1. Mt Eden
Get the heart pumping, blood flowing and calories burning and challenge yourself to scale to the top of Mount Eden, Auckland’s highest natural point. The views are worth it! It’s one of the many dormant volcanoes scattered around Auckland that you can walk up, but this one has a very impressive crater at the top and is one of the more accessible from the CBD. Because of its location it boasts a 360 degree view of Auckland's city centre and its surrounding suburbs, and there are some great picnic spots where you can lay out, eat all the food, and take in all the views.
2. Birkenhead Boat Ramp – Hinemoana Street
The Auckland Bridge, Skytower, and Waitemata Harbour with yachts sailing by, are some of the most iconic sights in Auckland, so one of the best lookout spots should include all three right? Cue Birkenhead Boat Ramp. An unassuming spot that many will only use for its main function, taking boats in and out of the water. But it’s also a great spot to have a seat under a Pohutakawa tree and look back at the Auckland cityscape.
3. Kohimarama
One bay over from the often busy and touristy Mission Bay – you’ll find Kohimarama, which along with some of the neighbouring bays, sports one of the best views out across the Auckland Harbour. Pack a towel and lie out on the beach looking back over the water towards Rangitoto Island, another iconis peak in the Auckland landscape. It’s a stunner!
4. From the Waitemata Harbour
Jump on board one of Explore’s sailing vessels and enjoy the unique Auckland landscape from the water. Sail where the wind takes you and look back at Auckland’s iconic skyline of volcanic peaks and high-rises as you navigate through the harbour. All Explore sailing experiences allow you to participate as crew so you can choose to take the helm and steer the ship, or sit back and enjoy the scenery as you sail the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.
5. Auckland Viaduct
After your Auckland Harbour Sailing experience, head across the way to one of the bars surrounding the Auckland Viaduct to take in one of the best views in Auckland – our sailing fleet lined up perfectly in their dock. Ok ok, we may be biased, but don’t worry, if boats aren’t your thing, the sun setting in the distance is pretty nice to look at too.
