New Zealanders are extremely focused on being active, it’s in their blood. All over the country they love to play sports and stay fit. Auckland is certainly no exception to this.
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand and offers a wide variety of activities and sports for you to try on a visit there. Here’s a list of some of the cool activities you should have a go at in Auckland.
Bungy Jumping from the Sky Tower
This impressive building is the largest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere. Standing at an impressive 328 metres tall and completed in 1997 it’s fascinating to look up at, as well as to admire the stunning panoramic views of the city from the top. If you’re an adventurer why not try walking along the tight rope at the top in a harness or bungy jumping from an observation deck on the tower? These thrilling experiences will get the adrenaline flowing.
Launch yourself from Auckland Harbour Bridge
If you want to try a terrifying bungee jump head over to the famous Auckland Harbour bridge. This is New Zealand’s only bungee jump with an “ocean touch”. With excellent views over the city and across the Waitemata harbour, this experience will get your blood pumping.
Sea Kayaking to Rangitoto island
If you’re looking to enjoy water activities whilst exploring Auckland, hiring a kayak and paddling out to Rangitoto island is a great way to do this. Using your paddle power to get to Auckland’s most iconic island is a truly rewarding experience.
Rangitoto is a dormant volcanic cone just off the coast of the city. Instead of getting a boat have a workout and take a sunset kayak tour and enjoy a healthy kiwi style BBQ once on the island (all equipment is provided). While paddling out to the island you can enjoy a beautiful sunset across the sparkling waters. You then paddle back in the dark and watch the city lights glisten.
Explore Rugged Beaches in West Auckland
Wherever you are staying in Auckland you’ll never be too far from a beautiful coastline. In under an hour from the city centre, you can find yourself on 60km of wild rugged beaches where the Tasman Sea meets long stretches of black sand.
Muriwai is known for its spectacular black sand surf beaches and its southern end (Otakamiro Point) is home to one of the few mainland gannet (Takapu) breeding colonies. The impressive clifftops and gannet colonies provide wonderful scenery for a visit to Muriwai Beach.
Hiking in Auckland
Sometimes there’s no better way to explore a destination than on foot. Spend your days discovering some of Auckland’s best trails for hiking. Auckland offers tourists a wide range of scenery only a stone’s through from the city.
Here are some of the best hiking trails where you can explore Auckland on foot:
- – Te Henga Walkway: hike through the rugged beaches and native bush, looking out at the large swells in the Tasman Sea.
- – Coast-to-coast walk: experience a cross-section of Auckland life and cross the entire width of the country in only 4-5 hours. You’ll pass volcanoes, heritage sites and city scenery.
- – Rangitoto summit track: climb to the top of this dormant volcano and experience awesome city views.
- – Rotoroa island: an island home to many endangered native species including kiwi and takahe. The calmness and views you’ll experience on the island are a great way to escape the city. The most popular trail is the North Tower loop trail.
Auckland Stadium – Eden Park
Eden Park is New Zealand’s national stadium and over the years has shown some of the best sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere. Home of the All Blacks, the stadium is world-famous amongst rugby fans.
The stadium is not only used for holding sporting events but there’s also a wide range of activities you can do there:
- – Sky sport zipline – Eden Park’s zipline is a one-of-a-kind stadium experience.
- – Stadium tour – find out about the history of New Zealand’s greatest sports teams.
- – Stadium glamping – available on match and non-match days a unique accommodation experience.
- – Haka on the park – experience some Māori culture first-hand.
- – Sky sport rooftop tour – take a tour on the rooftop and enjoy the vantage point where you can view the city’s skyline and volcanic range with 360-degree views.
Auckland is certainly a great city full of life and experiences for you to try out during your stay there. The best thing about Auckland is its size. The city is a short drive from the most amazing scenery – rent a car and you can immerse yourself in the great experiences Auckland has to offer.
