Things to do in Auckland

Auckland is a multi-cultural city and has all of the amenities and attractions you would expect to find. It is a sophisticated city, with a stunning coastline and cosmopolitan edge. There is plenty to see including galleries, museums, theatres and concerts. As well as historic places and buildings, some of the city's distinctive modern architecture such as the Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower have become cultural icons. Many of Auckland's attractions are based around the city’s maritime history including the excellent National Maritime Museum.

Sky Tower

At over 1,000 feet, Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering breathtaking views for more than 50 miles in every direction. The glass-fronted lifts whisk you up to the observation deck in just 40 seconds. There are three public levels, with the very top level providing views over the harbour and the city.  There are interactive displays, audio guides, powerful binoculars and weather monitors. In a 130mph wind, the top of the building apparently sways up to three feet.

A good time to go up the tower is in the late afternoon, when you can enjoy a drink at one of the bars while watching the sunset. The tower is one part of the Sky City complex, which comprises of a five-star hotel, casino, cafés, bars and a restaurant. There are also the Sky Jump and Vertigo Climb activities for thrill-seekers. Phone: +64 9 363 6400.

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World

Located on the picturesque waterfront along Tamaki Drive, Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is the city's premier marine attraction, providing an interactive experience of the Southern Ocean. It's a mixture of an aquarium, zoo and museum, and visitors will be able to see penguins, sharks, giant eels, stingrays and many other species of fish. Stingray Bay is a massive 350,000 litre open-topped tank that allows visitors to get up close to these magnificent sea creatures.

Meanwhile, the Antarctic Encounter takes you on a snow cat ride through a colony of King and Gentoo penguins, living in a simulated Antarctic environment. There is also a replica of the Antarctic explorer Captain Scott's hut on display. Freaky Fish has plenty of attractions including a 20-foot long giant squid. There are interactive models that show how the tentacles suck on to its prey and how it propels itself through the water. The Panasonic Aqua Cinema also has features relating to giant squid. Phone: +64 9 528 0603.

Butterfly Creek

Butterfly Creek is one of Auckland's newest attractions and it is situated just one-minute drive from Auckland Airport. The Butterfly House has over 700 free-flying butterflies from Asia and South America. The climate in the house is carefully controlled with a temperature of 28°C and it contains streams, waterfalls and tropical vegetation. The house is accessed via an elevated boardwalk and includes a variety of tropical birds such as Senegal fire finches and parrot finches. There is a large walk-through exhibit, New Zealand’s largest tropical freshwater aquarium and a stunning coral reef with clown fish. Phone: +64 9 275 8880.

Auckland Art Gallery

Heralded in 1888 as 'the first permanent art gallery in the dominion', Auckland Art Gallery has the most extensive collection of national and international art in the country. The public art gallery is located within two buildings and comprises a collection numbering over 12,500 works. These include major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Maori and Pacific Island artists as well as European paintings, sculptures and print collections from 1376 to the present day.

The Main Gallery was designed in French Château style and opened in 1887 as a public library. A year later, part of the building was used for displaying art before the entire building was taken over by the gallery 100 years later. Phone: +64 9 307 7700.

American Express Viaduct Harbour

This village was created to support the competitors and public for America's Cup in 1999 and 2002. The impressive facilities include apartment blocks, hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and markets. In total, more than 2,000 competitors and support crew, and millions of visitors used the village during both competitions. Approximately 80 super-yachts of up to 164 feet in length gathered here. Visitors can sail on an authentic America's Cup yacht; the NZL 40. The Viaduct Harbour has also been a stopover point in the Volvo Ocean Race.

Auckland Bridge Climb

Based on the hugely successful Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, visitors can now enjoy a similar experience here in Auckland. You will receive a full briefing from one of a team of professional guides, and then be kitted out with overalls, a radio headset and a safety harnesses. You will follow specially-designed walkways that provide a safe, enjoyable and easy-going experience. The 360 degree views from the bridge's summit provide some great photo opportunities, and the well-informed guides will share the bridge's colourful history and secrets with you. The 2 hour, 30 minute climb is open to all levels of fitness and those over 12 years of age. A bungy/bridge climb combination is also available. Phone: +64 9 377 6543.

Stardome Observatory

The Auckland Stardome Observatory is situated on the south side of One Tree Hill; one of Auckland's volcanic cones and most prominent natural landmarks. Inside the observatory, you can enjoy a multimedia experience featuring 3,500 brilliant stars, delivered via special effects projectors that are linked with digital surround sound. On a clear evening, you may get the chance to spot other planets, glowing gas nebulae or lunar craters through the observatory’s telescopes. There's also a changing programme of planetarium shows, occasional musical performances and a special show for pre-schoolers. Phone: +64 9 624 1246.