• To make it easy for you, we've split Auckland into sub-regions: Rodney, Waitakere, North Shore, Auckland Central, Hauraki Gulf, South Auckland.  You will find this helpful when using the filter function on the home page.

• Using our Things to do in Auckland Google Map, you can skip from icon to icon to see at a glance what may be of interest to you, which will of course dictate how much time you'll need to spend.  There are two pages of maps, so be sure to flick between the two (so you don't miss out on any options).


View Things to do in Auckland in a larger map


• Once you've got an idea of what activities you want to do, or places to see - "Save to Favourites" as this function  then becomes your own hot picking list and guide you as to which driving route you'll likely to take.
  
  
• You can create your own Route Planner (created by Driving New Zealand) which will calculate the driving time and even fuel consumption.  You can save your map for reference, or refresh and plan another route.
  
  
• Helpful Hint:  Avoid Auckland's motorways if possibe during rush-hour (4-6pm).  It is very chaotic and if you not used to assertive driving, best have a coffee and avoid the mayhem.
  
  
• And for serious stuff, facts and figures and details - here's Immigration New Zealand's Auckland snippet of useful trivia.

• Daylight Savings:  Basically, we try and bluff Mother Nature by playing around with the hands of time.  On the last Sunday in September, we go into 'Daylight Savings' mode when the clocks go forward one hour (eg: 2am becomes 3am) to celebrate more hours of daylight.  Then on the first Sunday in April the clocks go back to normal (eg: 3am becomes 2am).  As a reminder: Spring forward, Fall back.

• Land of the Long White Cloud: Yes, this is the translation of Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand.  It doesn't take much to work out why this would be the case -- look skywards, and you'll get the general idea.  But regardless of the long white cloud, we have very strong UV rays and the sun will burn.  Slip (on a hat), Slop (on some sunscreen), Slap (on a hat).  Any primary school kid will be happy to advise you.

• The Language:  While Maori is the native tongue, everyone speaks English pretty much.  NZ is so multicultural however, that there will be dense pockets of almost every culture you can think of  -- so there's always the exception to the rule.  If in doubt, we highly recommend you smile, nod and try some form of sign language.

• Left Hand Drivers:  Driving on the left, is right.

• Crime: Just like any other country in the world, there will always be a complete plonker who ruins everything for everyone else.  They may not be dressed in hooded black cape with a name badge, so we suggest you lock up your valuables (keep the ipod off the front seat of your rental car), and use good common sense without putting yourself at risk at 4am in a dimly lit alley. If you don't want to take our advice, feel free to read up on what our Police say.

• New Zealand's Beaches:  They are diverse, beautiful, rugged, isolated, sandy, bouldered, shelled, serene, wild - you name it, they differ throughout the country.  One thing that remains constant however are the powerful rips in the water.  On popular beaches you will find a Surf Life Saving team with flags patrolling the beach.  Listen to them, as they are your friends and may just save your life.  If there is no patrol, be sensible, and look after your mates.

• Hunting and Game:  You will need a NZ hunting licence. Check with Fish and Game NZ and Department of Conservation (DOC) for details.  You can't go around shooting at anything, anywhere - we have protected native birds and animals. If in doubt, don't.

• Mountain Safety:  We're pretty casual around here, but don't put be a wally and attempt a trek without full preparation. We have amazing forests and mountains, and your brilliant adventure can turn to custard if you don't plan ahead.  Check with Mountain Safety Council for safety tips and guidelines.

Reference Reading

Greater Auckland > {

In the ongoing pursuit of great locations and fun family adventures, we'd like to introduce you to the Awhitu Peninsula.

This forgotten beautiful peninsula is on the south western shores of the Manukau Harbour.  While it takes around 45 minutes to drive from Auckland City, it's best to allow lots of time to explore and enjoy.  Make it a day trip, at the very least.

If you are wondering where to start your day of exploration, take a scenic drive through steep gullies and farmland out to the Awhitu Lighthouse and bring your camera, as there's terrific views across to Whatipu and further inland to Huia and Cornwallis.  You can't access the beach from here, so hug the coast around to West Coast Road and access to the ocean beach for west coast perspective. 

For quieter bays, there are several beautiful beaches like Big Bay to choose from within the Manuaku Harbour itself, perfect for swimming, surf casting or boating.  If you feel like stretching your legs, then the Awhitu Regional Park has to be on the list.

There's even a superb DOC campsite within the Regional Park itself that looks idealic - well worth a booking in the summer months. [Ed]

If you are staying a while at one of the camp grounds, you may want to mix things up a bit. Perhaps a horse trek or paintball game, or if the weather turns you could head indoors and try your hand at greenstone carving. 

There's no pubs out this way, but the Social Club offers a licensed "brunch" from midday-4pm on Sundays, or you can mingle with the locals at the Awhitu Markets.  If you want to go "green" you could always take an eco-tour around Awhitu.

There are two bird parks out on the Awhitu Peninsula at Orua and Waipipi, to call in for a coffee and talk to the parrots.  

For driving time, allow around 45 minutes to drive from Auckland City, and you'll drive through Waiuku to the coast.

Bear in mind that the Awhitu Peninsula is tidal, so remember when you're swimming or heading out on the water, the tides can change quickly. 

What to pack?  Definitely bring your camera, fishing gear, a windproof jacket (as it's prone to a strong coastal breeze), and a picnic lunch (as there's not too many shops and cafes out this way).

Certainly the Awhitu Peninsula got the "thumbs up" from us.  A beautiful spot indeed.

