Jordan McCraeAre you looking for a unique way to explore the vibrant city of Auckland? Walking tours are a perfect way to experience the city’s charm and energy while uncovering hidden gems and local insights.
The best part is choosing from 14 walking tours catering to diverse interests and preferences. This comprehensive guide has something for everyone, so read on and prepare for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Auckland!
- 1. Auckland Free Walking Tour
- 2. Auckland Introduction Walking Tour
- 3. Auckland Historical Buildings Tour
- 4. Newmarket Shopping Walk
- 5. Parnell Village Walk
- 6. Karangahape Road Walk
- 7. Queen Street and Downtown Shopping Walk
- 8. Westhaven and Viaduct Harbour Walk
- 9. Mount Eden Walk
- 10. Taste Auckland Food Tour
- 11. Artwalk Auckland Tour
- 12. Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour
- 13. Volcano Tour
- 14. Auckland Historic Bar Tour
1. Auckland Free Walking Tour
Starting point: Ferry Building,107 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 to 2.5 hours
Distance: 2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
Auckland Free Walking Tour is led by passionate guides who share their knowledge and stories about Auckland’s history, culture, and landmarks. The tour is a social experience, and it’s a great way to meet other people who are traveling in Auckland.
The tour route covers Auckland’s most famous sights, including the Ferry Building, the Sky Tower, the Auckland Domain, and Albert Park. You get to see all the major sights in only about 2, so it’s a great way to see a lot of the city without spending much time.
| Pro tip: Tip your guide at the end of the tour. Since guides don’t get paid for their work, it’s customary to tip them if you enjoyed the experience. |
2. Auckland Introduction Walking Tour
Starting point: Ferry Building,107 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours
Distance: 4.8 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Auckland Introduction Walking Tour is a great way to get an overview of the city, especially for first-time visitors. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can go at your own pace and take breaks as needed.
The tour takes you to the Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Domain, and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. The route is mostly flat and easy to walk, taking you through the city’s most exciting parts.
| Pro tip: On this walking tour, you must stop at the Ferry Building for lunch. The Ferry Building is home to various food stalls and restaurants, with something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. |
3. Auckland Historical Buildings Tour
Starting point: Ferry Building,107 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 2 hours
Distance: 4.6 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Auckland Historical Buildings Tour is a leisurely 4.6 kilometers and takes in some of the city’s most beautiful architecture, from the grand St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the charming Kinder House.
The tour includes buildings from the early colonial period to the 20th century, showing how Auckland’s architecture has changed. As you walk, you’ll learn about the people and events that have shaped Auckland into today’s city.
| Pro tip: A must-do on this walking tour is to take some time to admire the views from the top of the University Clock Tower. The views are stunning, and it’s a great way to get your bearings in the city. |
4. Newmarket Shopping Walk
Starting point: Corner of Broadway and Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Newmarket Shopping Walk allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the excitement of a large shopping mall (Westfield Newmarket) and the charm of smaller boutique stores lining the streets.
The route starts at the western end of Broadway, Newmarket’s main street, and takes you to the eastern end, where you’ll find the Rialto Centre, a historic cinema and shopping complex.
| Pro tip: Don’t just stick to Broadway; explore the little shops and cafes on the side streets. Not all stores accept credit cards, so bringing cash is a good idea. |
5. Parnell Village Walk
Starting point: Intersection of Parnell Road and Cathedral Place, Auckland
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 3.3 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Parnell Village Walk allows you to experience the rich history and charm of one of the city’s oldest suburbs. The walk takes you past various historical sites, including St. Mary’s Church, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Parnell Post Office.
You’ll also see some of Auckland’s best shops, cafes, and Parnell Rose Gardens. The Parnell Rose Gardens are a lovely relaxing spot to enjoy the fresh air with a view of over 1,000 roses, usually in bloom from November to May.
| Pro tip: When taking this walking tour, a must-do is to stop for a coffee and a bite at one of the many cafes along Parnell Road. Many options exist, so you’ll find something to suit your taste. |
6. Karangahape Road Walk
Starting point: Western end of K Road, near the intersection with Ponsonby Road and Great North Road, Auckland
Time to complete: 1 hour
Distance: 1 kilometer
Difficulty level: Easy
The Karangahape Road Walk, also known as K Road Walk, is a self-guided walking tour that explores the vibrant and historic Karangahape Road, fondly nicknamed “K Road.”
