Best Auckland Hidden Gem Attractions
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Auckland
Best Auckland Hidden Gem Attractions
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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What travellers are saying
- rmagickBurnsville, MN18 contributionsWe did a private guided tour with Chris and had an amazing time on this beautiful island. Chris knew so much about the birds and was expert at spotting them - we saw just about every species (of course the spotted kiwi only come out at night though). This is a must-see if you are in Auckland. I highly recommend the private tour - it’s very reasonable and you are so much more likely to see birds if you are not in a big group. The ferri ride to the island is quite nice as well. A big thank you to the volunteers who make this place possible. Bringing back endangered species is no small task. Chris also gave us some great recommendations for places to go on our trip around the north island.Written 14 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sara CSt. Catharines, Canada6 contributionsThe views were amazing. It's hard to get to if you don't have a car but we managed to book a driver. It was absolutely breathtaking!Written 24 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anthony GWellington, New Zealand1,473 contributionsThis tasting room and vineyard is synonymous with Waiheke. It’s takes a little while if you are doing but with the wee adventure to get there. Great selection of wines, good food, there was a dj playing at the time and we were able to sit back and appreciate the views and atmosphere over some great wines. Worth checking out and defo worth booking.Written 22 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bruce PSurrey, Canada130 contributionsYou should go here. It is about 1.5 hours drive from Auckland. You go near dusk and walk into the park. Go to the forest trails and you can find Kiwi birds if you are quiet. Bring along flashlights and put red plastic over them or bring lights that are red as the kiwi's can't see red. Also bring bug spray. This place was the highlight of our trip!Written 3 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SandraJ66Saint Sauveur des Monts, Canada33 contributionsspectacular views! Lovely short hike . Friendly people! Warm water for a swim. Snorkeling looked like fun. Rentals were availableWritten 2 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AcinetoAuckland Central, New Zealand24,266 contributionsWe came by Karekare beach as a starting point for doing the walk to Whatipu beach and then back around the Gibbons. The carpark was quite large with toilets. The beach is very large and it wasn't very busy when we were there. There are a few trails that goes along the beach but we just walked along the beach instead of heading on the Pohutakawa glade trail to the tunnel campsite. It did get busy when we arrived in the afternoon and most of the parking area was full.Written 18 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tasi A6 contributionsHad this on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. Would highly recommend to anyone with kids or not to visit this if you have the opportunity. Good walking shoes, water and layer clothing would be a good idea. Loved it!Written 24 April 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IwishtotravelmoreChristchurch, New Zealand41 contributionsWe thoroughly recommend this place - both the sculpture trail and the restaurant. Both are superb. We booked an early evening meal so we could have an early meal then walk on the sculpture trail when it was a little cooler as was a hot day. The manager who greeted us couldn't have been more helpful - so wonderful.
We had arranged a table outside and it was early so still very hot so he offered us another table inside if needed or the chance of changing our meal to later if we did want to walk first. We were fine sitting in the sun by the lake - it was so beautiful - hot but gorgeous.
The wonderful manager - whose name I am sorry I have forgotten - talked about the trail and as I was on crutches gave advice on bits I may want to try and suggested a different route to the plan to get the better bits in less walking time before I would need to stop. This was a great plan and meant I got to see as much as I could before i had to give up. It is native bush, a pretty lake, beautiful birdsong, setting and stunning sculptures around each corner - including audio ones. It is good to come for the walk as much as the sculptures as such a beautiful place.
It has good well maintained tracks but with up and down bits and steps so not suitable for a wheelchair - which they clearly state - but they have done a lot to make at least some of it available for the mobility challenged. I could do about a third of it on crutches and loved it. My husband did it all and raved about the rest - a magical place. Note they don't have lights so you do need to do this in daylight hours so normally best to walk first then eat after.
The manager assisted us with wine and meal information for our meal too. We were too late for the wine tasting so instead tried the tasting paddle of the local wines which was a great idea. Absolutely loved the Pharos so do try it if you can. If you order the paddle you get the tasting notes but hey also talked about the wines.
Food was local and delicious and we loved it - especially in the setting, with such great service.
While my husband did the rest of the walk I sat on the verandah, listening to the local singer/guitarist - best way to spend an early evening. Superb welcoming service.
We also has dessert and another drink and you couldn't get a better evening.
When we are back in the region we will be back. I would say put it on your must do list.Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Charmain L1 contributionWhat a great experience this was.!!! We really enjoyed it and we couldn't stop laughing. This is a must! I definitely hesitated at first but I do not regret going.Written 22 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JasonAuckland, New Zealand6 contributionsAmazing view, nice and easy walking trek with multiple options from 30min to 4 hour long. There’s plenty to look at from sheep, birds, hills, ocean, beach, small forest and even a small fall.Written 9 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alison MWellington, New Zealand2 contributionsThis stunningly beautiful environment is only surpassed by the real kiwi warm welcome and care. We had a function here for 50 odd family members. An amazing day for young and older. Amazing value, excellent food and don't forget the caving. Great value for a very relaxing break. Thanks to all for our welcome 🙏Written 27 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lindaPerth, Australia2 contributionsFantastic selection of art work. Loved the pottery, paintings and really great service. Bought a special piece of New Zealand to take home.Written 6 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- iowacityiaiowa city, ia2,993 contributionsMy wife and I visited twice during the early afternoon. The first visit was only a taste, visiting as part of our Princess Cruises shore excursion. After the excursion ended in Devonport village, we walked back to revisit the reserve. I am glad we went back, as it was a lovely walk to, and around the north head. We walked around, and visited as much as we could. A fascinating place. And beautiful views. There was at least one restroom at the top. We had a wonderful visit. I would do that again.Written 24 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- david hLondon, UK127 contributionsSmall but mighty. This interesting museum highlights the contributions (and sacrifices) of this small isolated nation to world conflicts in the name of humanity.
Plus it has a great restaurantWritten 10 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sonia UAuckland, New Zealand72 contributionsSo worth the drive.
Take a picnic, and go on a lovely day.
Or if you like it a bit more wild, go on a stormy day.
An easy walk to the lighthouse from the carpark.Written 25 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
