do before arriving – from ambling around and soaking up the vibrant and jovial atmosphere, to ticking off the city’s main sights and tourist attractions.
Discover the best things to do in Wellington for your North Island visit.
As the Windy City is set on a hill, the best way to enjoy the views and save your calf muscles is to ride on the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens. The journey is an adventure in itself and the gardens are definitely worth the ride. Whilst visiting the gardens, look out for the Carter Observatory, which offers telescope viewings on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Cuba Street is a vibrant area of town where live music is available around the clock and people gather for a good time. There’s a dazzling array of eateries and bars, from laid-back hangouts serving local ales to fine dining establishments.
Te Papa is a vast museum which occupies a premium slice of the Wellington waterfront. This huge building houses a tremendous collection of exhibits telling the story of Wellington and the wider history of New Zealand.
Documenting the history of the country and shining a spotlight on the people who live there, this is a must-see spot for tourists who want to explore the culture of both modern and historical New Zealand on their trip.
This is a museum suitable for visitors of all ages, with a wonderfully diverse selection of displays to engage with everyone and cater to all interests. It’s very easy to while away hours marvelling at artistic masterpieces, learning about the Maori culture, and admiring photographs and artefacts that date back centuries.
The zoological exhibitions are also particularly popular and give a flavour of the diversity on offer in the museum. This is the most commonly visited museum in Australasia and entrance is free, so don’t miss it on your visit.
Wellington is home to New Zealand’s parliament buildings, which consist of two striking sites. The original building, Parliament House, is a neoclassical feat, which was constructed in 1922.
The more recent addition, The Beehive, is a distinctive structure, which gets its name from its quirky shape. Tours of the Parliament buildings are available to the public.
The waterfront is a charming place to meander along at leisure and a spot where tourists and locals alike take in the views and enjoy a coffee or an ice cream depending on the weather. Those with an interest in literature can follow the Wellington Writers walk which features stone sculptures adorned with quotes from popular works.
It’s very common to conjure up images of waterfalls, mountain ranges and crystal clear lakes when somebody mentions New Zealand, but this is a country that provides some pretty special city breaks, as well as outdoor holidays and action-packed adventures.
When visiting the North Island, it’s well worth taking a little time to explore the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington. Although very different, both offer wonderful opportunities to discover Kiwi culture, enjoy the arts, music and dance scenes, sample amazing food and drink, and see some truly amazing sights and attractions.
Don’t miss the best things to do in Auckland and Wellington on your holiday to the North Island.
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