K Road was once the city’s red-light district but is now home to various shops, from vintage clothing stores and independent record stores to quirky art galleries and high-end fashion boutiques.
| Pro tip: K Road can be rough around the edges, so be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe. Stop for a coffee or a bite at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the way. |
7. Queen Street and Downtown Shopping Walk
Starting point: Britomart Transport Centre, Queens Street, Auckland CBD, New Zealand
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 1.2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Queen Street and Downtown Shopping Walk offers experiences ranging from shopping and dining to sightseeing and history. The walk starts at the Britomart Transport Centre and continues down Queen Street, Auckland’smain shopping street
You can browse the shops along Queen Street and grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants. The walk then takes you past some of Auckland’s most famous landmarks, such as the Auckland Town Hall, the Aotea Centre, and the Civic Theatre.
| Pro tip: There are many fantastic cafes along Queen Street, so stop for a coffee break and people-watch. Queen Street is also a great place to find souvenirs and gifts. |
8. Westhaven and Viaduct Harbour Walk
Starting point: Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Distance: 2.7 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Westhaven and Viaduct Harbour Walk offers stunning views of Auckland Harbour, Waitemata Harbour, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Visitors can also see a variety of boats, from small sailboats to superyachts.
The walk takes you past the Auckland Fish Market, Silo Park, and the Viaduct Basin. The walk is a mix of urban and waterfront scenery, so you’ll see some of what Auckland offers.
| Pro tip: The walk is mainly exposed to the sun, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. The walk can take 1 to 2 hours, so allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks. |
9. Mount Eden Walk
Starting point: Puhi Huia Road, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
Time to complete: 37 minutes
Distance: 1.3 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
The Mount Eden Walk is relatively easy. Its well-formed path winds up to the summit, where panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf can be enjoyed.
Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is an extinct volcano that is culturally significant to the Maori. The best part of the walk is undoubtedly the views from the summit, where you can see the city of Auckland, the Waitematā Harbour, and the surrounding hills.
| Pro tip: Maungawhau is a treasure to the Maori, so be respectful of the site and mindful of your behavior. The views from the summit are particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset. |
10. Taste Auckland Food Tour
Starting point: Federal and Victoria Streets, beside the Sky Jump Booth, outside Sky Tower, Auckland
Time to complete: 3 hours
Distance: 2 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Taste Auckland Food Tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to experience a diverse and delicious food scene. You’ll try dishes from different cultures, including Maori, Pacific Island, and European cuisine.
The tour takes you off the beaten track and to some of Auckland’s best-kept culinary secrets. For instance, in Parnell, you’ll visit a local food store to sample some of New Zealand’s best cheeses and honey.
| Pro tip: On this tour, you’ll be trying a lot of food, so come with an empty stomach. You’ll also be walking a bit, so wear comfortable shoes to step in for a few hours. |
11. Artwalk Auckland Tour
Starting point: Outside the Auckland Town Hall entrance on Queen Street, Auckland
Time to complete: 3 hours
Distance: Easy
Difficulty level: 2 kilometers
The Artwalk Auckland Tour allows you to explore the city’s culture and history through its art. The tour takes you to various street art, sculptures, and landmarks, telling a story about Auckland’s past and present.
The tour route starts at the Auckland Town Hall and winds through the city center. Some of the tour’s highlights include the Auckland Domain, K’ Road, Ponsonby Road, and The Britomart.
| Pro tip: Auckland is known for its changeable weather, so dress in layers. Your guide is there to share their knowledge of Auckland with you, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions. |
12. Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour
Starting point: Arataki Visitor Centre, 300 Scenic Drive, Oratia, Waitakere 0604, New Zealand
Time to complete: 5 hours
Distance: 2 to 3 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour takes you through two contrasting but beautiful landscapes – the lush Waitakere Ranges rainforest and the wild, rugged Piha beach. This gives you a chance to experience the best of both worlds in a short amount of time.
The tours are led by experienced guides knowledgeable about the local flora, fauna, and Maori history. They are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland and get some fresh air and exercise.
| Pro tip: Some tours may also include a stop at a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Pack a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim at Piha Beach. |
13. Volcano Tour
Starting point: Auckland Domain, Park Road, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Time to complete: 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 to 10 kilometers
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Auckland Volcano Tour allows you to explore Auckland from a different perspective by hiking up four of the city’s extinct volcanoes. The tour guides know about the volcanoes and the Maori people who have lived there for centuries.
You’ll learn about the formation of the volcanoes, their eruptions, and how they have shaped the landscape and culture of Auckland. The hikes are not too strenuous but will increase your heart rate and give you a good workout.
| Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you can hike in. A must-do is to take your time at each summit and enjoy the views. |
14. Auckland Historic Bar Tour
Starting point: 102 Quay Street, Auckland Central
Time to complete: 3 hours
Distance: 2 to 3 kilometers
Difficulty level: Easy
The Auckland Historic Bar Tour lets you learn about Auckland’s history and culture while enjoying a night out at some of the city’s best bars. You’ll get to visit some of Auckland’s oldest and most iconic bars, many of which have been around for over 100 years.
The tour is a great way to meet other people, both locals and visitors. The tour starts at Brew On Quay in the Britomart district and visits four other historic bars in the city center.
| Pro tip: While light snacks are sometimes provided, it is recommended that you eat dinner before the tour. |
