You have to come to Waiheke. It's like a tropical holiday, but within a 45 min ferry ride from Auckland Central. I would recommend staying at Onetangi as there is a magnificent beach and three restaurants to have dinner at. Also, local cafe and bakery make excellent pastries. Travelling on the island is very easy with the local bus running from ferry terminal to Onetangi... a 20-minute trip ish. Along that route are many vineyard's which all offer tastings. They are excellent and they really know their stuff. All in all, it's a fantastic place to have a couple of days break.

A fantastic low-key adventure for all ages! We had such a fun time with EcoZip Adventures—it’s been on my list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. The guides were friendly, informative, and made everyone feel at ease with a simple, well-delivered safety briefing. I really appreciated the extra care they took for those with back issues or injuries—it made a big difference. The views soaring above the treetops were absolutely stunning. A perfect way to kick off our inaugural Dad & Daughter adventure day!

An Unforgettable Experience at Stonyridge Vineyard – Waiheke Island I recently had the pleasure of visiting Stonyridge Vineyard on beautiful Waiheke Island, and wow — what an unforgettable experience from start to finish. To be honest, I’ve never really been much of a wine drinker - but that may have changed forever after this visit. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning surroundings and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The vineyard itself is absolutely picturesque, like something out of a postcard. Shout-out to Ella for the warm welcoming as we went in! Your a star! Our wine-tasting was taken with Gary, and it was truly exceptional. His knowledge of both the wine and the vineyard’s rich history brought a whole new appreciation to the experience. He was passionate, engaging, and made learning about wine feel effortless and fun. After tasting a variety of wines and learning how to truly appreciate the flavors, I think I’ve officially converted! Pinot Gris may just be my new drink of choice! Gary, if you’re reading this - thank you for making it such a standout experience! 10/10 recommend Gary for your tastings! Now, let’s talk about the food… incredible!!. Every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully plated, and perfectly paired with the wines. From rich, savory mains to delicate fresh starters, each bite felt thoughtfully crafted and elevated by the wine it was served with. But the real showstopper? The cheesecake! Hands down, 100/10. If I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I absolutely would. Creamy, dreamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—it was the perfect sweet ending to a flawless meal! Thank you Chef Sam and Chef Arnaud! The staff were warm, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit, and I have to give a special mention to the Manager - Jaden - who was absolutely wonderful—approachable, professional, and clearly loved what they do. You could feel the positive energy flowing from the entire team. To the incredible team at Stonyridge - Chefs Sam and Arnaud, the staff (S/O to Vale, Kiki and Mathis), the wonderful manager Jaden, and of course Gary....THANK YOU for such a memorable day. I came in as someone unsure about wine, and left as a total convert with a new favorite drink and a full, happy heart. I’ll definitely be back!

It is a popular public aquarium opened in 1985 in Auckland, New Zealand at 23 Tamaki Drive. Using disused sewage storage tanks, the aquarium used a new form of acrylic shaping, which allowed curved tunnels rather than viewing areas with flat panels only. They also used moving walkways for people to travel slowly through the viewing areas. Aquarium's main features are the Antarctic Encounter and the Underwater World, but it also includes several other exhibits and education rooms. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Toilets available. Restaurant available on site. Easy terrain, lot of easy walking. Friendly staff and great service. We visited on a weekday. Advise buying tickets ahead online. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Lots of parking available but gets crowded at peak times. Better go there early. Great place for photography. Gift/souvenir shop available on site.

“Manukau Heads Lighthouse Where the Ocean Makes Its Grand Entrance” 🌊✨ Ever wondered where all that water you see chilling at Onehunga actually comes from?.. This is the spot the grand entrance where the ocean rolls in like a boss.. And let me tell you,the view from the lighthouse is straight up mesmerizing.. 🌊⚓ Good news after being closed forever,the lighthouse is open again!.. You can climb up,walk around the 360° balcony,and let the crazy wind style your hair for free. 💨 The drive itself is a vibe winding roads,scenic stops that’ll tempt you to pull over for photos,and finally a gravel car park where the adventure begins.. Just a short 5 minute climb and boom,you’re at the top!.. Easy win.. Now… about the toilet.. 🚽 Let’s just say it’s “special..” No sewer system,just a giant barrel holding everything… Yes, you can see it. 😳💀 My advice, Either hold it like a champ or drive 40 minutes to the nearest town.. Overall,if you love nature,epic ocean views,and a little bit of wind in your face drama Manukau Heads Lighthouse is the spot. 🌅 “Logan was here chasing waves and wind at Manukau Heads 🌊💨”

