One of the side effects of becoming the Editor of OB真人视讯 is friends and strangers alike are always sliding into my DMs asking for recs (which I dig, by the way—she loves a flex). So I decided I should really be spilling my secrets here, for all of you, too.
Whether you’re new to the city, have a friend from out of town or overseas you want to impress, are fresh out of ideas for the school holidays, need something different to do with your mates or just want to drop straight into the beating heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, you’re sure to find something (or a whole lot of somethings) here to keep you busy. Keen to plump your weekend lineup? Right this way.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Auckland again—get us in your inbox here.
Jump to:
- Things To Do In Auckland You Should Have Done By Now
- Things To Do In Auckland For Couples
- Things To Do In Auckland For Families
- Things To Do In Auckland For Free
- Things To Do In Auckland For Groups
Epic Things To Do In Auckland You Should Have Done By Now, At Least Once
Party First, Work Later
Morning People | Various locations
Image credit: Morning People | Logan West
What started as a secret underground morning rave in the belly of Whammy Bar (yep, back when The Wine Cellar still existed) has since gathered a cult-following across Tāmaki, Ōtautahi and Pōneke, popping up in the likes of Auckland Town Hall, HI-SO and The Sky Tower, plus a silent disco spinoff that pops up every so often. Alcohol-free with bottomless coffee, kombucha and All Good bananas plus endorphin-pumping, freshly-spun beats by local and international DJs, when 's happening, it's the only way I care to start my day.
Laugh Until You Almost Wet Your Pants
Live Reel | Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Live Reel | Instagram
Celebrating its tenth year running and created by husband-and-wife Nicko and Nicky Vella, is a pay-as-you-feel monthly comedy gig at Basement Theatre where a bunch of comedians attempt to act out a famous movie, from memory, for the first time in front of a live audience. It’s as hectic as it sounds but it’s also incredibly impressive and I walk out awe-inspired every single time.
Paddle To Rangitoto
Auckland Sea Kayaks | Various
Image credit: Auckland Sea Kayaks | Instagram
While you absolutely could catch a ferry over to Rangitoto, I reckon go one step further and tackle this glorious volcano via kayak first. Auckland Sea Kayaks does guided which will have you paddling across the stunning Waitematā, scaling Rangitoto and enjoying a BBQ feed before paddling back. The 7-hour tour runs year-long and is priced at $225 per person. And if that feels a bit intimidating, their 2-hour City Lights night kayak tour ($118) is a great opportunity to build your confidence.
Art Up Your Child’s Pose
Auckland Art Gallery | Wellesley Street East, Auckland
Image credit: Auckland Art Gallery | Facebook
Yoga in different spaces isn’t unique to Tāmaki Makaurau but saluting the sun among the artwork at Auckland Art Gallery certainly is and every week brings two opportunities to do exactly that. Led by qualified yoga instructors, you can unwind in on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings for $20 a session. Speaking of, the gallery has loads of awe-inspiring exhibitions and entry is free for residents.
See A Show Under The Stars
The Civic | Cnr of Queen Street & 269-287 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Auckland Live | Instagram
was built way back in 1929 and has been treating us to wonderful shows ever since. Its clever floating ceiling design, studded with stars, recreates the Southern Hemisphere night sky taking your theatre experience to the next level. And if you're keen to delve deeper into the history and stories within its gilded walls, they do a tour too. How good.
Treat Your Ears To The APO
Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra | Auckland Town Hall
Image credit: Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra | Instagram
Our city has its own philharmonic orchestra—the which puts on breathtaking classical music concerts and events all year round featuring both traditional and new works. Snag yourself a ticket and prepare to bathe in Tāmaki’s very own classical sound bath.
Catch A Game
Eden Park | Reimers Avenue, Kingsland, Auckland
Image credit: Eden Park | Instagram
The All Blacks need no introduction so if you’re a diehard fan you’ll definitely want to experience a live game at . The stadium’s more than a century old and can seat just under 50,000 rabid fans aficionados so you know the hype's going to be off the charts.
Get Inked
Various
Image credit: Tattoo Gold | Instagram
Immortalise all the memories you’ve made in Tāmaki Makaurau by having one of our expert local tattooists gun an ink effigy onto your favourite body part.
You might also like:
- Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
- What's On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year
- 21 Stunning Walks To Take In Auckland
Things To Do In Auckland For Couples
When it’s time to crank the heat, these three spots should be top of your list. And when you’re done with those, I’ve got a whole lot more date ideas that (probably) won’t get you ghosted.
Get A Little… Saxy
Caretaker | Downstairs, 40 Customs Street, Britomart Place, Auckland
Image credit: Caretaker / Facebook
Pssst, secret New York-inspired cocktail bar, , offers live jazz every Sunday (and Monday and Tuesday too) from 9pm. The perfect tonic to a wild weekend, shimmy on over to the speakeasy for a total change of pace and unwind with tastebud-tingling cocktails in an unrivalled setting.
Curate Your Own Progressive Dinner
Various
Tāmaki’s food scene is strong with an abundance of sensational restaurants and bars so don’t spend your night at just one of them. Line up a bunch of your favourites and hop from one to the next, sampling drinks and nibbles along the way. Our best restaurants, bars, late night desserts and happy hour cheat sheets will make planning a breeze.
Flex Your Skills (Or Lack Thereof)
Gravity X | Newmarket
There's nothing quite as charming as watching your significant other get hurled up a hill backwards and into a padded wall. No? Just me? If you're picking up what I'm putting down, you'll want to head to for your next date. Thanks to the top-tier trainers, you're guaranteed a good time even if your surf experience is exclusively web-based and the closest you've ever been to snow is belting Let It Go at the top of your lungs.
