During your visit to Auckland, New Zealand, there are many places to see and things to do. The city is located in the north of the North Island and is built around two large harbours.

Waiheke Island

Located just east of Auckland City, Waiheke Island in New Zealand is a piece of paradise in the Hauraki Gulf. This tiny island of 92 square kilometres is home to vineyards, beaches and a thriving artistic community.

There are several ferries that connect the island to central Auckland. The ferry journey takes forty to 90 minutes and is a scenic cruise through the Hauraki Gulf. There are also combined ferry and bus tickets available. The cost of a day pass is around $6 to $10 depending on age.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Located on the North Island's Hauraki Gulf, Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open sanctuary for endangered native species. It is accessible by private boat or by ferry from Gulf Harbour.

The island is home to endangered species including the takahe, which once feared to be extinct, and the Brown Teal. There are also five different types of native lizards.

Visitors can choose to take a guided walk through the island. This takes about an hour. The cost is NZ$10. Each child is charged NZ$2.50.

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

Located in Auckland's One Tree Hill Domain, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium has become a popular attraction. It is a public astronomical observatory. It has an 11-metre dome, seating 88 people. It is the largest planetarium in New Zealand.

Its planetarium show runs every night except Monday. A limited number of tickets are available. The show is aimed at a wide audience, with different themes for different age groups. They include telescope viewing, black holes, and even atmospheres of other planets.

Avondale Sunday market

Located at the Avondale Racecourse, the Avondale Sunday Market is a one stop shop for all your produce needs. The market is open every Sunday morning from 6am to 12pm. The site has a wide selection of wares from fresh fruit and vegetables to homemade jams and jellies. There is also a well-stocked bar and restaurant.

The Avondale Sunday Market has been running since 1981. It's not the largest, but it is the oldest. It has one of the best selections of fruits and vegetables in the area.

Anchor Bay Beach

Located north of Auckland in Tawharanui Regional Park, Anchor Bay Beach is a popular destination. This beach is considered to be one of the best surfing beaches in the region. In addition, it's a great place for swimming. The pristine water and beautiful scenery make this a great spot for hikers and photographers.

Anchor Bay Beach is situated in a protected area that is home to a large number of native flora and fauna. The beach is dotted with pohutukawa trees and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Cat cafe

Among the cat cafes in Auckland, Purrs & Beans NZ is the place to be. It's a well-known, long-running institution, boasting an adoption process and a variety of activities involving cats. They have a dedicated team that is committed to keeping their felines safe and happy.

Another cat cafe to check out is the Barista Cats, which is located in the heart of Auckland's CBD. The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 10pm, and on weekends from 9am to 6pm.

Chelsea Sugar Refinery

Located on Auckland's North Shore, the Chelsea Sugar Refinery is one of New Zealand's oldest and most significant industrial landmarks. Today, it is a major source of sugar products in the country. It is also the oldest continuous working sugar works in New Zealand.

It is owned by the New Zealand Sugar Company and is situated on the northern shore of the Waitemata Harbour. It is the only remaining sugar works in the country. It is a Rarangi Korero item and is part of the New Zealand Heritage List.

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Located in the heart of the city, the New Zealand Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the sea. It is filled with artifacts from the sea and has plenty of interactive features. There are also special activities during school holidays.

The New Zealand Maritime Museum has the most impressive collection of naval artifacts in the country. Its galleries tell the stories of Polynesian settlers, the modern day America's Cup triumphs, and the difficulties of European settlers. It has an array of boats and ships, and even a replica of a Maori dugout canoe. It's the ideal place for families.

Whether you're looking for a full day trip or just a half-day excursion, Auckland offers a variety of options. You can explore the great outdoors, relax on one of the many beaches, or even go on a gyrocopter lesson.

One of the best day trips from Auckland is to Muriwai, a small town with beautiful black sand beaches. The area is also home to several wineries. The Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is one of the region's most popular, offering award-winning wines and fantastic views.

Rotorua is another popular destination, and is less than three hours away from Auckland. This city is home to impressive geothermal landscapes and Maori heritage. You can visit the famous Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, the Te Puia Maori arts and crafts institute, and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island that's about 25 minutes away from downtown Auckland. It's a predator-free bird sanctuary and is home to more than a dozen different bird species. There are only limited facilities on the island, so bring water and snacks.

Waitomo Caves is a must-see attraction in New Zealand. This tour includes a boat ride through the glowworm caves. You can also raft along the subterranean river. It's a fun way to see the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you're looking for more than a day trip, there are plenty of excursions available to New Zealand's west coast. You can explore the natural beauty of the Waitakere Ranges, or try your luck at a beach.