New Zealand > {

Every region of NZ has its own look and feel.  Auckland particularly, named the City of Sails, has plenty of beaches and boats, with the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower being prominant points on the city skyline.

The Waitakere Ranges boast a huge rain forest area, with waterfalls and native trees so its contrast in scenery is quite amazing.

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Auckland:


Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf


Auckland Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower


Duder Regional Park, Maraetai


Fairy Falls, Waitakere Ranges


Musick Point, Bucklands Beach

Main Photo (top): Shakespear Regional Park, Whangaparaoa

Auckland > {

Greater Auckland > {

At the mouth of the Manukau Harbour and west coast facing, wild Whatipu is well worth discovering.  Known for its shipwreck stories and spiritual connections, the Whatipu coastline has a history all of its own.

Ultimate Destination | Whatipu Caves. Walk to these awesome west coast caves, sing a verse of your favourite song and just listen to the acoustics - they are tremendous. Back in the Settler Days, this cave was used to hold dances as, being so sheltered with a huge floor and natural acoustics, it was a hard to bet venue. 

While exposed to the West Coast elements, the Whatipu Caves track is inland (coastal yet some distance from the ocean itself). It certainly is recommended as an outdoors adventure for the whole family, regardless of the weather.   Bring a torch if you want to explore the caves further.

If you want to go somewhere special with visitors, can't rave enough about the Whatipu Caves.
Ticks all the boxes for me. [Ed]

The Journey | To get to Whatipu, you'll drive through French Bay, Cornwallis and Huia - a scenic drive in itself, nudging the Waitakere Ranges.  Signposted from Titirangi, once you get onto Whaipu Road however, take note that it's a bit windy and narrow as you get closer to the West Coast - making the arrival even more dramatic. 

Around Huia area you'll find some of Auckland's greatest walks, and plenty of stop off points for along the way.  We recommend you check out the Lower Huia Dam (spectacular after heavy rain) and home to a great network of bush walking tracks.  Cornwallis Beach is also fun for kid friendly fishing off the wharf, or a picnic beneath the knarled trees.

New Zealand > {

The Bay of Plenty is made up of small but uniquely different townships.  From the bustling port of Tauranga to the sprawling beaches of Mt Maunganui, the timber townships of Kawerau to the bubbling mud of Rotorua, this region is quite diverse.

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Bay of Plenty:


Whakatane Harbour


The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua


Old Government Gardens, Rotorua


Otarawairere Beach, Whakatane


Tarawera Falls, Kawerau

Main photo (top): Whale Island, Whakatane

New Zealand > {

Stretching inland over high country mountain ranges, Canterbury offers city dwelling in Christchurch, to rambling farmland, pictureque alpine lakes and mountain scenes of the Mackenzie Basin. 

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Canterbury:


Lake Tekapo


Canterbury "Rush Hour"


Caroline Bay, Timaru


Mt Cook Alpine Canals


Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo

Main Photo (top): Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie Country

New Zealand > {

In a little slice of paradise, the Coromandel Peninsula commands a narrow arm of land offering popular and isolated beaches, a water lover's wonderland (surfing, fishing, snorkelling).

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Coromandel Peninsula:


Waihi Beach


Cathedral Cove


Views from Mt Paku


Te Pare, Hahei


Mussell Barge Fishing, Coromandel Town

Main Photo (top): Hot Water Beach

any region in New Zealand > {

New Zealand > {

Somewhat isolated in the Far North, Northland has a special feel of its own - from the rugged Cape Reinga coastline, to the quiet marina town of Whangarei.  

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Northland:


Mt Manaia


Waipu Cove


Piroa Falls, Waipu


Pouto Peninsula, Kaipara


Ruakaka Beach

Main photo (top): Baylys Beach

Northland > {

Northland > {

New Zealand > {

The Otago region boasts wildlife not seen in other parts of New Zealand, and with expansive coastlines perfect for breeding, fur seals and penguins are common sights. 

Dunedin, with its very gothic architecture, makes for a very old Scottish feel.

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Otago:


Aramoana Spit, Dunedin


Heritage Buildings, Dunedin City


Baldwin Street, Dunedin


Allans Beach, Otago Peninsula


Port Chalmers


Nugget Point, The Catlins

Main Photo (top): Moeraki Boulders, North Otago

New Zealand > {

While New Plymouth is the coastal city of note within the region, the Taranaki scenery quickly morphs from city into a wonderful alpine vista as you travel inland towards Stratford.

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook gallery for Taranaki:


Pukerangiora, Waitara


Dawson Falls, Stratford


Lake Mangamahoe, New Plymouth


Stratford Milking


Paritutu Rock, New Plymouth


New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Main photo (top): Stratford Countryside

New Zealand > {

What stands out about the Waikato Region, is the predominance of rolling green hills, and constant impressive cloud formations that look like they've fallen out of a movie set.

Made up of smaller country townships, Waikato is very much a rural region.

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook photographs for Waikato:


Ocean Beach, Kawhia


Lake Ngaroto,  Te Awamutu


Mangapohue Natural Bridge, Waitomo


Marokopa Falls, Waitomo

Main Photo (top): Whangamarino Wetlands, Meremere

Wellington > {

New Zealand > {

The West Coast in the South Island is isolated, rugged, and naturally brilliant.  The sheer forces of wind, ocean make for great photography.

For a growing collection of more photos, check out our Facebook photo gallery for the West Coast:


Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki


Tauranga Bay Seal Colony, Cape Foulwind


Westport



Fox Glacier


Punakaiki Cliff views


Hokitika Beach

Main Photo (top): Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier