William SmithDid you know that Auckland’s Coast to Coast Walkway lets you walk from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea in just 4 hours? The elevated stroll grants you views of nature and city scenes. And, it’s just one of Auckland’s many outdoor activities to try!
In this article, we unveil Auckland’s best-kept and most popular outdoor secrets, from offering a spectrum of experiences for every adventurer. Explore the city’s natural wonders, delve into adrenaline-pumping activities, and discover family-friendly retreats.
So, lace up those walking shoes or put on your wetsuits and get ready to uncover Auckland’s outdoor treasures.
- Leap and Bungee Jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge
- Experience Stargazing at Te Henga Bethells Beach
- Pick Your Own Berries at the Clevedon Strawberries Farm
- Go Assisted Snorkeling at Te Hāwere-a-Maki Goat Island
- Try Your Luck at Fishing at the Greenhithe Wharf
- Enjoy Watersports at Mission Bay
- Go for a Day of Hiking at the Mount Eden Nature Preserve
- Embark on a Canyoning Adventure in Piha
- See the City from Above by Skydiving over Auckland
- Get on Your Bikes and Cycle at the Sanders Reserve and Bike Park
- Tee Off and Play a Round of Golf at the Takapuna Golf Course
- Try a Jet Boat Ride at the the Waitemata Harbour
- Pitch a Tent and Go Camping at the Whangateau Holiday Park
Leap and Bungee Jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Address: 105 Curran Street, Westhaven Reserve, Herne Bay, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 800 286 4958
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 4 pm
The Auckland Harbour Bridge has stood in its place since 1959. And while the bridge itself is a sight to see, there are far better and more exciting ways to enjoy it.
To kick off our list of outdoor activities, we decided to start strong with the Auckland Bridge Bungy experience where you climb to the top of the bridge and jump 40 meters down. In certain conditions, you’ll be able to touch the ocean with your hands.
The entire thing is operated by AJ Hackett Bungy and is the only verified and permitted bungee jump off of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Attached to the bottom of the bridge is a Bungy Pod where you’ll be fastened to the gear and then encouraged to take the leap.
| Pro Tip: If it sounds interesting to experience the grandeur of the bridge up close, but you just can’t fathom freefalling from that high, you can opt for the Auckland Bridge Climb. This experience lets you walk to the top of the bridge safely and enjoy the view. |
Experience Stargazing at Te Henga Bethells Beach
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Address: 257 Bethells Road, Bethells Beach, New Zealand
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Te Henga or more commonly known as Bethells Beach is a west coast gem with black sand and offers unobstructed views of the Tasman Sea. It’s a picturesque destination during the day time, but it transforms into an out of this world sight at night.
The black sand and secluded locations makes this spot one of the best ones for stargazing. The stars shine bright and are extremely visible to the naked eye. You can lay out a blanket and put out your lights to enjoy the night sky.
The stars also look wonderful in photos, even if you’re just using a normal smartphone. The best time to go is during the winter months and less cloudy days.
| Pro Tip: Since the sand on the shores of Bethells Beach is black, they absorb and retain more heat than regular sand. To keep your feet from getting burned, be sure to wear appropriate shoes or thick enough sandals to protect the soles from the sand. |
Pick Your Own Berries at the Clevedon Strawberries Farm
Address: 291 Monument Road, Clevedon 2582, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 210 256 9037
Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
For food lovers, worry not! There are outdoor activities you can enjoy that can satisfy your snacking needs and cravings. You can head south to Clevedon Strawberries, a delightful family owned and run farm where you can try strawberry picking.
It’s open all year long, but strawberry picking season only lasts from October to January. During these months, you can book a visit to their farm and explore the expansive fields. After picking your berries, you can watch the staff turn them into various goods.
They have some jams, glazes, spreads, and vinegar made from strawberries for sale. The strawberry ice cream is churned and made fresh everyday. It’s worth a try!
| Pro Tip: While you’re in the area, check out the Clevedon Village Farmers Market where the Clevedon Strawberries Farm has a stall selling strawberry waffles and ice cream. It happens every Sunday and is located on the Clevedon Showgrounds. |
Go Assisted Snorkeling at Te Hāwere-a-Maki Goat Island
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Address: 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577, New Zealand (Access Point)
Phone number: +64 9 422 6925
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
- Open from Saturday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
If your idea of outdoor fun involves the vast ocean and all it offers, then we suggest you head to the Te Hāwere-a-Maki Goat Island. The waters are bright blue and green, but what awaits underneath is much much more exciting.
