Cheap Auckland Day Trip Ideas

The best way for you and your loved ones to enjoy Auckland is to take time to discover its beauty and culture. Whether you prefer to hike trails and enjoy the scenery, wander through art galleries and museums, or go to a sporting event, there is something for everyone. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. In addition, be sure to choose minibus hire in Auckland to help you get around the city.

Sky Tower

The perfect place to start your tour is the Sky Tower. Standing 326 meters high, it’s not only the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, but it’s the tallest one in the entire southern hemisphere. Look at the city’s skyline, the surrounding landscape, and enjoy the beauty of the panoramic view. Visitors use a glass front elevator to get to the top and can choose one of three viewing areas – see more than 80km in every direction. Use the viewing time to plot out your excursions. Where do you want to go next? For an added adventure, some floors of the observation decks are transparent, allowing you to look straight down to the city below. And for the bravest thrill-seeker, consider the SkyJump. While attached to a safety harness, you can leap from a platform more than 192 meters high.

Although the Sky Tower may be closed in inclement weather, it is usually open every day. Admission to the main observation deck is NZ$28 for adults, $11 for children ages 6-14, and under age 5 is free. For a family (2 adults and 2 children) the cost is NZ$61, and seniors are NZ$22.

Albert Park

Because of its history, central location, and distinctive character, Albert Park is the city’s most important park. Wander the grounds and find a network of trails winding around beautiful plants, trees, and flowers, as well as statues, memorials, and a Victorian fountain. At one end of the park sits an historic park-keeper’s cottage. The cottage has been turned into a tiny museum with items from past tenants and park memorabilia. On the other end is the Auckland Art Gallery.

Another amazing feature is the floral clock. It sits beside the Albert Park House which showcases a collection of ceramics, clocks, and other treasures. And at its highest point, don’t miss visiting the Meteorological Observatory. Since 1909, this important building and its employees have been reading New Zealand’s weather.

There are enough interesting things to look at and learn about that you could spend an entire day at the park. Best of all, the admission is free, and the park is open every day of the year.

Auckland Art Gallery

Situated at one end of Albert Park sits the Auckland Art Gallery. The French Renaissance style structure was built in 1887 and has a distinctive corner clock tower. Much of the collection is from the estate of Sir George Grey and his pieces focus mostly on British and European art. Over the years, the collection has grown to more than 15,000 items through gifts, bequests, acquisition, and loans.

Offering a visual history of Australia with the first contact between Europeans and the Maori in the 1600s, this gallery houses major contemporary, modern, and traditional works. Outstanding art pieces by Pacific Island and Maori artists are the key features, along with international prints, sculptures, and paintings. A sandstone sculpture from the Hindu Temple of Northern India is one of the oldest pieces in the museum, dating from the 10th to the 12th century. The gallery hosts family activities, learning events, and holiday programs. And don’t miss the sculpture garden which was added in the late 1960s.

Because of its vast collection, give yourself a few hours to enjoy all four levels. The gallery is open every day from 10am to 5pm, except Christmas Day. Consider taking a free tour with a knowledgeable docent at either 11:30am or 1:30pm. Admission is also free.

Sheep World

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the countryside and go to Sheep World. Sheep are an incredibly important part of New Zealand culture because there are approximately seven sheep for every resident. Sheep World is devoted to the industry of wool and sheep; visitors will learn about sheep farming and how to harvest wool. The site covers more than 30 acres and includes a farm and beautiful nature park. Throughout the day, demonstrations include sheep shearing, sheepdogs herding sheep into barns, and lambs being fed. There is also a multi-media exhibition which explains the process of turning fleece into wool called “Wonderful Wool”.

In addition, there is an eco-discovery trail and an opportunity to pet and feed more farm animals. Parents can hang out in the café and relax while their children burn off energy on the playground. There is also a store to purchase sheepskins, wool items, and other souvenirs.

Sheep World is open daily from 9am to 5pm, closed Christmas Day. Demonstrations are at 11am and 1pm. Admission to the park is NZ$15 for adults, children 4 – 13 is NZ$8, under age 4 free, seniors NZ$13. Be aware that there is an additional charge for the Sheep Shearing and Dog show.

Auckland Stardome Observatory

Do you love looking at the night sky? Home to a planetarium and two telescope domes, the observatory offers visitors a wide range of activities. The planetarium projects the sky onto a dome while you sit back in recliners and watch the stars and planets come alive. Different shows focus on different things, so you can come back again and again. After the show, go into the courtyard to look through a telescope for free. Walk through the Space Gallery and exhibits. This site is recommended for those age 8 and older. The Space Gallery is free to enter, however, call for show times and admission prices.

You don’t have to spend lots of money to enjoy Auckland, and if you want to make your trips to all these destinations easy and fun, make sure you book minibus charter in Auckland. Let someone else deal with the hassle of driving!