Fun Things to Do in Auckland: Accessible NZ
Auckland, New Zealand: “City of Sails”
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Planning Your New Zealand Travel… Why Visit Auckland?
Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is the country’s hub of music, art, food, and culture. While many tourists skip Auckland city and head directly to the more adventurous mountains, glaciers, and forests of New Zealand’s south island, the country’s largest city of Auckland has a lot to offer and definitely warrants a visit.
A full three-quarters of the population lives on the North Island, with thirty-three percent living in Auckland. You can’t truly experience life in New Zealand without taking a trip to Auckland and the North Island.
If you’re looking to go on a larger New Zealand adventure, Auckland is also an excellent starting point for your trip. Auckland International Airport offers non-stop connections to many major cities. It’s a great idea to start your trip here if you’re looking to enjoy an epic 3 week New Zealand itinerary.
Regardless of where your New Zealand travels take you, Auckland’s warm, temperate climate, low crime rates, thriving art, and music scene, amazing food and wine, and abundant activities make it a favorite of both foreign travelers and New Zealanders.
Auckland’s West Coast
Accessible NZ: Can Disabled Travelers Find Accessible and Fun Things to Do In Auckland?
New Zealand is one of the more accessible countries in the world for people with disabilities. 24% of New Zealanders have some form of disability. New Zealand prides itself on inclusive tourism, minimizing barriers, and increasing accessibility for all. New Zealand even has accessibility ratings for local attractions, accommodations, and tours through its Be Accessible initiative. Businesses are ranked with gold, silver, or bronze in terms of accessibility.
You can find more information and ratings through the New Zealand Tourism Guide website. This makes Auckland sightseeing easy for everyone. With accessible airports, taxis, hotels, beaches, adventure tours, museums, and attractions, there are plenty of fully accessible and super fun things to do in Auckland.
Heads up, New Zealanders LOVE adventure. They also have amazing health coverage. I visited Auckland after ripping my ankle to shreds in a zip line accident, and despite being in a massive boot and walking with a cane, locals were eager to figure out a way to get me to safely bungee jump, an activity I had zero interest in after having smashed into a tree while “safely” zip-lining. My body and adventure sports clearly do not agree. But New Zealand is full of thrill-seekers who love adventure and will probably try to get you to engage in sailing, jumping, gliding, or propelling off of something.
Even if you’re not the adventurous type, I’ve packed this post full of accessible travel tips and information so you can plan your own New Zealand itinerary, figure out the cost of a New Zealand holiday, and have the best possible experience in the City of Sails.
Air New Zealand at Auckland Airport
How to Get to Auckland
There are several US carriers offering direct flights to Auckland from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston.
It’s important to note that tourists cannot enter New Zealand with an open-ended ticket. You MUST have a ticket booked and show proof of when you will be exiting the country or you will not be allowed to enter.
I visited Auckland, New Zealand directly after visiting Sydney, Australia. With my bad back and those 15+ hour flights, I thought it best to see as much as possible while I was in that part of the world. If you’re looking to create an Australia/ New Zealand itinerary, I highly recommend flying Quantas. Quantas is routinely voted one of the safest airlines in the world as well as one of the best airlines for accessible travel.
Make sure you change your money before hitting the airport to avoid hefty change fees. The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar.
Tamaki Drive, Auckland
The Best Time To Visit Auckland
Being in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand seasons are opposite from most of the world. The best time to visit Auckland is during the summer months of December to March. You’ll experience long, bright sunny days with temperatures reaching the mid-70s. This is also the dry season, which makes it unlikely that rain will spoil your New Zealand holiday.
Auckland City Center
Getting Around the City of Auckland and North Island New Zealand
Auckland offers wheelchair-accessible public buses, trains, ferries, and taxis. For more information about accessible transport within Auckland and the surrounding areas, as well as contact info for accessible taxi companies with wheelchair hoist services check out Total Mobility New Zealand.
Now onto the fun stuff… Let’s talk about exciting things to do in Auckland!