This place was established as a natural reserve in 1970 and has now evolved into one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the entire country. You can expect underwater cliffs and rocky shores that serve as the homes of a variety of marine life.
You’ll find an abundance of crays and snappers when you snorkel here. But, there are also sightings of blue maomao, red moki, pōrae, and leatherjackets.
| Pro Tip: We suggest hiring a crew to sign up with an established shop to go snorkeling in the Te Hāwere-a-Maki Goat Island. Goat Island Dive & Snorkel has been in the business for a long time and offers a hassle free and all inclusive package to make it easier. |
Try Your Luck at Fishing at the Greenhithe Wharf
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Address: Greenhithe, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If the ocean does sound like a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, but you’d rather not actually be in it then fishing is a great alternative. Luckily, Auckland is surrounded by waters teeming with fish and one of our favorite spots is the Greenhithe Wharf.
This place has both a wharf and some pontoons so you can choose where you’re more comfortable. The most common fish you can find here are snappers and you’re allowed to take home anything you catch with you. Access to the water is also pretty convenient.
You can even take a refreshing dip into the water on warmer days, just be sure to check the weather if it’s safe to be swimming.
| Pro Tip: The pier on the wharf is the best place to position yourself for the highest chance of catching fish. Make sure you arrive early to snag a spot and set up your fishing essentials. We recommend heading here during summer for maximum chances. |
Enjoy Watersports at Mission Bay
Address: Mission Bay Beach, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 392 7877
Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 6 pm
Since Auckland is the City of Sails after all, the city simply never runs out of options for some water based fun. One location where you can try almost all kinds of water activities is Mission Bay.
Auckland Sea Kayaks is always our go to service provider in the area. We either rent gear and equipment from them or book one of their packages that are all inclusive.
You can go for an afternoon of relaxed kayaking over the waters or you can opt for a more challenging day by stand-up paddling. For kayaks, you can choose ones that are made for single users or ones that can fit 2.
| Pro Tip: If you want to turn your trip into a weekend adventure, we highly recommend booking one of their multi-day packages where they plan kayaking tours as well as accommodations for camping overnight. |
Go for a Day of Hiking at the Mount Eden Nature Preserve
Address: 250 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
For a drier alternative to enjoy nature outside, Auckland is just as blessed with beautiful mountains as it is with access to water.
Maungawhau, also known as Mount Eden is one of the 14 ancestral mountains of Auckland. The peak stands at 196 meters above sea level and is the tallest volcano in the city. You can spend a day hiking towards it which might be challenging, but worth it.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 views of the entire city and the many harbors that lie on its perimeter. Within, you can also see a 50 meter deep crater that has been preserved after the volcano went extinct.
| Pro Tip: When you make your way to Mount Eden, you can leave your car at one of the 2 visitor car parks. Drop by the Maungawhau Visitor Experience Centre where you can ask for trek maps and enjoy a snack and drinks at the Whau Cafe. |
Embark on a Canyoning Adventure in Piha
Address: 23 Seaview Road, Piha 0772, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 834 0501
Hours: Open everyday from 7 am to 8:30 pm
If you feel like you’ve tried every outdoor activity possible and you’re looking for something more immersive and challenging, then maybe you should try canyoning. This activity is a combination of multiple sports like swimming, climbing, and abseiling.
Auckland is chock full of locations that will let you enjoy doing all of that and more. AWOL Canyoning Adventures has been our trusted guide ever since we first tried it, and one of our favorite locations is Piha.
You will squeeze through narrow gorges, jump over tall cliffs, and explore caves in this area. End destinations like waterfalls are always rewarding after a day of exploring.
| Pro Tip: If you have zero experience, you don’t have to worry. They conduct a briefing and training session before starting the adventure. You don’t have to worry about gear and equipment either. Just be sure to wear water friendly clothes and shoes. |
See the City from Above by Skydiving over Auckland
Address: 73 Green Road, Parakai 0874, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 800 921 650
Hours: Open everyday from 8 am to 6 pm
For those of you who feel like they have conquered the lands and the seas of Auckland, then it might be time for you to explore its skies.
