Auckland is often called “the City of Sails” due to its large harbor and the amount of sailboats that can be seen on the water.

Here are suggestions of things to do while in Auckland trust me there are plenty options (these are things that I personally enjoyed):

Go to the top of the Sky Tower and take in the view. It stands 328 meters tall and 360 panoramic views are just incredible. We had dinner for a birthday occasion at Orbit – the dining room that rotates once every hour.

https://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/orbit/

If you are more adventurous and looking for adrenaline rush you can book SkyJump – fall 192 meters straight down or do SkyWalk   on the edge of the Tower’s pergola!

https://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/

Take a thrilling Jet Boat Ride on Auckland’s harbor, be prepared to get wet:

https://www.aucklandjetboattours.co.nz/

Explore the Viaduct Harbor and do some yacht watching. There are some great shops, museums, bars and eateries along the boardwalk to sit back, relax and soak up the sun. Viaduct is a perfect place to dine whether you are looking for fresh seafood or just want to enjoy barbecue. I loved the rooftop spot that served pizza and had on site brewery http://www.drrudis.co.nz/  views were absolutely breathtaking.

Climb a volcano. I highly recommend catching a ferry over to Rangitoto Island and make a day of it. Rangitoto is a famous Auckland landmark and it’s only a short ferry ride from the city. It is great hike to the summit where you can look into the forested crater and views over the Auckland city skyline are amazing.

Things you need to know before visiting the Island:

– The boat to Rangitoto Island leaves from the Auckland Harbour and has a few sailings a day only.

– Make sure you remember when the last ferry returns and be there on time because there are no places to stay on the island.

– Pack your lunch and plenty water, there are no stores on the island and it gets pretty hot while hiking so pack lots of water.

You can book your tickets through this website: https://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations/rangitoto-island/

Mount Eden

250,000 years ago small basaltic volcanoes erupted across the Auckland Isthmus and it created the Volcano of Mount Eden. Catch a bus to Mt Eden village and hike to the top where you to check out the crater and 360 degree views of Auckland city.

Parnell

Walk the New Zealand’s first suburb right next to the downtown – Parnell.  Parnell is not only filled with many cute restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries but it’s surrounded with the beautifully restored Victorian buildings. You can also enjoy a rose garden, there is a small beach at Judge’s Bay, and you can visit St. Stephen’s Chapel that overlooks the harbor.

Mission Bay

It’s an Auckland’s must! Nice white sand harbor beach and a beautiful park perfect for sunbathing! There are so many restaurants in the area with water views.

Here are the suggestions for a truly unique day trip out of Auckland:

Waiheke Island

A trip to Auckland can’t be complete without seeing Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island is a popular day or weekend trip from the city and the ferry is only about 40 min ride. I found my perfect match it has everything that I love – turquoise waters,  world known vineyards with one of the best quality produced wines in the country, trails along the stunning coastline, white sand beaches, restaurants with the views to die for and so much more!

Here are just few of the wineries that we visited:

https://www.manowar.co.nz/

https://www.batchwinery.com/waiheke-food-thomass-bach.html

https://www.nzwine.com/en/winery/te-whau-vineyard

Rotorua

Rotorua located near the center of New Zealand’s north island and is best known for its  geothermal activity. It is also known as a center of Maori culture. Make sure you book a visit to one of the Maori villages and enjoy traditional hangi dinner (earth oven) and haka performance.

Piha

Make your way out to one of the wild, west coast black sand beach – Piha. A laid-back seaside village located about 40 km from the city of Auckland. It’s very popular surfing location amongst local kiwis. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery or take surfing class.

Auckland is a pretty awesome city that has unique landscape, amazing beaches, great hiking options, fine dinning, laid back culture and so much more! There were so many more day trips that we took and places we visited this country has so much to offer! I could probably write separate blog about New Zealand coffee!!! It’s truly a coffee paradise! No matter how many times you visit New Zealand it’s always leaves you hungry for more!