Wondering what to do in Auckland when you're here? Maybe you're bored of adventure activities or you've already experienced the Top 10 Things to Do in Auckland? Surprise surprise! Auckland is actually a really cool city with loads going on (who knew? Jokes!). There's probably far more to do than you may think...
Whether you knew it or not here are 10 unusual things to do or that you didn't know you could do in Auckland.
What to do in Auckland
that you didn't know you could!
1. Have a coffee with a cat
Yes... Auckland has jumped onboard the Cat Cafe bandwagon and opened its own little purry retreat within the city centre. $15 will get you one hour of Coffee and Cat Heaven... priceless. BaristaCats Cafe is home to 14 friendly felines and the $15 entrance fee includes a hot beverage with an optional food menu on offer. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm. You can also take part in Cat Yoga here too! Bookings essential.
2. Escape to a hidden island paradise
Most of us visiting or living in Auckland will of course make the expected ferry trip over to Waiheke Island for the wineries and of course, Rangitoto Island to climb to the top of that epic lookout we all know and love. BUT little do you know there is a hidden island paradise accessible by a short ferry ride from Auckland. Tiritiri Matangi Island is popular for bird watchers but there are some spectacular untouched beaches, a hidden tunnel with its own freshwater swimming hole, a shell made path that leads to a lookout and loads of walking trails. The ferry runs every day from 26th December to mid January, and Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays between mid January to 24th December. More info here.
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3. Escape from a Mental Asylum or Prison
Yes that's right. Auckland has its very own Escape Room with 3 different themes to choose from - Prison Break, Dreams of Alice & the Psych Ward. You and your mates are given 1 hour to solve a series of puzzles and challenges that will get you one step closer to freedom. The best bit? Prices start from $25. Great Escape Auckland is located in the centre of Auckland and if you're brave enough, you will need to book ahead.
4. Go Surfing
Yes you read correctly. Auckland might not be the first place in New Zealand you think of when you think of surfing, but there are good options to choose from. Find out more about surfing in Auckland.
5. Go for a ride along the Tamaki Drive coastline
There are a number of places to hire a rental bike in the city of Auckland and prices range from 2 hours to daily hire. If beaches and coastlines are up your alley, then hiring a bike and venturing along Tamaki Drive is a must. Follow the road east of the city, over Hobson Bay and through to Okahu Bay. If you have time you can pop in to Kelly Tarton's SEALIFE Aquarium or hire a Kayak. From Okahu Bay follow the coastline east to Mission Bay or St Heliers Bay for some beach time, lunch or a coffee.
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6. Party like it's the 1800s
Elliott Stables is a marketplace of international eats, craft beers and quirky shops all situated within a historic warehouse building that replicates Auckland in the 1800s. The idea? "Come in and sit anywhere: eat and drink from everywhere." To put it simply... it's a village of food and drink. You can grab a seat in the Village Common and choose a bite to eat from the surrounding restaurants and cafes. There is everything from French Crepes to German Sausages. Yummo! Located at 39 Elliott St, Auckland CBD. Open 7 Days, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
7. Hit the High Ropes
20 minutes south of Auckland (right by Auckland Airport) you will find Rocket Ropes high wire adventure park. Put your skills and confidence to the test and tackle the various rope courses on offer. One of our favourites? The Croc course! There are two challenging courses for big kids that include around 50 aerial activities that you need to master - think flying foxes, barrel roles and spider webs... not for the faint hearted (or hungover). The course tends to take around 2 to 3 hours to complete and you can book ahead here.
8. Swing in the tree tops like Tarzan
Head west of Auckland and check out the waterfalls and walkways of the Waitakere Ranges. There are a number of fantastic walking trails in the area but one of our favourites is the Mokoroa Stream Track. The loop track takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete and will lead you over the Swing Bridge, through ancient Kauri Trees, along Makoroa Stream and through to Makoroa Falls - have your camera ready. You can find more information about the track on the Deparment of Conservation website.
9. Wine, Cheese and Astronomy
Ok... for $35 you can sit back in a Planetarium, sip on a glass of wine, nibble on a cheeky piece of cheese and learn about the planets, stars and constellations visible in the night sky at the moment. Auckland's Stardome Observatory Planetarium plays host to regular events that will enlighten your inner child / nerd. Wine, cheese and Astronomy is just one of the events you can check out. If a show doesn't tickle your fancy then you can purchase a casual entry ticket which would be cheaper.
10. Hit Golf Balls at 4:00am - who needs to sleep?
Who says Jager doesn't improve the old swing? Auckland is home to a 24 hour driving range where a bucket of 100 balls will only set you back $14 (or $8 for 50). JKs World of Golf is located at Auckland Airport with 40 bays on offer. Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
- Liked this article? You may like our Top 10 Secret Auckland Bars or the Top 10 Things to do in Auckland.
