Top 7 things to do in Auckland

New Zealand is a postcard country. The diversity of its landscapes makes it one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its fine sand, imposing mountains, turquoise blue waters and breathtaking flora and fauna, who wouldn’t dream of visiting New Zealand at least once? In addition to the activities you can only do on the Kiwi Island, New Zealanders have a culture and traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. Much more than a simple trip, New Zealand is the discovery of a people with a culture all their own.

1- Admire marine mammals from a boat

Category: €€€ / Unusual

Description: One of the must-do activities when visiting New Zealand is to admire the marine wildlife in an exceptional setting. For four and a half hours, you’ll be on board a catamaran where you’ll have the chance to drink a little wine or beer or eat a snack or even a hot meal. You’ll pass by such sublime places as the volcanic island of Rangitoto. As you approach the Hauraki Marine Park, look out for whales, orcas and dolphins swimming in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re unlucky enough not to have seen one on your visit, you’ll be entitled to a second free slot.

2- Explore the geothermal town of Rotura and the Maori way of life

Category: €€€ / Cultural

Description: From Auckland, spend half a day discovering a treasure in Rotura. Before arriving in Rotura, take time to enjoy the scenery through your window. Once there, your guide will show you around Lake Rotura, the Blue Baths, the Government Gardens, the hot springs and the Polynesian Spa. You’ll then have the chance to take part in two activities, but these are extra and not included in the price of the tour. If your guided tour suits you, then stroll around the city and discover the Maori way of life.

3- Admire Auckland’s bioluminescence

Category: €€ / Unusual / Sporty

Description: Aboard a kayak, follow your guide until you catch a glimpse of the “aurora marina”. The tour takes place in the early evening, once the sun has set. The night will bring out the luminous waters of Auckland thanks to the phenomenon of bioluminescence. Some living organisms produce chemical energy that is converted into light energy through a reaction. This phenomenon is not seen everywhere and is only found in a few places on Earth, including Auckland.

4- Go zip-lining on Waiheke Island

Category: €€ /Sensations /Sporty

Description: Located just half an hour from Auckland by ferry, you’ll head to Waiheke Island for the perfect activity to contemplate the magical landscapes New Zealand has to offer. This island excursion offers you three zip-line routes, each 200 metres long. The views will take your breath away. You can also visit the forest and contemplate the island’s flora and fauna. Note that the ferry journey from Auckland to Waiheke Island is not included in the price of this activity, so you’ll need to buy a ticket at the same time.

5- Jump out of a parachute and enjoy a surreal view

Category: €€€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: By skydiving alongside a professional, you’ll enjoy an extraordinary experience that will be engraved in your mind forever. You can choose between three options: a jump at 4,000 metres, another at 4,900 metres and finally a jump at 5,500 metres. This jump will allow you to admire the east and west coasts of New Zealand, Waiheke Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Taranak and Mount Ruapehu, all at a speed of 200km/h. In short, a concentration of the most beautiful Kiwi landscapes combined with a strong (even extreme) sensation.

6- Admire the flora and fauna in the heart of a forest

Category: €€€ /Cultural

Description: Located 30 minutes by public transport from Auckland, you will reach the Waitakere Ranges, a famous mountain ridge that separates Auckland from its west coast. New Zealand’s west coast beaches are renowned for being idyllic for surfing as well as being considered some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. After a visit to these postcard-perfect vistas, your walk continues through the rainforest, where the flora and fauna will dazzle your eyes. You’ll discover an unimaginable number of living species, including vegetation and animals. Around 70% of New Zealand’s native plants are found only in New Zealand, making your tour unique.

7- Visit the Auckland Aquarium

Category: € /Cultural

Description: Given its geographical position, New Zealand naturally has a major aquarium. The Kelly Tarlton Sea Life Aquarium will introduce you to the species living on the island, such as giant rays and several types of shark. This aquarium has the distinction of being the only one in the world to offer a public exhibition of seahorses, a very rare species.