Explore Auckland’s quirkiest attractions and things to do

If you’re the kind of person who loves the unexpected, you’re in the right city. Tucked between Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s familiar streets and scenic spots are experiences that defy expectations: unusual attractions, unique adventures, and places that make you do a double take. 

From underground fortresses and haunted asylums, to glow-in-the-dark water and surprising accommodation, we’ve rounded up the quirkiest things to do in Auckland. Buckle up, it’s going to get interesting!

Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Step behind the scenes of movie magic at Wētā Workshop Unleashed, where sci-fi, fantasy, and horror collide in an interactive, hands-on experience. Created by the masterminds behind some of New Zealand’s biggest films, this attraction takes you on a tour of a fictional film studio in full production mode.

Get up close with props, terrifying creatures, and mind-bending special effects, all while discovering the artistry behind some of the world's most famous movies. It’s part museum, part movie set, and is an immersive and entertaining outing not just for film buffs but any creative and curious minds.

Gravity X

Gravity X brings the thrill of the slopes and the surf indoors, so you can carve, ride, and perfect your skills no matter the weather.

Located in Newmarket, this high-tech training space offers dynamic ski slopes and surf simulators, making it the perfect playground for both beginners and pros. Whether it’s to master your turns, practice your pop-up, or just try something new, Gravity X is a fun way to get active year-round.

Social Nature Movement’s bioluminescence tours

Experience nature’s glow-in-the-dark magic with Social Nature Movement’s Bioluminescence Kayak Tour on Auckland’s North Shore. Paddle through the water at night and watch in awe as tiny marine organisms light up around you. This rare natural phenomenon turns the water into a shimmering galaxy of light, showcasing the sea like you’ve never seen it before. 

Sheepworld

Looking for a uniquely Kiwi experience? Sheepworld, just outside Warkworth, offers a hands-on look at New Zealand’s wool industry, complete with live sheep-shearing demonstrations, working farm dogs, and the chance to bottle-feed adorable lambs.

It's a wholesome and interactive experience that gives visitors a taste of rural life, perfect for families or anyone curious about the country’s farming heritage. After your farm visit, take a short trip to nearby Matakana Village, a charming hub of artisan markets, boutique shops, and local eateries. 

Dusk & Dawn Canopy Camping

For those who want to escape the city without leaving behind modern comforts, Dusk & Dawn Canopy Camping offers an elevated (pun intended) glamping experience within the Waitākere Ranges.

Nestled in nature, these treetop geodesic glass domes let you soak in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors from an incredible vantage point, without sacrificing a comfy bed.

With panoramic views overlooking Auckland city, secluded surroundings, and cosy accommodation, it’s a dream getaway for nature lovers who would prefer not to pitch a tent.

Stony Batter Historic Reserve

Hidden beneath the rolling hills of Waiheke Island, Stony Batter is the largest coastal defense fortress ever built in New Zealand. Constructed in 1942 to protect against a potential invasion, this 1.2km underground complex remains an engineering marvel.

Previously abandoned, today it is a unique heritage attraction, featuring guided tours through its network of tunnels, museum exhibits, and even a Concert Chamber.

With dramatic lighting enhancing the eerie yet fascinating atmosphere, Stony Batter offers a rare glimpse into wartime history, set against the stunning backdrop of Waiheke’s coastline.

SkySlide at the Sky Tower

What would it feel like to slide off the top of the Sky Tower? The SkySlide VR experience lets you find out (just without the stomach-dropping freefall). Strap in, hold on, and experience a thrilling digital descent from Auckland’s tallest building, zooming through a simulated cityscape at heart-pounding speeds.

The hyper-realistic visuals create an exhilarating sensation of freefall, all from the safety of an indoor lounge on the Sky Tower’s main observation deck. 

Miller Road Fragrances

Ever wanted to bottle up a memory or create a scent that’s uniquely yours? At Miller Road Fragrances, you can do just that. This hands-on perfume-making experience lets you blend your own custom fragrance under the guidance of expert perfumers, learning how different notes combine to create something truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you lean toward fresh florals, deep woody scents, or something totally unexpected, you’ll walk away with a bespoke bottle of perfume, and a newfound appreciation for the art of fragrance.

Eden Park Staydium Glamping

Swap the grandstand for a Staydium Glamping tent at Eden Park, New Zealand’s most iconic sporting venue. With plush furnishings, cosy beds, and an unbeatable view, this once-in-a-lifetime stay lets you soak up the stadium atmosphere long after the final whistle.

Whether you're a rugby fan or just love a unique getaway, it’s a sleepover unlike any other. How many people can say they’ve spent the night where the All Blacks make history?

Odyssey Sensory Maze

Lose yourself in the Odyssey Sensory Maze, a labyrinth of neon lights, illusions, and tactile surprises that will challenge your senses. Located just off Queen Street in central Auckland, this psychedelic playground is filled with mind-bending effects, quirky obstacles, and disorienting spaces.

And don’t let the term ‘maze’ deter you; the path ahead is easy to find, and you’re encouraged to take your time to enjoy the details and challenges of the different spaces. 

Spookers Haunted Attraction

Not for the faint-hearted, Spookers is an intense, live-action horror experience set in an actual former psychiatric hospital. Expect spine-chilling encounters, expert scare actors, and an atmosphere that will have you checking over your shoulder long after you leave.

With different levels of horror, from eerie haunted mazes to full-contact scare experiences, Spookers lets you choose your level of terror. Prepare to run from chainsaw-wielding maniacs or creep through pitch-black hallways for an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Dice & Fork

Have dinner served with a side of friendly rivalry at Dice & Fork, where you can challenge your mates to a battle of wits, strategy, or pure luck, all while enjoying a meal.

There is a massive selection of board games, from intense strategy showdowns to lighthearted laughs, which are free to play when you order food or drink. Whether you’re plotting world domination over a burger or bluffing your way through a game of deception, it’s a guaranteed good time, win or lose!

Dining in the dark at Grand Millennium Auckland

Take your taste buds on an adventure at Dans le Noir? at Grand Millennium Auckland, where you’ll eat a gourmet meal in complete darkness. Without sight, your other senses go into overdrive, transforming a simple dinner into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Each dish is carefully crafted to play with textures, temperatures, and flavours, challenging diners to identify ingredients purely through taste and aroma. Guided by blind or visually impaired waitstaff, the experience also offers a powerful perspective shift, while giving you a deeper appreciation for the way we interact with food.

Thrillzone & Escape Quest

Step into a whole new world, then find your way out of it, at Thrillzone in Takapuna. Their virtual reality escape rooms put you into an immersive fantasy world of your choice, where you and your friends work together to beat the clock and escape by solving challenging tasks.  

Think you’ve mastered indoor escape rooms? Escape Quest in central Auckland takes the concept beyond four walls and into the real world with an outdoor, augmented reality adventure. Using interactive technology, your team must hunt for clues, crack puzzles, and unravel mysteries throughout the city.

Running Grid

At Running Grid, New Zealand’s first interactive gaming arena, you don’t just play the game, you become the game. Using cutting-edge motion tracking and real-time responsive technology, Running Grid transforms physical movement into gameplay, challenging players to run, jump, and strategise their way through dynamic game rooms. With a variety of game themes and difficulty levels to choose from, every session will keep you on your toes, literally!