So I have lived in Auckland my whole life and every time the weekend rolls around I'm always looking for things to do in Auckland preferably things that don't cost much money. I'm always saying there nothing to do nothing new to see. over thew past couple of months I have been trying to look for new exciting things to do as its coming close to the time of my trip to Europe I have  wanted to get out of the house and do something every weekend, and for people that have never been to Auckland a look in to Auckland s main attractions and get some ideas hows to spend you days on holiday or exploring.

So here is my 10 things to do while your in Auckland.


1. Museum
Most museums are the same over and over again and to be honest the best one I have been to is Te papa but Auckland museum is just as good they always have awesome exhibitions and for Auckland'ers is free so if you have a spare day so have a look. The last time I went was about 5 years ago and since then they have done it up quite a bit.
There is also a lot of child friendly areas where they can interact, as well as things for adults to enjoy, a good all round family place to go for a day trip. Learn more about the Auckland Museum and its attractions on there website.



2. Botanical gardens
One of my favorite places to go in spring or summer time is to the botanical gardens. They are absolutely stunning in the spring  and they are free how great is that. This is the best place to take a picnic with your family and go for a nice leisurely walk around the gardens. The smaller gardens which take about 2 hours to walk around or they have the 4 hour bush walk which is great. So pack up the family and a picnic grab they kids and the dog and spend the day with nature.



3. Sky tower
The one iconic place where most visitors come to see is the sky tower and I must say if you haven't been up the sky tower pay the price and go up and see the views they are stunning, a 360 degree view of Auckland city and the harbor. It is a bit pricey at $28 (adult) but I think this is something that everyone should do. For more information look on the Sky tower website.



4. Night markets or day markets
The nights markets or day markets a great way to spend your weekends. they are a great way to gather all your fresh organically grown produce also some markets have some great food stalls. The night markets have both food stalls and your all cheap knick-knacks most of them you could go have your dinner at them while you shop for some great bargains.
The day markets are also great but It mostly has food stalls where you buy your produce and fresh breads and dips for lunch. To find more about Auckland markets look here for the night markets and here for the day markets.



5. Beaches
In summer time the beaches are the number one places to spend the day because Auckland is surrounded by water there isn't a beach more than 30 minute drive form any where. for a nice white sanded beach go to the eastern beaches Auckland and Buckland's beaches for Black sanded beaches and more of the surf beaches go to the western beaches Muriwhi and Piha. Pack up a picnic and spend the day swimming and building sand castles or playing a bit of crickets on the beach.


6. Day trip to Waiheke or Rangitoto
Not that long ago I took a trip to Rangitoto and I was one of the best day trips I have done in a long time look at my post that I did of it here. In Auckland we have many little islands of the coast just a 30 minute boat ride to most of them its a great way to spend a day get out of the city and relax. Waiheke has a lot of wine vineyards to experience to if you like that kind of thing definitely go there otherwise go to Rangitoto for a tramping day tip and learn more about Auckland 52 Volcanoes.



7. Rainbow's End
Rainbows end does not compare to any of the Australian theme parks or american theme parks but for a fun day adventure full or roller coasters and rides its a good place to hang out with the family or a day full of thrill seeking fun. Check out the website here for more information.



8. Kelly Tarltons
With New Zealand being a small island we have a lot of natural under the sea wild life. Unless you can afford to get a boat and some deep sea diving gear you don't get to see this wild life very much, this is why going to Kelly Tarltons is one of the greatest places to go to. I must warn you it is very pricey at a whopping $36 but a bit of a tip find a computer and buy your tickets on line they are only $28.80. Kelly Tarlton's has over 30 live animal exhibits in spectacular habitat displays, including the world's largest Antarctic penguin colony exhibit and a cool underwater viewing tunnels. They also have awesome experiences if you want to pay a bit more to go shark diving  or go in to the penguin discover enclosure. To find out more information check out the website here.


9. Goats Island to see New Zealand wildlife
I went to Goat island last weekend for my birthday but unfortunately we didn't have much time to do any of the attractions. Its a nice hour drive out of the city, take a picnic and stop through Matakana on a Saturday for the morning farmers markets to pick up any last minute picnic items. They have bottomless boat which is covered in glass that takes you on a trip around goat island to see all the fish and other sea creatures, and maybe dolphins. Or you could snorkel or paddle board around the island out on top of the reefs. The water is so clear that you can sometimes see the fish swimming around your ankles.



10. Trekking or hiking in New Zealand bush
23% of New Zealand is covered in Bush and just driving through the wilderness your bound to come across a walking or hiking track, this is one of my favourite things to do especially the walks that end with waterfalls. Just out of Auckland there are many walking tracks and ones that take 30 minutes or even 4 hours. I find that walking through New Zealand bush is a great way to see the beauty of NZ nature and to listen to the wild life. To find out more about the different tracks visit the Auckland website to find out more information.

I hope you enjoyed my insight on my top 10 things I like to do in Auckland, I definitely recommend any of them if your coming to visit for a short time. If you have any other ideas of things to do in Auckland please leave them in the comments down below as I am always trying to come up with more ideas of things to do in my weekends.