It is also known as Auckland Museum, and is one of New Zealand's most important museums and war memorials. Its neoclassical building constructed in the 1920s and 1950s, stands on Observatory Hill, the site being the remains of a dormant volcano. Museum collections concentrate on New Zealand history (and especially the history of the Auckland Region), natural history, and military history. Its collections are organised into three principal areas: documentary heritage (manuscripts, correspondence and other historical documents in archives, along with pictorial art); the major branches of the natural sciences; and human history (broadly, material culture). Among the areas of significant focus are Māori and Pacific cultures, the human and natural history of the Greater Auckland region, New Zealanders' involvement in global conflicts, and exploration and discovery. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Keep an eye on your valuables. You can get here by public transport or car. We took the car and found it not a problem parking at a paid public car park. Fair bit of walking around this large building under shade. Wear comfy shoes, take water. Toilets available inside the building. Gift/souvenir shop available on site. Fee charged for entry. Book in advance. You can spend several hours here, depending on your interest. Great place for photography.

This is an absolute must-see attraction and should definitely be on your list when visiting Auckland, New Zealand. The entry ticket (NZD $47) is well worth it, as it gives you access to a spectacular panoramic view of the Auckland CBD, the harbour, and even the distant suburbs. I recommend visiting on weekdays if possible to avoid the crowds, and be sure to check the weather before going so you can make the most of the views. Don’t miss the Sky View Observation Deck and Café — it’s a great spot to sit back, enjoy a coffee or a couple of drinks, and take in the stunning city skyline from above. A fantastic experience overall, and one of the best ways to see Auckland from a whole new perspective.

Excellent zoo - Book the tour! The zoo is very well maintained and the animals look healthy and happy and have an option to remove themselves from display if desired. However, I saw almost every animal the morning I visited. (the lions were off display due to enclosure maintenance). The keeper talks were a highlight, and I got to see the porcupines fed up close. As they are generally nocturnal, this is your best option to get a glimpse of them as they sleep the rest of the day. The zoo is sectioned into five separate loops making navigation very easy. There’s also a lot of places to eat and drink and bathrooms along the way. I booked the tour and was delighted with the quality of the guide. They were extremely knowledgeable and personable. Not only did I learn a lot but I was able to see a lot more of New Zealand native animals, flora and culture because the guide pointed it all out. There is a lovely gift shop at the entrance/exit. I found some nice quality items for gifts and some great native guidebooks for myself. I believe you can hire strollers and umbrellas and things like that there too. Also, getting an Uber just outside was extremely easy. Allow around three hours minimum to see everything comfortably.

Best time to be there is 4:30pm for sunset view and do kitekite falls track at 3pm Beautiful creation of God. Worth the experience. Just drive safely. Don't swim here. Good for picnic.

Tiritiri Matangi Island – what a gem! ✨🌿 Spent the day exploring this incredible open sanctuary, and I’m still in awe. 🚤🐦 From the boat ride over to the peaceful bush walks and hearing rare native birds sing, everything felt like stepping into a different world. We managed to do all three major tracks in just four hours – such a perfect mix of nature and a good walk! The volunteers were absolutely amazing, sharing stories and helping us spot birds we might have missed. 🙌💚 Loved spotting the cheeky takahē, hearing the tūī’s call, and soaking up those ocean views. 🏝️💙 The Lighthouse area is so nice and perfect for a picnic – definitely worth stopping there to recharge and enjoy the view. Highly recommend if you want a mix of nature, fresh air, and a bit of NZ history. 🌊🌱 #TiritiriMatangi #NZMustDo #IslandAdventure #NatureLover #KiwiWildlife #BirdSanctuary #FamilyAdventure #NZTravel

The best place with 360 views and spent time with both family or your loved ones. To explore the entire area you need at least 3-4 hours. There is plenty of parking inside but it is very confusing, don't park near the bus stand . You can take your car inside up to a certain distance which is very helpful specifically near the "Photo Frame" point. There are 3-4 trails but please do necessary research of the we

Truly a must-visit. It's an experience that feels almost otherworldly, particularly when you catch one of those spectacular west coast sunsets. Beyond the stunning views, the location is surprisingly well-equipped. The presence of clean, well-maintained public restrooms is a definite plus.. The spacious car park offers flexibility; you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your vehicle, set up a picnic, or take a short stroll down to the beach for a closer look at the gannets and the powerful surf. Be aware! This popular spot can get crowded, especially during peak season and around sunset. Arriving early is strongly recommended to secure a parking space and avoid any disappointment. The walk to the lookout is short and accessible, making it suitable for most visitors.