Baby Wine: Vineyards near Auckland, New Zealand
Best Things to Do in Auckland and Top Places to Visit in North Island, NZ
There are plenty of fun places to go in Auckland and the surrounding areas. But there’s one thing you should know about New Zealand when it comes to planning travel. Even though places may appear close on a map, the actual travel time can take quite a while. If you’re driving outside the city it almost always involves long winding roads which cross over rivers, bays, mountains, and other beautiful landscapes. There’s very rarely a straight line between two points. It makes for a gorgeous trip, but it can be more time-consuming than you think. I learned this the hard way trying to make my way back to the airport in time for a 6:00 am flight. Google maps is really helpful when planning out your activities in Auckland.
With that sorted, let’s talk about what to do in Auckland!
Looking up at Auckland Sky Tower
My list of fun places to go in Auckland begins with Sky Tower New Zealand. One of the best photography spots in Auckland, The Sky Tower is located at Victoria Street West Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand, The Auckland Sky Tower offers amazing 360-degree panoramic views of the city as well as several fun activities. Enjoy the impressive Auckland views from the Sky Tower Height, 1,076 ft. This Auckland tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
The upper levels of the complex are fully accessible to the public and wheelchair accessible. This was my first stop in Auckland because it gave me a fantastic Auckland view. I was able to spot key landmarks, volcanoes, and picturesque landscapes.
Click here for Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Tickets. This gets you admission to the 220-meter Sky Deck viewing platform, 186-Meter Main Observation Level, and 182-meter Sky Cafe.
Here’s a full breakdown of Sky Tower prices:
Things to do at Auckland Sky Tower:
Enjoy the Auckland Views: From Auckland central city district to the Coromandel Peninsula, Hauraki Gulf, ancient volcanoes, and beyond, the views of Auckland (or Tāmaki Makaurau as the indigenous Maori call it) are truly spectacular.
SkyCity Auckland Casino Complex: Harrah’s Entertainment opened in 1997 and offers plenty of games for those looking to do a little gambling. Personally, I hate gambling in other countries as I find it hard to calculate how much I’m losing in USD. I once drunkenly won 10,000 Colón on a slot machine in Costa Rica. I started squealing with excitement before realizing that was about $15 USD. But if you’re better than me at math you might enjoy hitting the tables.
SkyCity Casino Complex
Sky Jump Auckland:
Fun story, I honestly had no idea that you could base jump from Auckland Sky Tower. So, when I suddenly saw a body fly past the window outside at 52 mph, I just about had a heart attack. But for brave adventure seekers, the Auckland Sky Tower Jump offers a chance to jump from Auckland’s tallest building.
The jump requires you to be over 10 years old, 78-268 lbs and wearing lace-up shoes. Glasses may not be worn, but prescription goggles are available. Medical conditions are taken on a case-by-case basis, but there are plenty of accounts online of very brave wheelchair users who chose to take the plunge. Personally, I chose to watch people make the Auckland Tower jump from the safety of street level.
Sky Jump Auckland
Auckland Sky Tower Restaurant:
Orbit 360 Dining is situated at the very top of the Sky Tower. Orbit 360 was a 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner of the Top 10% of Restaurants Worldwide.
The dining room rotates once every hour, giving diners spectacular views of the city below. The restaurant serves a delicious locally-inspired menu featuring the best seasonal produce. I recommend a sunset dinner so you can check out those amazing night views from the rotating Sky Tower Auckland restaurant.
For more Sky Tower Facts and Sky Tower deals, check out their website in the link above.
View of the Sky Tower Auckland Restaurant
Queen Street, Auckland, NZ
Auckland’s prime shopping area is located on Queen Street. Queen Street shops offer everything from designer goods, to chain stores, to unique NZ souvenirs like a sheepskin rug or paua jewelry. If you’re looking for some retail therapy, Queen Street is where you want to be. There are also tons of food options.
Word of warning, NZ sales tax is 15%, so if you make some major purchases, make sure you save receipts to claim a refund at the airport.
3. Take the Ferry to Waiheke Island
Palm Beach Waiheke Island, NZ
Take the ferry from the central-city terminal in Auckland to gorgeous Waiheke Island New Zealand. The Ferry is wheelchair accessible and the trip from Auckland to Waiheke Island takes about 40 minutes. There are tons of wineries on Waiheke Island and Waiheke Wine tours are a great way to see this popular holiday spot. If you’re not into wine, don’t worry, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Waiheke. You can also enjoy some of the best beaches in Auckland, olive oil tastings, beer tastings, delicious Waiheke Island restaurants, and plenty of adventure activities.
