10 free things to do in Auckland

1. Meet the animals at Ambury Regional Park 

Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Ambury Regional Park in Mangere Bridge is a working farm where you can see adorable animals like cows, sheep, goats, and chickens. More than 86 bird species are flying around here, too, including white-faced herons, oystercatchers, and dotterels. 

Meet the animals, have a picnic or BBQ, or walk one of these three trails in the park. 

• Ambury Foreshore Track: a 45-minute loop that overlooks the water as it crosses open pasture to the foreshore.
• The Lost Gardens Walk: a 30-minute out-and-back hike to see the remnants of Māori stone mounds. 
• Ambury Farm Walk: a 20-minute walk between animal enclosures that gives you a chance to get up close to the animals.

It's a great spot to enjoy a day out in nature.

2. Visit the Auckland Domain Wintergardens 

For nature with a side of history, visit the Auckland Domain Wintergardens. They built these two Victorian-style glasshouses to celebrate the success of the 1913-1914 Industrial, Agricultural, and Mining Exhibition. 

The Temperate House contains exotic potted plants, while the Tropical House features permanent plantings like banana. Sit in the courtyard, look at the fishpond and fountains, then go for a short walk in the fernery.

Grab a bite to eat at the Wintergarden Café, then head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to delve further into Auckland's history. Admission is free for Auckland residents, but donations are encouraged for New Zealand residents and an adult ticket costs $32 for an international visitor.

3. Climb Maungawhau / Mount Eden for epic views and Māori history  

Looking for a bit of adventure in the city? Climb to the top of Maungawhau / Mount Eden, the tallest volcano in Tāmaki Makaurau. The hike is fairly easy and takes about 30 minutes. Once you reach the summit, you'll see spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland.

Maungawhau / Mount Eden's volcanic activity has hushed for the last 15,000 years, but it’s been a hub of human activity since its time as a fortified Māori pā (village). As you make your way up, look for the flat terraces on the mountain’s outer slopes – people used these for living and working.

At the summit, stare down into the 50-metre-deep crater known to Māori as Te Ipu-a-Mataaho (‘the food bowl of Mataaho’), the deity responsible for volcanic activity. The crater is tapu (sacred) so people cannot enter it, but a boardwalk and platform provide easy viewing. Keep an eye out for small dips in the land around the crater rim – these were once crop storage pits.

Want in on a local tip? Head to the Te Ipu Kōrero o Maungawhau - Maungawhau Visitor Experience Centre. Their free exhibition has an interactive augmented reality experience using tablets on a 3D model of Maungawhau. There's also a movie theatre showing a short film about early Māori settlement. The Whau Cafe is just next door, so stay for a bite to eat and soak in the scenery.

4. Admire art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 

Buying art is expensive, but luckily, we have Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. The largest art institution in New Zealand is open daily from 10am – 5pm (excluding Christmas Day) and it's completely free to enter the main galleries.

Allow at least an hour to explore four floors housing over 17,500 pieces of work. The museum has a diverse collection of art. This includes Māori and Pacific Island pieces, as well as international paintings, sculptures, and prints dating from the 11th century to present day.

When you're finished, grab a coffee at the café or pop into the gallery shop for a souvenir before you continue exploring Auckland city. 

The gallery frequently hosts free exhibitions and events, so keep an eye on their website to learn what’s on! For more on Auckland's arts and culture scene, check out this article. 

5. Explore the world through plants at Auckland Botanic Gardens 

Auckland Botanic Gardens’ 64 hectares are home to over 10,000 plants from around the world and it’s totally free to enter. 

Just a 20-minute drive from the city or airport, begin your day at the Huakaiwaka visitor center. Grab a coffee, learn about the gardens, and take in the beautiful views. 

Explore the Rose Garden, Native Forest, African Plants Garden, and more as you wander around the sprawling lakes. You can also spot New Zealand’s rarest flora in the Threatened Native Plants Garden.

The kids will love the Potter Children’s Garden with its magical maze. They’ll even see educational demonstrations on how to collect rainwater, grow living green roofs and treat stormwater.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens has an ever-changing event calendar, so keep an eye out on their website for the latest! 

Watch: 10 free things to do in Auckland

6. Go waterfall watching in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Want to see a stunning waterfall? Make your way to Kitekite Falls and Karekare Falls. The wild Waitākere Ranges Regional Park nestles these waterfalls, which is an hour's drive from the city. Nearby, you'll find black sand beaches and amazing longer walks.

Take a quick 10-minute walk through the rainforest to find the 30m high Karekare Falls waterfall. It flows into a pool, surrounded by mossy rocks and native plants. In the words of New Zealand singer Dave Dobbyn, it truly is a slice of heaven. 

If you're up for a longer walk, the Kitekite Falls Track is a must-do free activity in Auckland, taking about 60 minutes to complete. As you make your way further into the forest, you'll be rewarded with epic views of the 40m high, three-tiered waterfall. 

7. Wander through native bush at Eskdale Reserve 

If you’re looking for a walk in nature near the city, Eskdale Reserve on Auckland’s North Shore is a perfect choice. Deceptively large, its network of trails wind through native bush and along streams.

Keep an eye (or ear) out for the resident birdlife flitting between nikau palms, young kauri trees, and ponga tree ferns.

The paths are flat, wide, and well-shaded by the tree canopy, so it’s a great choice for all fitness abilities. The most popular walk at the reserve is the Eskdale Reserve Walk, which takes 45 minutes and is 3.2km long. 

8. Immerse yourself in history at Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve 

Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve in Devonport is home to old forts, tunnels, and guns overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. They intentionally chose this scenic location for its strategic military advantage against feared Tsarist Russian invasions.

Thankfully, they never fired the artillery. Today, you can safely explore the subterranean world of old army barracks and its above-ground counterparts. 

The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is near the Reserve and is the official museum for the Royal New Zealand Navy. It's a great spot to continue learning about nautical history with interactive exhibitions and family-friendly activities. The museum free for New Zealand residents, but there is a fee of $10 for international visitors. 

9. Learn about west Auckland’s rich history at Arataki Visitor Centre 

The Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, packed with information about the area's natural and cultural heritage. You can learn about the local flora and fauna, the history of the area, and its Māori heritage. 

Rather conveniently, its car park enjoys sweeping views over the Ranges and the Manukau Harbour. The picture-perfect spot even has its own giant frame so you can snap a shot for Instagram!

But a trip here is best paired with a walk. After you visit, go for a walk on one of the nearby trails to see the beauty of West Auckland up close. The Omanawanui Track is a great hike that takes about 2 hours round trip and offers stunning coastal views. For more easy day walks, check out this article. 

10. Watch the Auckland Harbour Bridge Light Show 

When it comes to iconic sights and landmarks in Auckland, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is amongst the best. So, what better way to end your day than with a dazzling display at the Auckland Harbour Bridge Light Show? 

To celebrate special events, the bridge comes alive with a stunning light display that you can see from several great spots around the city. It's a magical way to experience the city at night.

Check out the Vector Lights calendar to learn what’s on, then head to one of these spots for the best views: 

• Westhaven Marina 
• Silo Park
• Viaduct Harbour
• Maungawhau Mt Eden 
• Bayswater Marina 
• Takurunga Mt Victoria 

With so many free things to do in Auckland, it’s time to start exploring!