Best free things to do in Auckland?

There's heaps to do in Auckland on a budget. We have a world class art gallery which is completely free, and offers free daily tours twice a day. Spend half a day doing the Auckland coast to coast walk, it will include walking up two of the city's most famous summits for amazing views. For a bit of a cost to visitors, $55 you can have an amazing experience, including a cultural performance Auckland War Memorial Museum. And the best and cheapest way to experience the 'City of Sails' is to hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island. Once you get there buy a $10 all day bus pass. And then there are the markets, get to Otara or Avondale for bargains, and cultural experience. Hope this helps! There's more info at https://www.vroomvroomvroom.co.nz/auckland-on-a-budget/. Have a great time! 

Hi Katie,

Here's my list of free and inexpensive things to do in Auckland:

1. Pick up a map of Auckland from one of the Auckland i-SITE Visitor Information Centre - Lower Queen Streetand create a DIY city center walking tour. Start at Britomart, Queen Street, Shortland Street, High Street, Victoria Street, Albert Park and the Aotea Centre.

2. Enjoy a picnic (fish and chips and beer) in Mission Bay or Saint Heliers and watch the sunset.

3. Go to Princes Wharf for the harbor lights at night or watch the ships go by in the day.

4. Visit Wynyard Quarter and join a sunrise tai-chi class on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7 to 8 a.m.). Learn tai-chi, enjoy the views of Waitemata Harbour. In summer, there are free workshops for kids, night markets and Silo Cinema (every Friday) in Silo Park.

5. Take the Auckland Dockline Trams. Currently, only available on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.and around the Wynyard Quarter.

6. Visit Unity Books, an independent bookstore on High Street.

7. Take the inexpensive Fullers Ferries from the Ferry Terminal in Quay Street to Devonport (15 minutes each way) - a historic seaside village. Fullers Ferries also runs daily services to Rangitoto Island (25 minutes), Waiheke Island (40 minutes each way) and Coromandel Peninsula(2 hours). Get full details from Fullers.

8. Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki  - free entry.

9. Check out Matakana's Saturday farmer's market and oysters farm. Matakana is an hour north from Central Auckland. One of my favorite place for oysters and ice cream.

10. Visit the wineries in Waiheke Island and Matakana.

Auckland Domain

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Mt Eden

Karangahape Road

Kingsland

Piha Beach

Devonport ferry

There is plenty to do in Auckland in Summer - it pretty much comes alive  - check out http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/concerts-gig-guide/events/auckland

And Auckland Tourism site http://www.aucklandnz.com/  is also worth referring to.

There are a lot of concerts, gigs, event and festivals - many free - during this period.  The Splore Music and Arts festival is scheduled for February, as is the Lantern Festival. Worthy of a visit is Waiheke Island  - a ferry ride from Auckland transports you to a unique Island culture.  Not to be missed. It will be hosting the Headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition.  While you are there visit one of the many Island wineries - you will also find them situated West and North Auckland. 

The Viaduct Harbour Avenue and Wynyard Quarter  are also great places to relax and enjoy (wine , food, coffee..or simply watching the boats and people pass :)

There is plenty more ... 

Hiya Katie, 

There is a heap of free 'stuff' you could do in Akl for a day - especially if you like outdoors.. 

There are several fantastic hikes you can do along our coastlines or in our waitakere ranges.. checkout http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Our waterfront is amazing as well - viaduct harbour. 

Our gardens are great - One Tree Hill Cornwall Park (One Tree Hill), Auckland Botanic Gardens Manukau Gardens.

You can also check out our Auckland War Memorial Museum and our Museum Of Transport And Technology (MOTAT)

Parnell and Ponsonby is great and then our waterfront - Viaduct Harbour Avenue is good for strolls and dinner, etc. 

North Shore beaches - Long Bay is a great day trip as well. 

Hope that helps. Have a fantastic time in Auckland - Its a great city...

:)

I highly recommend checking these things out:

1. One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park, huge gorgeous park with a rewarding 360 degree view of the city

2. Auckland Art Galleryfree and in the vicinity of the university which is pretty to walk around as well 

3. Coast to Coast Tours Ltd, Auckland, will take you through the Auckland Domain and up Mt Eden volcano which has another amazing view and a great hike! 

Go to Mission Bay, North Head, Mt Eden