Enjoy the Ferries from Auckland to Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island ferries run approximately every hour from Auckland to Waiheke. Fuller’s Waiheke Island Ferry timetable and fares can be viewed here. Sealink Ferry Waiheke Island also offers car ferries to Waiheke Island. Sealink Waiheke operates every hour on weekdays but has a more limited schedule on weekends. Travelers can also opt to take water taxis. Waiheke Island water taxi operators include: Auckland Sea Shuttles, Auckland Water Taxis, and Chas’n Tail Fishing Charters/Water Taxi.
If you’re interested in taking a wine tour of Waiheke Island, you can also purchase a Half-Day Wheelchair-Accessible Wine Tour of Waiheke Island.
The Boatshed Waiheke Island and beaches on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island Wineries and Waiheke Island Wine Tours:
Those interested in a Waiheke Island winery group tour have several options. My first choice is Waiheke Island Wine Tours who offers tours of Waiheke, lunch, and stops at Cable Bay Waiheke Vineyards, Casita Miro, Kennedy Point, Mudbrick Waiheke, Obsidian, and Te Motu. Our tour included wine, beer, olive oil, and honey tastings for $85 USD per person.
Another option is Waiheke Wine Tours which offers group tours every Saturday stopping at four vineyards (Casita Miro, Kennedy Point, Stonyridgeand, and Thomas Batch) and includes all transfers for $70 USD per person.
If you don’t sign up for a full tour but still wish to visit a winery I highly recommend Mudbrick, as it’s wheelchair accessible and offers amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf. It also features one of the best restaurants on Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island Zipline Tours:
If you’re interested in zip lining, one of the top things to do on Waiheke Island is soar over the trees with Ecozip Adventures, on side-by-side zip lines with a partner or friend.
Waiheke Island Accommodations:
For those looking to spend more time on Waiheke Island, I recommend the following accommodations:
Boatsheds on the Bay Waiheke - offering beautiful studio apartments positioned on 1.25 acres of coastal land on the edge of the beautiful, tidal Putiki Bay. You can’t beat the location. All units are on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible. The bathrooms also offer grab rails.
Delamore Lodge - Probably the best accommodation Waiheke Island has to offer, this luxury lodge offers wheelchair-accessible suites and apartments with spectacular cliffside views. If you’re looking to splurge, this is the spot. The central location of this Waiheke Island resort is close to Oneroa Beach and many wineries like Man o War Waiheke, Mudbrick, Cable Bay Vineyard, and Batch Winery.
Mudbrick Cottages - One of the top wineries on Waiheke also offers wheelchair-accessible accommodations. The cottages offer 360 degrees views of their romantic vineyards.
4. Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum
This Auckland museum is a must-visit when it comes to New Zealand tourist attractions. The main content of the collections focuses on the Maoris of New Zealand, European New Zealand history, military history, and natural history. The facilities are wheelchair accessible. On top of the fascinating collections, the museum also offers performances of traditional Maori and Pacific island dances. You simply cannot leave New Zealand without seeing a haka in person and this is a great place to do it.
I could have easily spent the day here exploring the wonderful exhibits on art, history, culture, and the natural world. I learned a ton about New Zealand’s history and the Maori culture. If you want to better understand New Zealand and the history of New Zealand natives, the War Memorial is one of the best places to visit in Auckland. It’s also the perfect indoor activity for a rainy day.
General Admission tickets are $20 USD for Adults and $10 USD for Children 5-13. Children under 4 are free. Family tickets are available for $50 USD and cover 2 adults and 2 children.
5. Auckland Beaches
Bethells Beach Auckland, NZ
New Zealand has made great strides in accessibility through the help of organizations like the Halberg Foundation, which helps in equipping councils and surf life-saving clubs with adaptive equipment to improve access to recreation for all.
