10 Luxury Activities in Auckland

1. See the City from New Heights on a Helicopter or Seaplane Tour

Some say that Mt Eden or the Sky Tower offers the best views of the city… We beg to differ. Amp your sightseeing experience to the next level with a scenic flight over Auckland and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. There’s nothing like the birds-eye-view of the city’s volcanic cones, urban skyscrapers and the surrounding glimmering waters. Heletranz offers scenic helicopter tours around both Auckland city and Waiheke Island with bespoke options available – get more details from Viator and Tripadvisor. Alternatively, fly from Auckland to Waiheke Island via seaplane with Auckland Seaplanes, which you can learn more about on Viator and Tripadvisor.

See more adventure activities in our 9 Adrenaline Activities in Auckland.

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2. Rejuvenate with a Heavenly Spa Treatment

For those needing a little TLC, Auckland can certainly provide. One of the top luxury spas in Auckland is SO/ SPA is located right in the heart of Auckland Experience a spa menu of international treatments, from Himalayan salt detoxes to Tibetan sound-healing rituals. One of their signature treatments is the “Experiential Volcanic Stone Treatment” – a must in the volcanic city of Auckland! Other spas worth trying include the Chuan Spa at the Cordis Hotel, Spa Ayurda in Ponsonby, East Day Spa in the city centre and Ikoi Day Spa in Takapuna.

Looking for more ways to relax in Auckland? See Top 20 Golf Courses in Auckland.

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3. Hit the Water with a Lunch Cruise or on an America’s Cup Yacht

In the “City of Sails,” it’s almost mandatory to get out on the harbour for a sailing experience. Enjoy lunch with a tremendous view by embarking on an Auckland Harbour Lunch Cruise with Explore or pump up the adrenaline by taking the helm of an America’s Cup Yacht. It’s the ultimate adventure around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour! Find out more about Explore’s sailing experiences on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Get more activities like this in Top 10 Natural Attractions in Auckland.

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4. Tour Waiheke Island’s Array of Wineries and Vineyards

A must for wine-lovers is a visit to Waiheke Island thanks to almost 30 wineries and vineyards scattering the island. The list of luxury wine tour experiences is extensive, with top picks including Waiheke Wine Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Wai Tiki Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor), Enjoi (on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Ananda Tours (on Viator and Tripadvisor).. All will take you to multiple cellar doors to sample local wines and may include a few various experiences like visiting olive groves and scenic lookouts that only the locals know.

Learn more about what to do on Waiheke in 9 Glorious Things to Do on Waiheke Island.

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5. Indulge in the City’s Top Cuisine at the Fine Dining Restaurants

Auckland has a vibrant culinary scene, especially when it comes to luxury dining. A few venues worth mentioning include Clooney in Freeman’s Bay, known for its creative combination of intriguing flavours including caramelised yoghurt, violet and pomegranate, nettle and sunflower and Valrhona – to name a few. Harbourside in the city centre is your gourmet seafood restaurant with signature dishes including roasted crayfish with Pernod butter. Kazuya on Eden Terrace is where you’ll find Japanese fine dining featuring beautifully-presented plates and even better tastes.

Check out more of our restaurant recommendations in our 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Auckland.

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6. Try Your Luck at the SkyCity Casino

A great back-up on a rainy day or for something you can rely on whatever time of day (or night) it is, consider trying your luck at the SkyCity Casino. This city centre casino beside the Sky Tower is the casino that never sleeps with a wealth of entertainment, including live bands, fabulous bars, all your favourite casino games and more.

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7. Discover Auckland’s Historic Sites on a Maori Culture Tour

Take a tour around Tamaki Makaurau (the Maori name for Auckland) and the breathtaking West Coast of the region with an indigenous guide. Maori tours like TIME Unlimited Tours offer full-day tours to culturally and historically-significant locations in the Auckland region, including scenic beaches, lush native forest and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local myths and legends and be treated to lunch. Find out more about TIME Unlimited Tours on Viator and Tripadvisor.

See more like this in 8 Cultural Experiences in Auckland.

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8. Dine in the Revolving Restaurant at the Top of the Sky Tower

When it comes to unique dining experiences, be sure to add the Sky Tower’s Orbit restaurant to the top of the list. What’s more, we recommend combining the experience with the SkyWalk – an adrenaline-pumping walk around the outside of the top of the Sky Tower! The SkyWalk and Dine experience ends with an indulgent meal from international chefs in the tower’s revolving Orbit restaurant. Find out more about SkyWalk and Dine on Viator and Tripadvisor.

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9. Shop Designer Brands in Lower Queen Street

Auckland is undeniably the best place in New Zealand to find designer clothing. Shop brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and Hugo Boss in Lower Queen Street, discover the works of Kiwi designers in Britomart, discover the boutique shopping scene in Ponsonby, and that’s just the beginning! Check out 5 Best Places for Shopping in Auckland CBD for more information.

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10. Inspire Yourself at the Auckland Art Gallery

Art enthusiasts, don’t miss the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. This city centre art gallery beside the gorgeous Albert Park houses more than 15,000 pieces including international touring exhibitions and works from New Zealand’s most prestigious artists. Catch one of the gallery tours at 11.30am and 1.30pm daily.

See more suggestions like this in 19 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Auckland.

© NZ Pocket Guide