Things to do in East Auckland

1. Wine and Cheese Afternoon Tour

Kumeu is the historic heart of winemaking in New Zealand. This afternoon tour visits 3 locally owned vineyards for wine tasting and includes a delicious vineyard platter at our final winery. We take care of the driving so you can relax and enjoy the wines.

Even if you have never done a wine tour or been wine tasting before, our guides make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for a great afternoon out.

Bring your friends on a free, sunny day and spend it breaking bread, filling it with fun and laughter!

2. Skydive Auckland

Are you ready to jump out of a plane? At Skydive Auckland, redefine freedom and escape reality with the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand, at a thrilling 20,000ft. Imagine the thrill of free-falling at 200 km/h with a stunning and unique backd-r-o-p of both New Zealand's east and west beaches. After free-fall, relax and enjoy the tranquility of a lovely parachute journey while taking in breathtaking vistas in all directions. You'll want to do it all over again as soon as you're down!

Skydive Auckland staff have over 20 years of expertise and are dedicated to giving you an amazing, enjoyable, and safe skydiving experience.

3. Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto, with its characteristic symmetrical cone and excellent placement right off the shore, is Auckland's most iconic island. The island, which is only a short picturesque ferry journey across the harbor from downtown Auckland, is a popular hiking and day-trip destination.

Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand.

4. Hobbiton Express Tour

This small group tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton movie set is an easy day trip. A fully guided tour of the set from 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogy is included in the day. The Shire Rest Cafe also serves a delicious lunch. From pick-up to drop-off in Auckland City, our knowledgeable guides will look after you the entire day. They feature a detailed route description, as well as information about the locations you'll be passing through and the history of the movie set you'll be visiting. There is a quick halt on the way down to Hobbiton at a local cafe if you wish to buy some local baked goods or a cup of coffee.

5. Auckland Hiking Trails

There is a great list of great hiking trails around Auckland. Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, Aotea Conservation Park, Long Bay Regional Park, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Duder Regional Park, Totara Park, Shakespear Regional Park, Orakei Basin Reserve, to name a few.

6. The cultural side

Te Tuhi is a modern art gallery with national significance in New Zealand. Visit the show at Uxbridge Art & Culture Center, as well as The Howick Art Group at Green Gables, which displays and sells artwork by local painters. The Howick Market provides goods for sale created by local artists and craftsmen on Saturday mornings.

Larger exhibitions are held at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Ormiston throughout the year. The tranquil courtyard here provides space for introspection. This structure, as you may discover, is a work of art in and of itself.

7. East Tamaki

It's all about business in East Tamaki. Indeed, one of Auckland's most active business organizations has coined the phrase "East Tamaki, a Great Place To Do Business." Highbrook and its fabulous buildings have given the region a modern, architectural feel that makes it a wonderful place to explore and admire.

8. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, on the western side of the Peninsula, is the gateway to East Auckland, with its marina and ferry service. The nearby commercial center and restaurants offer a fantastic view of the moored boats and the Tamaki Estuary. The marina's roughly 500 moored boats may sail to the beautiful Hauraki Gulf in a short amount of time. There are additional passenger and car ferries that run between downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island ,which is a great additional place to explore. The Marina Shopping Center is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists via this route.

9. Bucklands Beach Peninsula

On the western side of Bucklands Beach Peninsula, there are two beautiful beaches with yachts dotted along the Tamaki River. Three eateries and an outdoor bowling club can be found at Bucklands Beach, which are worth the hype.

Big Bucklands lies to the north of Grangers Point's former yacht club, while Little Bucklands is to the south. Bucklands Beach is bordered on the southern end by the Half Moon Bay Marina and on the northern end by Musick Point Reserve.

10. Eastern Beach

During the hot summer months, Eastern Beach is a fantastic swimming beach. The esplanade is surrounded by Norfolk Pines, providing easy access to the long sandy beach with protected waters, excellent for safe swimming on both sides. Prepare for a long trek in shallow water at low tide! A boat ramp is located at the beach's southern end, enabling access to the beach's designated water skiing zone.