Things to Do in New Zealand

Sandwiched between the city of Auckland and the westward-facing beaches, the Waitakere Ranges are forested hills which separate the beach from the city. These hills provide a forested escape from the urban bustle of Auckland, and the best place to begin such a journey is at the popular Arataki Visitor Center.

Located 30 minutes west of downtown Auckland, the Arataki Visitor Center is the official gateway to the surrounding Waitakere Ranges. Not only does this informative stop offer views looking east towards Auckland, but there are numerous bushwalks which depart from the center and explore the surrounding forest.  Stare in wonder at towering kauri trees which explode from Earth towards sky, and soak in the simplicity of getting back to nature despite being so close to Auckland.

Inside the center itself, visitors can peruse the informative placards to learn about the region’s history, and various displays also discuss the park’s unique flora and fauna. This is also the stop to get the latest trail info as well as inquire about backcountry camping. From here, it’s only a short drive to the wonders of the park from waterfalls and trails to the fog-lined coast.

The center itself is set conveniently on the side of aptly-named Scenic Drive, and the Arataki Visitor Center is a must-stop destination for anyone exploring Waitakere.

Located at the top end of New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is the country's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Sitting on an isthmus surrounded by volcanic hills, it offers a truly unique atmosphere. Often named one of the most livable cities in the world, you may find it hard to leave!

How to Get to Auckland

Your cruise ship will dock at Princes Wharf, which is in the center of downtown Auckland. As soon as you step off the ship, you'll be surrounded by shops and cafes and the city's main shopping district is just a 10-minute walk away.

One Day in Auckland

Start your day by visiting the observation deck at Auckland's Sky Tower, which reaches over 1,000 feet into the sky. Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding area and step onto one of the glass floor panels for a view down to street level. If you're feeling adventurous, you can bungee jump off the Sky Deck, dropping more than 600 feet.

After you catch your breath, head to the Auckland Museum, which features interesting exhibits about local history and geography and New Zealand's original inhabitants, the Maori people. The Auckland War Memorial Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Museum for Transport and Technology are also worth a visit for those hoping to learn more about New Zealand.

If you want to experience some of the local charm of Auckland, spend some time exploring the elegant Parnell neighborhood with its arty boutiques, lively cafes and the Parnell Rose Gardens. Or, visit the funky, quirky Ponsonby neighborhood, featuring a mix of historic villa, trendy nightclubs and designer boutiques. You might also head further afield to the small, 19th century village of Devonport located across the bay from Auckland.

For a more active day in Auckland, try walking to the top of volcanic Mt Eden, hiking through the lava fields on Rangitoto Island or taking the ferry to Waiheke Island, where you can enjoy beaches, water sports or even wine tasting.

Every city needs a large central park, and Auckland Domain provides 185 acres where you can escape the bustle of the city. Set on the slopes of an extinct volcano and protected since the 1840’s, Auckland Domain is not only the largest, but also the oldest park in Auckland.

Located just east of the city center, Auckland Domain has a network of walking trails which weave their way through the forest. Unlike the pace of nearby downtown, peaceful moments abound in the park such as watching ducks land on the pond or relaxing on a bench in the shade. In the spring, cherry groves pepper the forest with a pink and vibrant hue, and during most times of the year you can find teams playing rugby on any of the large open fields.

For all of the open space, however, the largest draw of Auckland Domain is the building atop the hill. Constructed in 1929, the Auckland War Memorial and Museum is a three-story, neo-classical building with displays on everything from the nation’s war history to exhibits on Maori culture. While the museum itself is free of charge (though donations are often suggested), there is an extra fee to watch a performance such as a traditional Maori haka.

While visitors scour inside of the museum and pore over cultural artifacts, you’ll find people outside of the museum enjoying the expansive lawn. Or, further down the hill, wander the greenhouses of the famous Wintergardens for a sea of flowers and color.

Much of the park’s attraction, however, is simply enjoying the open space, and whether it’s eating a picnic while gazing at the skyline or going out for a jog, Auckland Domain is where city residents come to escape to nature.

A fabulous UNESCO World Heritage site measuring 434 square miles (700 square kilometers), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park stretches from Westland to Fiordland on New Zealand's South Island. A mecca for climbers, hikers, skiers, and lovers of natural beauty, the park's attractions include the Tasman Glacier and the warm and welcoming Heritage, New Zealand’s most famous hotel.

The Buried Village of Te Wairoa offers a unique glimpse into 19th century New Zealand life, as it was buried and preserved by volcanic ash in an 1866 eruption. One of New Zealand's most popular attractions, this archeological treasure houses a museum to the village and the interaction of Maori and colonial cultures. You'll see towering, carved Maori artwork in the museum and then tour the excavation points around the site.

If you're visiting New Zealand for its outdoor-centric lifestyle, the Buried Village is a good hub for great hiking. Beyond the village is the spectacular Waterfall Trail. It provides two different hiking tracks of breathtaking scenery and the famed rainbow trout that live and spawn in the Te Wairoa stream. The Tarawera area is crossed by several other trails, including one at Lake Okareka.