Here are all the best long weekend activities in Auckland
Just a short flight from Australia, New Zealand is emerging as a popular long weekend travel destination for Aussies looking for a short getaway.
And where else is better to go than its northernmost city (which arguably has the best weather)?
Auckland has a ton going on, from beaches to wineries and everything in between.
Read through for some ideas of what to do on your next trip.
Take a leap of faith at Auckland Harbour Bridge
Conquer Auckland Harbour Bridge for epic views and adventure on a fully guided tour that gives you a 360-degree view of the city.
If your gig is heights, flight and speed, you can also try out Auckland's Bridge Bungy.. if you dare, and plunge from the 43m landmark towards the water below.
Sail on the Hauraki Gulf
From over the bridge to under it.
Auckland is known for some of the best sailing conditions in New Zealand, so what better way to explore the waters of the Waitematā Harbour with an intimate dinner sailing experience?
Indulge in a three-course meal expertly crafted by top Viaduct restaurant Coop's, all while soaking in the breathtaking sunset against the iconic backdrop of Auckland's city skyline.
Take in 360 degree views at Auckland Sky Tower
Auckland Sky Tower is the pinnacle of city sightseeing.
New Zealand's tallest building offers exceptional views across Auckland and the Waitematā Harbour.
Experience some of the city's best dining options including the jewel in the crown, The Sugar Club from 328m in the air.
Or visit SkyBar for a pre-dinner cocktail at the highest bar in New Zealand.
For adventurous visitors, test your limits with SkyWalk or SkyJump, or put on a VR headset to experience the immersive experience SkySlide.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience
Wētā Workshop Unleashed at SkyCity in Auckland is a must-do.
It's a 90-minute movie-making tour where the whole family can explore interactive and immersive make-believe film sets, focusing on the worlds of horror, fantasy and sci-fi.
Walk in nature in the Waitakere Ranges
The Ōmanawanui Track is a true gem in the Waitakere Ranges that offers a unique blend of adventure, nature, and breathtaking views.
It is an easy-to-follow track with plenty of rest stops along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Explore Waiheke Island
From pristine beaches to award-winning wineries to unique eco-tours, Waiheke Island offers a ton of experiences to suit every taste and preference, all just 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland's bustling city centre.
The island is also well known for its local artists and artisans so you can enjoy sculpture, glass blowing, painting and woodwork at the local shops and markets.
Thrill seekers shouldn't miss EcoZip Adventure, where you can fly high above a working vineyard and ancient forest canopies.
And history buffs should head to Stony Batter, a massive complex of underground tunnels that make up the largest Coastal Defence Fortress ever constructed in New Zealand.
Visit Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum is the best place to immerse yourself in the city's history and culture.
Standing on the remains of a dormant volcano, it has pre-eminent Māori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections.
Day trip to Matakana
An hour's drive north of Auckland city, Matakana is not to be missed, with its spectacular wineries, stunning beaches and the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail.
Visit on a Saturday morning to experience the Matakana Village Farmers Market and pick up some of the region's finest produce.
Sample Pacific cuisine at Metita
Traditional Pacific flavours are refined and reimagined at Metita, created by chef Michael Meredith.
Meredith describes Metita's fresh exploration of Pacific cuisine as a "coming together of my Pacific heritage, my food journey and passion for fresh and seasonal flavours and ingredients".
