Introduction
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, offers visitors a lot to see and do. Whether you are planning on staying for four days or forty-eight hours, it is essential to know what attractions you can visit without spending any money. Fortunately enough, Auckland has many free activities to offer its visitors! Here are the top ten free things to do in Auckland that will leave even the most travel-savvy person satisfied.
1) Kiwi North Kiwi (bird) Park (Pay grade: A+)
Right across from Beach Haven, within walking distance of the city center, is Kiwi North Kiwi (bird) Park. This small park has many animal exhibits; some are native New Zealand birds and mammals, while others are exotic animals like llamas and kangaroos! The best part about this attraction is that it’s completely free to visit. There is no cost associated with entering the park or seeing any of its exhibits.
2) Auckland Domain (Free parking ~$.50 entry fee per car on weekends)
The Auckland Domain is a large park located in the middle of Auckland City. It is an excellent place for a morning jog, a leisurely walk, or a picnic lunch with friends. The park also has some beautiful gardens and historical monuments worth exploring. And if you get tired of walking, you can always hop on one of the complimentary bicycles available at the park entrance!
3) Auckland Art Gallery (Free admission)
The Auckland Art Gallery is one of the most extensive art galleries in New Zealand, and it offers its visitors free admission. The gallery has a wide variety of art on display, from traditional Maori art to contemporary pieces. There is something for everyone at the Auckland Art Gallery!
4) Sunny Mornings (Free pastries with coffee purchase)
At Sunny Mornings, one can find some of the best coffee in Auckland. Not only does this cafe offer its visitors free pastries with any purchase of a drink, but it also has an outdoor seating area where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather that New Zealand is known for (Note: You may need to acquire your food if you are on a strict budget.).
5) Victoria Park Market (Free entry; $1 for each food order)
The Victoria Park Market is held at lunchtime every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. This market has everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts for sale. There is also a wide variety of food to choose from, and the best part is that everything is only $1 per order!
6) Mission Bay Beach (Free admission)
Mission Bay Beach is one of Auckland’s most popular beaches. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the sand. The beach is also a great place to watch the sunset.
7) Auckland Zoo (Free admission)
The Auckland Zoo is home to over 1000 animals from around the world. It’s a great place to take the kids for a day of fun and learning. And best of all, admission is free!
8) The Waterfront (Free walks; ferries cost $4.50 per person)
The Auckland Waterfront is a beautiful area that stretches along the city’s harbor. It’s an excellent place for a relaxing walk, and there are also some great restaurants and cafes located here. If you want to explore more of the waterfront, you can take the ferry for a ride around the harbor (Note: The ferry ride costs $4.50 per person).
9) One Tree Hill (Free admission)
One Tree Hill is a large park located in the middle of Auckland City. It offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. The park is also home to One Tree Hill, a monument that commemorates the founder of Auckland.
10) The Waitakere Ranges (Free admission)
The Waitakere Ranges is a beautiful, forested area located on the west coast of Auckland. It’s a great getaway from the city and an ideal place to go for some hiking and camping!
11) Auckland Architecture (Free walking tours available)
If you want to learn more about how Auckland was designed or what makes it such a unique city, free walking tours will give you all this and more. The walking tours last approximately 2 hours and include visits to 5 different architectural sites in downtown Auckland. The time starts every day at 10:30 AM outside Sky City Cinemas on Victoria Street.
12) Parnell Rose Gardens (Free admission; $5 for tram ride)
The Parnell Rose Gardens is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Auckland. It is home to over 8000 roses, and it’s also a popular spot among locals looking to relax or have an outdoor picnic lunch. There are even vintage 1910 electric trams that circle the gardens ($5 per person).
13) Mt Eden (Free walking trails available)
One of the highest points in all of Auckland, Mt Eden offers some spectacular views at its summit – you can see all the way out to Rangitoto Island! Climbing Mt Eden requires no fee; however, you will need to pay $5 to take the gondola to the top if you wish.
14) Te Wero Island (Free admission)
Te Wero Island is a small island located in Auckland’s harbor. It was created to restore wildlife into this city area, and today it offers some beautiful gardens, walking trails, and even a cafe!15) Friends of the Native Bird Park (Free entry; $3 for a guided tour) The Native Bird Park is home to many native New Zealand birds that one can observe up close. There are also several other animal species at this park – including kangaroos – all of which you can see for free! However, if you want a guided tour of the park, it’ll cost you $3 per person.
15) Auckland War Memorial Museum (Free admission)
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a large museum located in the center of Auckland City. It tells the story of New Zealand’s involvement in wars throughout history and houses a collection of over 6000 items on display. Admission is free!
16) Beaches (Free admission)
Auckland is surrounded by some of the best beaches globally, and many of them are free to visit! Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, sunbathe, or surf, there’s a beach for you in Auckland.
18) Sky Tower (Free admission to observation deck)
The Sky Tower is the tallest structure in New Zealand and offers amazing views of the city and surrounding area from its observation deck. Admission is free, but there is a charge for the glass floor viewing platform.
17) Auckland Zoo (Free admission)
The Auckland Zoo is home to over 1000 animals worldwide, making it one of the largest zoos in New Zealand. It’s open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free!
18) Harbour Bridge (Free walking tours available)
The Harbour Bridge is a large suspension bridge that crosses Auckland’s harbor. It offers some beautiful views of the city and surrounding area, and best of all – it’s free to walk across! Guided walking tours are available every day at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a tour with Cathay Pacific. Auckland is a beautiful city known for its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and abundant nature. The city’s architecture is also something to write home about – it has some of the best examples of colonial-style buildings in all of Oceania. Finally, there are plenty of activities that won’t break the bank – whether you want to go hiking, camping, or chill out at one of Auckland’s many parks.
