If you’re planning an unforgettable weekend getaway, Auckland is one of the best choices.
Whether you want to go on an adventure or unwind in a new place, Auckland is the ideal choice with its blend of urban restaurants, towers, and film sets and the natural beauty of beaches and mountains.
However, if you’re struggling to plan for your weekends, here are the top options!
Explore The Hobbit Film Set
If you’re a fan of Peter Jackson’s movies, book a Hobbiton tour from Auckland with a reputable and experienced touring company that also offers pickup and drop-offs from Auckland Central Business District. Enjoy a scenic journey up to the destination with several picturesque stops.
In this, you get to tour the complete film set of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogies with a guide for around 2.5 hours. You can shop in the Hobbiton Gift Shop and grab a bite from the café.
The Hobbiton Bus then takes you to The Hobbit Village, where your guide takes you through The Hobbit Holes, The Double-Arched Bridge, and The Mill. The tour also includes free beer, ginger beer, or cider from their brewery, The Green Dragon Inn.
Each tour accommodates up to 40 people. So, if you’re on a getaway with a huge group, this is perfect!
Have fun on the Sky Tower
The Sky Tower, a part of SkyCity Entertainment, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Auckland. If this is your first visit, you can enjoy a number of activities here.
Reach the destination at 9:30 am and climb the tower’s observation deck. Bask in the 360-degree panoramic view of Auckland City and Hauraki Gulf while sipping on your coffee.
You can also try out bungee jumping activities from their 53rd floor. They also provide a skywalk experience of walking on the tower pergola exterior at around 192 meters above ground. Alternatively, you can enjoy tours of the interior of the complex.
Visit different museums
In the afternoon, visit the majestic museums in Auckland. Let’s know the most popular ones here.
Toi o Tamaki
Toi o Tamaki is Auckland’s art gallery famous for housing 16,000+ gorgeous artwork in a stunning Chateau-styled 19th-century building. Some of the portraits are dated back to the 10th century.
If you love to spend time in nature, stroll around Albert Park right beside the museum. It’s full of ancient trees, colourful flowers, and a striking water fountain.
Museum of Transport and Technology
If you visit with your family, especially kids, this is the best museum. There are interesting outdoor and indoor exhibits of trains, planes, automobiles, technological evolution, and interactive displays.
Tamaki Paenga Hira
This museum exhibits a wide collection of artefacts from the Maori culture used in the First and Second World Wars. You can also watch the Maori Cultural Performance, including their poi dance and world-famous haka dance.
Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa/New Zealand Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum, near Auckland’s waterfront, boasts a collection of 100+ boast and ships and relevant articles from early Polynesian voyagers. You can also book rides on heritage vessels.
Parnell Markets
Parnell Markets must top your list if you want to experience Auckland’s local food. From sampling artisanal food and fresh, seasonal produce to having fresh pastry with coffee, it’s the best start to your day.
There’s a stall for every kind of foodie. If you want edible souvenirs for friends and family, you’ll be spoilt with choices!
Climb Mt. Eden
Mt. Eden is one of the best viewpoints of Auckland. Renowned as Auckland’s highest volcano, you can enjoy the city’s skyline and the Hauraki Gulf from its top.
Covered in lush grass, you can walk on the crater’s perimeter. The visit is completely free, and you can enjoy it as long as you want to! Bring your blankets and sit on the dormant volcano for a mesmerising sunset view.
Play around on the beach
Auckland has spectacular beaches, such as Mission Bay, which has calm waters and white sand. There’s also a large playground with amazing views of Rangitoto Island and several restaurants with outdoor seating.
With exotic black sand and wild waves, Piha Beach is popular among surfers. It has a rugged landscape with breathtaking and wild waves.
Conclusion
This itinerary lets you make the most of your weekend getaway in Auckland. So, start planning according to your preferences, pack your bags, and dive deep into the diverse offerings!