How to Spend 3 Days in Auckland
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How to Spend 3 Days in Auckland

How to Spend 3 Days in Auckland

With three days in Auckland, there’s enough time to explore the city and harbors, amp up the adventure level with a choice of gravity-defying activities, and take an excursion to cultural and scenic destinations not far from the City of Sails. Here’s how to maximize a 3-day trip to this world-class metropolis on New Zealand’s North Island.

Day 1: Highlights and Harbors

Discover the vibrant city of Auckland on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and get acquainted with the highlights at your own pace. Visit Mt. Eden, browse the Parnell Village boutiques, ascend the Sky Tower, and stroll around Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park. Alternatively, opt for an aerial sightseeing tour by seaplane or helicopter, with guided narration about significant landmarks like the Auckland Harbour Bridge. You can also experience the city with a Maori guide and catch a cultural performance at the Auckland Museum. A must-do for families is a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World for a look at New Zealand wildlife. 

 

Once you’ve got the lay of the land, embark on a scenic harbor lunch or dinner cruise and take in spectacular views aboard a catamaran or sailing yacht. Alternatively, Waiheke Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf, is a popular destination for food and wine tours.

Day 2: Outdoor and Adrenaline Adventures

A proper New Zealand vacation requires at least one day in the great outdoors. A favorite family-friendly activity is whale-watching and dolphin-spotting in Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. You could also spend the entire day on the island of Tiritiri Matangi, a predator-free bird sanctuary, ideal for nature enthusiasts—take the ferry over, and then hike at your leisure or opt for a guided walk.

 

If an adrenaline rush is more your style, go straight to the top with the Auckland Harbour Bridge climb—the 360-degree views of the city are magnificent—or for even more of a thrill, take the plunge on a breathtaking bridge bungee jump. Sailing enthusiasts can join the crew of an actual America’s Cup yacht and try their hand at match racing. Yet another option is a jet boat ride on Waitemata Harbour, which spins you past the Sky Tower and other top city landmarks.

Day 3: Day Trips from Auckland

Subtropical islands, glowworm caves, historic sites, and pristine shoreline—there’s a lot within an easy day trip’s reach from Auckland. Head to Northland and cruise around the gorgeous Bay of Islands to the Hole in the Rock and back past Cape Brett Lighthouse. Or ferry over to the charming township of Russell and tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. 

On the rugged West Coast, you can take an eco-walking tour in the rain forest of the Waitakere Ranges. Thermal sands and camera-worthy coves are found on the Coromandel Peninsula, another stunning alternative in the North Island’s great outdoors. 

Lord of the Rings fans will want to head south to Hobbiton, where the Shire movie set and Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole await. On the way, take an underground boat ride through the illuminated grotto of Waitomo Glowworm Caves; end your tour in Rotorua or back in Auckland.

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5 Tours and Activities

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Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves Full Day Tour departing Auckland

Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves Full Day Tour departing Auckland

star-4.5
499
Go on a Hobbiton tour from Auckland and see the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, starting with a scenic drive through New Zealand’s North Island aboard a luxury coach. You’ll be enthralled by the illuminated Glowworm Grotto during an underground boat ride on the Waitomo River. Then pose for photos in front of hobbit holes at the Hobbiton Movie Set, home to Bilbo Baggins from ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogies. Picnic lunch included.
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  • 12 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
US$219.24
From
US$219.24

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

star-4.5
1204
Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland. You’ll board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about New Zealand’s natural wonders. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels and terns.
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  • 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
From
US$104.55
From
US$104.55

Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

star-5
286
Explore the Waitakere Ranges rain forest and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide who is knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about Maori history, stroll the beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rain forest while you experience Auckland's largest regional park.
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  • 5 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
US$110.89
From
US$110.89

Auckland Explorer: Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Auckland Explorer: Hop-on Hop-off Tour

star-4
706
See Auckland’s major sights and attractions with a hop-on hop-off city bus tour. Perfect for first-time visitors to Auckland, it’s a great way to explore the city. Complete with English audio commentary, the bus tour takes about an hour to complete. Enjoy the flexibility of a 1-day or 2-day pass, and hop off at key points, such as Parnell Village, Auckland Museum or the Sky Tower, at your leisure.
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  • 1 day
  • Free Cancellation
From
US$31.68
From
US$31.68

America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour

America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour

star-4.5
118
Join an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No experience necessary.
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  • 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
US$123.56
From
US$123.56