Free things to do · Auckland · New Zealand
8 free things to do in Auckland
Auckland without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Etherbug , Alan Collins, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 3 days in Auckland without paying an entry fee: Maungawhau / Mount Eden, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland Domain and Wintergardens and Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter are all free. The volcano summits, Auckland Art Gallery, the Domain, beaches and coastal walks are all free.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 8
- Low-cost extras
- 1
- Cost level
- Expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–September
Free sights and experiences
Viewpoint · Mount Eden
1.Maungawhau / Mount Eden
Walking into the crater is not allowed out of respect for its cultural significance; stay on the summit path.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- History
Gallery · City Centre
2.Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Combine it with a walk through Albert Park and the University of Auckland's old Clock Tower next door.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Park · Auckland Domain
3.Auckland Domain and Wintergardens
Walk up through the Domain to the museum from Parnell or Grafton to avoid paying for parking.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Nature
Waterfront · City Centre
4.Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter
On summer evenings, Silo Park often hosts outdoor events; check the waterfront's listings before you go.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Food
- Kids
- Couples
Park · Epsom
5.Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park
Bring a picnic; Cornwall Park has wide lawns and barbecues and is one of the most relaxing green spaces in the city.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Views
- History
- Outdoors
Historic site · Devonport
6.Devonport and Maungauika / North Head
Bring a torch to explore the tunnels, then walk round to Cheltenham Beach for a swim in summer.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Views
- Kids
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Eastern Bays
7.Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay
Hire a bike in the city or use a share scheme and ride the flat route out to St Heliers for brunch.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
- Couples
Beach · West Coast
8.Piha Beach and the Waitākere Ranges
Piha has strong rips; swim only between the lifeguard flags, which are usually in place on summer weekends and holidays.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Active
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Eden | Maungawhau / Mount Eden | 1–1.5 hours |
| City Centre | Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter | 1.5–2 hours + 1–2 hours |
| Auckland Domain | Auckland Domain and Wintergardens | 1 hour |
| Epsom | Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park | 2 hours |
| Devonport | Devonport and Maungauika / North Head | Half a day |
| Eastern Bays | Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay | Half a day |
| West Coast | Piha Beach and the Waitākere Ranges | Full day |
Worth a small ticket
Island · Hauraki Gulf
Rangitoto Island
There are no shops or water on the island; bring food, water, sun protection and a torch for the lava caves, and check the last ferry time back.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Active
- Views
- Kids
More ways to save
- The volcano summits, Auckland Art Gallery, the Domain, beaches and coastal walks are all free.
- Use an AT HOP card rather than cash fares on buses, trains and ferries.
- Visit Waiheke on a weekday, when ferries and winery restaurants are quieter.
- Supermarkets and bakeries make cheap picnic lunches for beaches and volcanoes.
- Hotel rates drop noticeably from May to September outside school holidays and big events.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Auckland expensive to visit?
Auckland is expensive for most visitors, but 8 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Auckland?
Maungawhau / Mount Eden: Walking into the crater is not allowed out of respect for its cultural significance; stay on the summit path.