Absolutely beautiful beach, very relaxing and lots of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy. Great place to walk the dog or just go for a stroll. Below scores are out of 5 ⭐️s 👌 Atmosphere   5 ⭐️ 📍 Location 5 ⭐️ 🅿️ Parking:    Lots of free parking available Overall   5 ⭐️

Amazing charter! Puts you right on the spots and offers expert advise to help you land the big fish. Safe, professional with top of the line gear.

Amazing place, beautiful gardens and sculptures. Definitely give yourself a an hour or two to take everything in. The indoor gallery was sensory overload, but in a good way 😅 just so much to take in all at once.

A beautiful spot on the north shore. Go early to get a parking place and a place to sit and relax on the beach before the crowds arrive. It's very popular for divers and for snorkeling. Clear pristine water and stunning scenery. There is snorkeling equipment for hire. Take your own food and drinks.

If you ever get the chance to visit Gibbs farm-Go for it. Pack a picnic lunch and walk around the sculptures at your leisure, the view towards the Kaipara harbour and farmland are pleasing and the sculptures at different angles and distances appear to morph into something else. The exotic animals dotted around also make it more exciting, we were admiring an emu from afar, then we started back on our walk and it started to follow. Another exciting encounter, an emu was running and we were in its path, looked like it was coming straight for us when it quickly changed direction.

First of all, this is a very unique choice for a birthday party! And this surfing school might be the best in Auckland! At first, I encountered some problems when making the reservation, but the managers solved them all perfectly for me! And through the email communication, I could feel the school's values and the positive attitude towards guests! They make you feel that even if it's windy or rainy, it's no big deal! This made me feel very at ease! Today's birthday party was a great success. The coaches were very professional, and their physiques were excellent! Their humor and positivity also influenced our birthday guests! I highly recommend this school! Moreover, when we met the coaches at the beach, their setup was very impressive! They had their own brand flags and tents, as well as professional surfing suits, and many different sizes of surfboards. They brought a whole carload of surfboards!

Went here after I did the Te Whara track and it was just stunning. Beautiful weather and the beach is approachable and accessible. Many different areas to climb and access. There's a part where you can climb over the rocks that you should wear shoes for that because I did not and it hurt my feet! But you overlook the vast blue ocean and can see parts of the Te Whara track as well as the many islands that surround this beach. Absolutely amazing experience and would list as a must-do if you're ever in the area.

Extremely well laid out. Displays that include sights, sounds, smell and movement - affordable range in gift shop too! Great cafe across the road. Allow at least 2 hours here.

A fabulous weekend had by 5 ladies! The accommodation was fabulous and spacious with everything thought of. We got the weekend fully catered and the food was outstanding. The Bream Head/Te Whara Track was challenging but well worth it.

Free cave to see the Glowworms. Easy access, maybe a five minute walk total to see them. You can see them during daylight! Water came ankle deep, not too cold. Recommend!

We spend 4-5 months at Town Basin Marina each year. We have done this for the past 6 years now, and it feels like home. You couldn't ask for a nicer place to have your boat. We can walk to groceries, boat shops, yoga and plates classes, restaurants, and a nearby pottery studio! The scenery is beautiful. There is a 3km walking loop around the marina that we use almost daily. This place is magical. The Marina workers have become great friends. Whagarei, we love it here!

Great spot for an afternoon walk and have a picnic. Trails, bridges and platforms all in good safe order and well maintained. Plenty of bins and some informative signage. Trails were easy to navigate and well set out. The falls were magnificent. Toilets amd parking also available here.

we had the most amazing afternoon, we pushed our comfort levels. a great family activity for mum, dad, 11 and 9yr old girls.. nice picnic areas and you can take your own picnic lunch. the amount of people on the course is well controlled so there is very little wait time. staff were friendly, helpful and unobtrusive. well maintained facility that has been developed alot since our last visit a few years ago. highly recommended for a family outing.