Things To Do In Auckland For Families
Want more like this? Slide on over to our Ultimate Guide For Things To Do With Kids (from toddlers through to young adults).
Make A Beeline For Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Level 5, 88 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Wētā Workshop Unleashed | Supplied
Wētā Workshop helped put Aotearoa on the cinematic map so next time the sprogs need some enrichment, you've just got to trot them along to , if only as an excuse to go along yourself. A word of warning: younger kids may want to steer clear of the horror section (and maybe even some adults, too!).
Pick Golden Orbs
Franklin Farm Sunflower Fields | 167 Taha Road, Waimauku, Auckland, North Island
Ok, this one's strictly seasonal so mark your calendar for sometime next December to February. The season may be short but the joy certainly isn't. This activity ticks all the boxes: It's outdoors, it's cheap and you'll get great photos. Besides, being towered over by giant sunflowers is unlike anything else.
Feed Donkeys
Highfield Garden Reserve | 483 Mahurangi East Road, Algies Bay, Auckland
Head outta town to sweet donkey park-come-community garden, which has been around since the '60s and is run exclusively by volunteers (cute!). Bring along some chopped carrots and apples and you'll make fast friends of the seven-strong brood; just remember to keep those little palms flat.
You might also like:
- Kid-Friendly Events Happening In Auckland This Month
- Everything To Take Your Kids To This Month In Wellington
- Your Guide To Auckland's Best Hot Chocolates
Things To Do In Auckland For Free
Penny-pinching? You’re not alone—I met my partner in an UberPool. These are my ultimate top 5 free things to do in Auckland but you can scope the full, 50-strong list here.
Score Free Theatre
Basement Theatre | Whenever suits you
Image credit: Basement Space | Instagram
Free theatre? In this economy? It’s a resounding yes and volunteering to usher at is the ultimate life hack for unlocking as much free theatre as your little arts-loving heart could desire. There's no minimum commitment—drop into shows whenever suits you—and not only will you get to watch the gig for free, you'll also enjoy a free drink at the bar after each show. Naiiice.
Pay What You Feel For A Top-Tier Feed
Everybody Eats | ONE Cafe, Onehunga & Tātou, Glenn Innes
Locally-based not-for-profit, , sees incredible chefs turning rescued ingredients into exquisite three-course meals (dietaries can be accommodated) and you get to choose how much you pay for it, no questions asked. So while this isn’t free, it’s as affordable as you need it to be. Diners sit at share tables and are encouraged to get to know each other, but you can book private tables in advance, too.
Fall Down The Rabbit Hole That Is Karangahape Road
Karangahape Road
Dubbed by Time Out in 2022 as one of the coolest streets in the world, whether you’re a Tāmaki resident or you're passing through, wandering along is essential. Downright delicious and utterly saucy (in all meanings of the word) you'll find live gigs and kai, amidst sex shops and dance clubs. I once witnessed an underground screamo gig at Whammy complete with a Mr Potato Head doll. It's everything your heart could desire, and more than you could ever imagine rolled up into one atmospheric strip.
Things To Do In Auckland For Groups
If you’re sick of annihilating happy hours (gasp!) and getting a little too jovial at BYOs (double gasp!) then you’ve come to the right place. Lowkey competitive? I’ve got you.
Hurl Axes
Sweet Axe Throwing Co., 5 Galatos Street, Auckland Central
There’s just about nothing sweeter than hurling an axe at the wall which is why I can’t get enough of and why I’m lowkey obsessed with their axe-throwing league. Also on offer? Tasty snacks (including gluten-free and vegan options) and darts, you know, if you’re in the mood to crush your opponents in multiple genres.
Run The Grid
Running Grid | 88 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland & 3b Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland & 10 Railside Avenue, Henderson, Auckland
Think you've got a pretty sharp crew? Put your collective talents to the test at , an interactive gaming experience that's halfway between The Floor Is Lava and Bubble manifested as a floor covered in neon tiles. Your group will work together to stamp out all the blue tiles while avoiding the red tiles before the time runs out. It's sweaty work but it's a helluva lot of fun and, for sure, an essential component of flat zombie apocalypse training.
Embrace Island Life
Waiheke Island
Sure, Waiheke is known for its wineries and vineyards (which are fantastic, by the way) but there's also a whole lot of things to explore, sans vino, like beaches, top-tier eateries, nature walks and a laid-back atmosphere that’s worth soaking up on the regular. A mere 45-minute ferry from downtown Auckland, this stunning island is practically on our doorstep and it's packed with things to do that range from absolutely luxe to budget-friendly.
Shoot All The Things (Virtually, Of Course)
Zero Latency VR | Auckland CBD
Speaking of the zombie apocalypse, take it up a notch with actual zombies (ok, like, the actual VR kind) and trauma-bond your way to next-level friendship. Apocalypse a little too close for comfort? Take your pick from 's other genres including space marine, far cry, singularity, sol radiers and engineerium.
Do Good
Motutapu Island
Speaking of island escapes, is always in need of volunteers so if your crew’s after a wholesome day out you can plant trees, weed-whack and working in the nursery. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a takahe.
Pile Into The Car
Wherever You Like
Perhaps odd but one of the best things to do in Auckland is leave it. Seriously. The city's so close to so many different adventures—a short roadie will take you to lush native forests, snow-capped volcanoes, massive lakes, sprawling vineyards, caves filled with glowworms, whole other islands, and more. Find inspiration with 8 of the best day trips or 21 stunning walks, do a snack run, and dive head first into adventure.
Looking for more? Check out:
Main image credit: Morning People | Facebook
OB真人视讯 Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.