Low Cost Adventures In Auckland: Learning and Exploring

By February 8, 2018Activities, day trips, walks

There’s nothing like saving money on holiday and the best way to do that is by utilizing the best free activities a location has to offer, and in Auckland, there are plenty. In this blog we have gathered three of some of the most well-loved activities and what they have to offer and have focused on activities that are great for people of all ages, and that can offer something a little more, whether that be a little bit of learning, exercise or adventure, we have it covered. 

First up is the Waitakere Ranges, located just forty minutes outside of the city, you’ll find the pristine bush, thriving native wildlife, and rugged black sand surf beaches. Many who visit the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park describe it as having a ‘wild west’ feel for its breath-taking natural towering sculptures and tranquil serenity that you don’t quite get living in the city.  

For all those out there who love a good walk in natural splendor, the regional park boasts 250 kilometers of walking tracks, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Notable scenic spots such as the Karekare Falls, are very accessible by foot – an experience for all members of the family. The Kitekite track (45 minutes) which will take you on a tour of the best things New Zealand’s native bushes have to offer, including waterfalls, streams, pools and beautiful native wildlife. The ranges also hold some of the countries most famous beaches – These beautiful west coast black-sand surf beaches are famous for their long stretching curves and tumbling waves. 

Next, we have The Auckland Museum, this famous landmark has shifted around a few sites in Auckland since its beginnings in 1852, including a farmer’s cottage and the Auckland Society before finally landing on top of Pukekawa in 1921, to commemorate the fallen soldiers of war world one. Since opening the museum has had a number of upgrades and renovations including an administration annex with a large semi-circular courtyard was added to the southern rear to commemorate the soldiers of war world two. 

The museum house a number of popular exhibitions including a large collection of Maori and Pacific Island artifacts, including a life-sized meeting house and Te Toki ā Tāpiri – the last great war canoe used in battle and carved from a giant totara tree. The museum also has floors dedicated to domestic and international wars, landmarks and encounters that contains art and artifacts, as well as fossils, history of toys, fashion and more. 

The museum is free for entry for Auckland locals, a donation is required for New Zealand residents, and international visitors have an admission fee of $25 for adults. 

Finally, Nestled below the rolling slopes of Albert Park in central Auckland is the Auckland Art Gallery. The gallery features its own in-house café that does a selection of food and beverages, otherwise why not walk just above the gallery and sit in Albert Park and enjoy a picnic by the fountain or below its many grand old trees? A mere two-minute walk will land you on Queen Street, one of Auckland’s oldest and most populated streets, filled with history, food, and shopping that leads you down to the waterfront which is a grand historic walk on a nice day, that features a bevy of restaurants and bars.