City councils have begun equipping beaches with beach access mats. Wheelchair users, walker users, and visitors who find walking on sand extremely difficult now have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The following beaches in and around Auckland offer beach wheelchairs, accessible changing areas, accessible parking, and other services that make ideal conditions for visitors with mobility impairments: Mt Maunganui, Waihī, Pāpāmoa, Takapuna, and Waipū. There’s also one Lake in New Zealand’s north island that comes highly recommended, Lake Tikitapu. This stunning blue lake is a 3-hour drive from Auckland, but it’s well worth the trip.
You can read more about accessible Auckland beaches in this wonderful article by Kimberly Graham.
6. Take the Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse
Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the most popular wildlife attractions in Auckland. The island is also one of the most successful wildlife conservation projects in the world. This pest-free island is home to many rare and endangered birds, some of which exist only in New Zealand, including the Korora or little blue penguin. I love a warm climate penguin! You can also visit the Tiritiri Matangi lighthouse, which was built in 1864.
Tititiri Matangi ferry tickets cost $58.50 USD. It’s important to note there is no food available for purchase on the island. You may bring your own, but you also need to take your rubbish with you. There are plenty of trails around the island and opportunities for wildlife observation, however, only some of them are wheelchair accessible. You can get a map from Fullers Ferries before adventuring out for your Tiratiri Matangi Island day trip.
Alternatively, you can purchase a 4.5-hour Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tour Through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park past Tiritiri Matangi Island. On this tour, you will be able to see dolphins, penguins, and up to six types of whales.
7. SEA Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Gentoo Penguins at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World
For those who prefer their wildlife experiences indoors, there’s always Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. There’s no ferry ride required and it’s perfect to add to your list of “rainy day activities Auckland.” With over 30 live animal exhibits, and the world’s largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony exhibit, Kelly Tarlton’s is one of my top things to do in Auckland New Zealand for families.
Tickets are $23.50 USD for adults. Pro-tip, tickets are cheaper to purchase online than they are the day of. The aquarium also offers family ticket packages. The facilities are wheelchair accessible.
8. Take a Day Trip to Hobbiton New Zealand
Hobbiton New Zealand
Is a trip to Hobbiton worth it? Some might ask, have you even been to New Zealand if you didn’t make the trip to Hobbiton? An easy day trip from Auckland this New Zealand Lord of the Rings Tour is great for families and film lovers. It’s one of the top attractions in New Zealand for a reason. Guests can enjoy a guided tour around the 44 Hobbit holes and the sets seen in Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.
You can purchase your Hobbiton tour tickets from Bush and Beach. This tour provides pick up and drop off in Auckland. You also have a few other options when it comes to Hobbiton tours from Auckland.
The standard Hobbiton tour is not accessible for guests in wheelchairs, however, a golf cart tour is available for guests with physical disabilities.
9. Auckland Botanical Gardens
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Auckland Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite outdoor Auckland activities. Home to over 10,000 plants from all over the world, the gardens feature a native forest, magnolia garden, orchard, rose garden, and much, much more.
The grounds are accessible to those in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Auckland Botanical Gardens also offer wheelchairs and mobility scooters for rent. It’s recommended visitors reserve a wheelchair or scooter ahead of their visit as supplies are limited.
Best of all, the gardens are one of the few activities in Auckland where admission is FREE!
10. New Zealand Maritime Museum Auckland
It’s the city of sails, so naturally, the Maritime Museum makes my list of fun places in Auckland. Located on Hobson Wharf next to the Viaduct Harbour in central Auckland, the museum covers New Zealand’s maritime history from the first Polynesian explorers and settlers to present-day America’s Cup winners. You can check out some cool exhibits and even do some sailing around the harbor.
The museum is accessible to wheelchair users. Sailings on TED ASHBY (a reproduction of a ketch-rigged scow) are also wheelchair accessible and will require guests to board and sail using their accessible equipment and specialized wheelchair provided. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted. It’s well worth the trip if only to find out what in the world a ketch-rigged scow is.
There are a variety of tours and ticket prices depending on your desired experience. Check out the Maritime Museum site for more details.
11. Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki
Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s largest visual arts experience. Located in the heart of Auckland city, just below Albert Park, the gallery was established in 1888 as the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. Best of all, it’s another great free and totally wheelchair accessible New Zealand activity.