One of the best ways to get a great view of the city is by getting a high vantage point. What’s higher than jumping from a plane? At Auckland Skydive, you can get unique views of the city below with a mix of an absolute adrenaline rush.
They offer the highest jump, reaching heights of 18,000 feet. You jump out with a master who maneuvers everything for you so you can feel safe as you scream your heart out. The entire experience takes about 75 seconds, but lasts as a memory for a lifetime.
| Pro Tip: Since this is a once in a lifetime experience for most, we highly suggest going for the packages which include photos and videos of you during the jump. The extra dollars are worth it so you can relive the experience whenever you want. |
Get on Your Bikes and Cycle at the Sanders Reserve and Bike Park
– Media Credit: aucklandforkids.co.nz
Address: 180-186 Sanders Road, Paremoremo, Auckland 0793, New Zealand
Phone Number: +64 9 301 0101
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Exploring what nature has to offer doesn’t always mean you have to be on your feet. You can explore on 2 wheels instead. Auckland has a treasure trove of biking trails to try, depending if you want to see cityscapes or more rural areas.
When we go biking, we always take the kids with us to instill a love of the outdoors in them as well. So, we always go to the Sanders Reserve and Bike Park because their tracks which total 500 meters are all within the 41 hectare location.
They even have trails that are specifically for kids or beginners. Aside from natural trails, they have a bike park with hills and turns to make for a more interesting day out.
| Pro Tip: The Sanders Reserve and Bike Park has areas dedicated to picnics overlooking the Waitemata Harbour. Pack some sandwiches and drinks so you can enjoy them with your family. To end the day, head near the edge and spot some birds flying overhead. |
Tee Off and Play a Round of Golf at the Takapuna Golf Course
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Address: 27 Northcote Road, Hillcrest, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 443 5002
Hours: Open everyday from 6 am to 11 pm
If greenery and fresh air is your thing, but you’d rather be relaxed and composed instead of sweating through your clothes, then maybe you’d be better off enjoying a round or 2 of golf at the Takapuna Golf Course.
This is one of the most popular golf clubs in the city with over 50,000 people dropping by to play annually. The 18 hole course is a par 71 and each hole varies in difficulty levels with the 9th being one of the harder ones for us.
But, overall you will feel challenged but also satisfied with the round. They also have a driving range where you can practice your swings for a more laid back afternoon.
| Pro Tip: After a day out in the sun, head over to their clubhouse where you can enjoy some great meals from the restaurant. There is also a bar attached to it in case you need something harder than soda to celebrate or soothe your losses. |
Try a Jet Boat Ride at the the Waitemata Harbour
Address: Pier Z/31 Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 800 255 538
Hours: Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
If you’ve been to Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and you feel like you’ve done all that you can in the area, maybe you haven’t heard of the thrilling Jet Boat experience.
Run by the Auckland Adventure Jet, this experience lets you feel speeds of 50 knots by riding high-speed jet boats powered by 2 V8 450 hp engines. You’ll see Auckland like never before, while tour guides on board rattle off some fun facts about the city.
You can buy individual tickets or discounted ones for families at the office of the auckland Jet Adventure. The ride lasts anywhere from 35 to 40 minutes, but if you want an extended version, you can go for the ride that takes you to and from Waiheke Island.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you bring an extra set of clothes with you, so you can explore other attractions in the area. The Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is just nearby and offers close encounters with marine life you might have zoomed past during your ride. |
Pitch a Tent and Go Camping at the Whangateau Holiday Park
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Address: 559 Leigh Road, Whangateau 0985, New Zealand
Phone number: +64 9 427 3305
Hours:
- Open from Saturday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Open on Friday from 8:30 am to 7 pm
What better way to end our list of the best outdoor activities in Auckland than with one that you can enjoy with friends and family. Camping is a quintessential part of most Kiwi childhoods, and the city of Auckland has a lot of places where you can enjoy camping.
Whangateau Holiday Park is located on the waterfront of north Auckland, so you get both your fix for trees and ocean views all in one place. You can opt to pitch a tent or come in your caravan or RV for a night out in nature.
For a more luxurious camping experience, you can just rent one of their cabins complete with access to power, modern appliances, and even Wi-fi.
| Pro Tip: The Whangateau Holiday Park has working kitchens and bbq pits that you can use when you’re there. After cooking, you can head to the area near the water’s edge and make use of the wooden picnic tables and benches there for a sunset meal. |
