Sunday, 19 June 2016

20 days to go: 20 things to do in Auckland for under $20

The countdown to #PanPacs2016 is well and truly on with just 20 days to go, and to celebrate, we’re giving you a list of 20 things to do for under $20 in Auckland.



Many of these activities are perfect for the festival rest day, when no games will be played, on July 14th.

1 – LightPath - central city

A photo posted by Luke Elliott (@usernamesaretough) on


Take a stroll on one of the newest additions to Auckland city’s walkways. Also known as the Nelson Street Cycleway or the ‘Magenta Mile’, Auckland’s LightPath is an old section of the central city motorway turned shared footpath and cycle way. The LightPath was opened in December 2015.

2 – Mighty Matariki Markets - central city
Celebrate the Māori new year at the Matariki (eyes of god/cluster of stars) Markets at Silo Park on the weekend of 16th and 17th July. Over 50 stalls of art, craft, fashion, and of course...a whole lot of food.


3 – Piha - West Coast



The home of NZ's equivalent to Bondi Rescue - Piha Rescue - Piha Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in the country. But looks can be deceiving, it's also one of the most dangerous. Just a 30 minute off-peak drive from the West Wave Aquatic Centre.


4 - Kitekite Falls - West Coast
CDM Polo boys at Kitekite Falls at Pan Pacs 2014

Whilst located in Piha, the Kitekite Falls deserve a spot on the top-20 of their own. The three-tiered waterfall cascades over 40 metres of rock in the Waitakere Ranges. A short bush stroll will get you there, you can even swim in the natural pool at the bottom and go under the waterfall, that is, if you can handle the brain-freeze. 

5 – Ferry over to Waiheke Island
If you find yourself with some time up your sleeve, Waiheke Island is the perfect place to go for an escape from the poolside, although, you will be breaking the $20 budget. Catch a ferry from the Auckland CBD across the Waitemata Harbour, and you'll be in another world in 40 minutes. Calm beaches, wineries, art galleries, and some of the country's top restaurants are all located over on Waiheke.


6 - Auckland Art Gallery - central city
A photo posted by hanz (@likeoneofyourfrenchgirls) on

The largest art institution in New Zealand, Toi o Tāmaki has over 15,000 artworks. Open 10am-5pm everyday - check out the website here.


7 – Climb a volcano


Take your pick - there are about 50 of them in Auckland (although the number is hotly-debated - all dormant, of course!). Many of them are easily accessible - if you have some to kill and fancy getting some fresh air whilst at Diocesan, St. Cuthbert's, or Epsom pools, take a stroll up Mt. Eden for epic panoramic views of the city. Or, if walking is not your thing, you can even drive.


8 - Auckland Winter Gardens - Auckland Domain
A photo posted by Friends Of Friends Creative (@madebyfriendsoffriends) on

If you're funky about flora and fauna, or just down for some mad Herbology vibes, get amongst the Auckland Winter Gardens. Located at the Auckland domain, the Winter Gardens were designed way back in the early 1900s.


9 - Waiwera Thermal Resort & Spa - Hibiscus Coast
A photo posted by M D (@md610) on

If you find yourself midway through the tournament thinking; "I haven't yet had enough of pools", then here's another one you can visit. Waiwera (meaning hot [wera] water [wai]) is the perfect place to unwind in the naturally hot thermal pools, or have a go on the slides.


10 - Devonport - North Shore

A photo posted by Thomas (@thomastrengrove) on

Also known as 'the Bubble', other than via water, there's only one way in and one way out of Devonport: choose the funner option and ferry across to Auckland's favourite seaside village. Home of NZ's biggest star Lorde, and arguably cooler things like North Head (also a volcano - full of war tunnels accessible to the public, dating back to the 19th century), the Navy Museum, and Cheltenham Beach. Do the twin peaks by exploring both Mount Victoria and North Head.

11 - Auckland Museum - central city



The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's most iconic buildings - but it's what inside that makes it special. Everything you need to know about the winter exhibitions you can find here.

12 - Viaduct Harbour
A photo posted by Emma White (@emmalaurenwhite_) on

Where Auckland city meets the ocean, the Viaduct is the entertainment hub of the central city. Over 30 restaurants and bars nestled amongst berthed vessels and super yachts. Art & Sound kicks off just around the corner at Silo Park - light and projection-based artists will transform Silo park with moving image and light from 5pm until late on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th July.


13 - Ponsonby Central
A photo posted by Julie ॐ (@ju.nc) on

Potentially one of the best places to eat in the city, Ponsonby Central is a food lover's dream. Fresh produce, coffee, and even DIY caramel or chocolate-injected donuts. Arguably the most-Instagrammed place in Auckland, Ponsonby is susceptible to some pretty good banter as pointed out in this 2014 parody.


14 - Sky Tower
A photo posted by juliadags (@juliadags) on

Even though adult entry is $8 over budget, a trip up the Sky Tower is unforgettable. Unprecedented views of the city, glass elevator floors, and a restaurant 182 metres above the ground.


15 - MOTAT
A photo posted by Sharon Abigail (@sharonabigail05) on



A must-do for any machine or motor vehicle enthusiast, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) provides a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages. MOTAT's core vision is to "use NZ's heritage, kiwi ingenuity, transport, technology and associated stories in a creative and interactive way to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow."


16 - Mission Bay 
Perfect for a quick escape from the pool at Sacred Heart, Mission Bay is one of Auckland's most popular beaches. Best enjoyed with ice cream or frozen yoghurt from KiwiYo or Movenpick.
A photo posted by Bingci (Grace) Xuan⚡️⚡️⚡️ (@bcxuan) on


17 - K Road
A photo posted by Liam John Charles Cer Bendigo (@liam_jccbstewart) on


At the top of Auckland's Queen Street you'll find Karangahape (K) Road. Auckland's home for everything vintage, arty, and second-hand, and as always, some pretty cool cafes. 


 18 - Queen Street

A photo posted by Sm;)e (@_imogen.lily_) on


The central city's main drag, you'll find everything you need on Queen Street. Aotea Square, cinemas, cafes, dining, shopping - the world's your oyster.


19 - West Coast Beaches


Piha included, the West Coast beaches are a must-do for rugged, authentic New Zealand beauty. Whatipu, Karekare, Bethells, Piha, and Muriwai are all equally untamed. Bethells Beach has even been graced by the one and only Taylor Swift, who shot her 'Out of the Woods' video there in 2015 and called it "the most beautiful beach I've ever been on in my life".


20 - Explore every water polo venue in the city


We're pretty sure you will have crossed this one off the list by the end of the festival - well done in advance.
Posted by at

1 comment:

  1. Seekers Tours13 November 2019 at 02:10

    Thanks for sharing this useful post !! This post is very informative and i have got very good information about things to do in Auckland . keep sharing !!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)