The galleries include an extensive collection of works by New Zealand and Pacific artists such as Gretchen Albrecht, Marti Friedlander, C.F. Goldie, and Frances Hodgkins, as well as works by Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Henri Matisse.
The Galleries also have one of the best cafes in Auckland, serving up dishes like Confit Duck Leg, Hangi Pork Belly, Vegetarian Pappardelle, and Green-lipped mussels.
Check out the Galleries website for the latest exhibits and hours.
12. Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
I deeply regret not being able to visit Hauraki Gulf Marine park during my visit to Auckland. But having just come from Sydney, Australia where we did a whale-watching trip, my fiance was in no mood to get on a boat again. It turns out that while I have a fabulous time on boats, he gets violently seasick.
For those of you who enjoy being on the open seas, Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari comes highly recommended. Light wheelchairs can be accommodated. The vessel has two stairs in the boarding area that passengers must be able to navigate (with carer support if required).
The tour leaves from downtown Auckland and takes passengers on a 4 1/2-hour trip through Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, one of the most diverse and abundant marine parks in the world. Guests will also enjoy views of Harbour Bridge, North Head and Devonport, and volcanic Rangitoto Island.
Pro tip: If you find yourself getting seasick, it’s best to go out on the deck of the boat. Staying inside makes the experience much worse for those experiencing nausea.
13. Albert Park and Domain Park
Albert Park
Auckland has some great walks. NZ in general actually has some beautiful and very accessible public parks with easy-to-navigate pathways. Just a short stroll from the Auckland marina are two of my favorites, Albert Park and Domain Park. Albert Park is surrounded by some of the best places to visit in Auckland like Auckland Art Gallery, The Odyssey Sensory Maze, and Constitution Hill. The park is filled with statues, flowers, fountains, and large paved walkways which make it easy for wheelchair users.
Domain Park surrounds the War Memorial Museum. It’s Auckland’s largest park and contains a number of gardens, memorials, and museums, as well as all of the explosion crater and most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. I recommend grabbing some ice cream and chilling out on one of the many benches while taking in the views.
Domain Park, Auckland, NZ
14. Auckland Red Fence Heritage Walk
Built between 1913 and 1923 these magnificent wrought iron, red-painted ornamental gates, and lamps are found right outside Queens Wharf, running the length of Quay Street. If you’re looking for some great Instagram shots of Auckland, look no further.
15. Waipu Caves
Glowing Nights Sky Courtesy of Glow Worms in Waipu Caves, New Zealand
Closing out my list of best things to do in Auckland New Zealand is Waipu Caves. Having just had my first caving experience, I wasn’t sure I needed to go spelunking again. But Waipu Caves are incredibly unique given the blue-green glow twinkling down like underground stars. This otherworldly glow is produced by the thousands of glow worms who call the cave home. And who doesn’t want to see that? To paraphrase Dan Aykroyd in the Great Outdoors, “All kids like bugs. Especially glow worms. Their butts light up.”
Waipu Caves are a two-hour drive from Auckland. Admission is free, but I will caution, it may not be accessible to everyone. There are no tracks or paths inside the caves and the ground can be muddy. There is a cold shower outside the cave where you can clean up afterward.
The cave is divided into three sections. Don’t worry if your search for glow worms yields few results in the first two chambers as the last is the best for glow worm viewing. It is possible to navigate the cave with a cane, but it is not wheelchair accessible. I recommend wearing reef shoes for better footing and bringing a camping headlamp to keep your hands free. It’s best to visit the caves in good weather as water can accumulate on the cave floor after rains.
For a guided tour, check out Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Caves Small Group Tour.
Wheelchair Accessible Accommodation Auckland
We stayed at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor, which I highly recommend. The central location, panoramic views, excellent accessibility, and five-star amenities can’t be beaten. Prices start around $250/ night.
Enjoying the Top Things To Do In Auckland
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of fun things to do in Auckland. As you can see, there’s more than just the South Island. New Zealand is a nature lover’s paradise with so much to explore. When you plan your trip, I hope you’ll consider spending a few days on the North Island.
