Not a boat lover? Don’t worry, we have you covered
Visiting the city with your nearest and dearest and keen to know what else is on offer? There’s so much more to do in Auckland beyond the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival! Here are extra experiences and activities perfect for festival visitors, whether you’re into sightseeing, nature, culture, food, or adventure:
Explore iconic Auckland attractions
Landmarks and views
Sky Tower – Auckland’s signature skyline icon with panoramic harbour and city views from the observation deck.
Devonport & Mt Victoria – Take a ferry across the harbour to this historic seaside village and climb to stunning viewpoints.
Rangitoto Island – A volcanic island with a summit hike and lava caves; ferries run from downtown.
Museums, arts and culture
Photo / David St George
New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa – Delve deeper into Aotearoa’s maritime history and Pacific voyaging.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – Leading art collection featuring Māori, Pacific and international works.
Historic theatres & performance – Check out shows at venues like the Civic Theatre and Aotea Centre in Queen Street.
Beaches, nature and outdoors
Urban beaches & parks
Mission Bay & Takapuna Beach – Relax, swim or stroll along golden sands.
Ambury Regional Park – A coastal farm park with wildlife and walking trails.
Wild landscapes (day trips)
Piha, Muriwai or Te Henga/Bethells Beaches – Dramatic west-coast beaches with rugged scenery.
Tiritiri Matangi Island – Bird-lover paradise; accessible by ferry.
Food, markets and neighbourhoods
Viaduct & wynyard quarter – Waterfront cafés, bars and fresh seafood with harbour views.
Ponsonby road & karangahape road – Great local eateries, craft beer spots and nightlife.
Farmers’ markets & pop-ups – Seasonal markets are perfect for local produce and artisanal finds.
Guided & curated experiences
If you want expert insights, tours or tailored day trips while you’re here, these local operators can help you make the most of your visit:
Sightseeing tours and city experiences
Auckland & Beyond Tours – Highly rated sightseeing experiences beyond the city.
Auckland City Tours – Classic bus tours of Auckland’s highlights.
Auckland Free Walking Tours – Explore the city on foot with local guides.
Aucky Walky Tours – Walking tours focusing on hidden gems and local history.
Nature, wildlife and adventure
Wild Kiwi Adventure Tours – Nature and scenic adventure tours around Auckland.
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari – Whale and dolphin watching from the harbor.
GreatSights New Zealand – Full-day trips to iconic NZ sights and landscapes.
And lots more small-group or bespoke experiences — from boutique city tours to scenic drives and cultural storytelling.
Photo / Mark Leedom
Insider tips for festival visitors
Combine experiences
Make a day of it—ferry to Devonport in the morning, explore beaches or bush tracks in the afternoon, then stroll the harbour waterfront and finish at a café or bar.
Book ahead
March is peak festival season in Auckland — popular tours and restaurants can fill up fast.
Photo / David St George