16 Budget-Friendly Activities In Auckland: Make The Most Of Your Visit

Auckland, one of New Zealand’s most vibrant cities, is teeming with activities that don’t require you to splurge or venture too far from its heart. Whether you’re on a budget or just looking for some local fun, this guide highlights 16 economical yet delightful things to do in Auckland.

1. Coast to Coast Stroll

Coast Coast Stroll The best way to see any place is on foot! The coast-to-coast walk comprises parks and the volcanic cones of Mt Eden and One Tree Hill, giving picture-perfect views of Auckland city. You may also walk between the Auckland Domain and One Tree Hill if you do not want to go that long.

2. Visit the Auckland Museum -16 cheap things to do in Auckland

You just have to spend NZ$25 to get entry to the Auckland Museum and if you have proof of an Auckland address you can get free access. You will be lost in this museum with all its interactive exhibitions, like the “shaky” volcano exhibition.

This esteemed Auckland Museum is a great place to learn everything about New Zealand. You can get your Auckland Museum ticket here.

3. Explore Auckland Art Gallery

Visit the Auckland Art Gallery where admission for New Zealand residents is free, but for some exhibitions, you need to pay. Being a visitor you have to shell out a fee of NZ$20. The gallery is located on the edge of Albert Park which is a nice park to stroll.

4. Enjoy The Taste of South Pacific

Enjoy Taste of South Pacific — Enjoy the Taste of the South Pacific

New Zealand is known to have a strong cultural influence from the South Pacific. It is located right next to an island like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga, known for cultural and holiday spots for New Zealanders.

Here at Four Shells Kava Bar, you can enjoy the popular island drink called Kava which is a traditional drink made of ground roots and a lot of patience. It has a bitter taste but will make want to head to the islands to check out more about South Pacific Culture.

5. Watch a Free Movie in the Park

You can enjoy a movie projected onto a silo at the Silo Cinema in the summer months. It is in Silo Park, across from the Viaduct Harbour, this cinema is run every Friday or Saturday in the summer. You can also enjoy the Auckland community atmosphere and go through the night market and food stalls.

6. Taste Tea for Free

You can taste the tea for free at T2 on Queens Street which offers free hot tea and iced tea tasting opportunities. You will also find many tea aromas to stick your nose into too.

7. Go Outlet Shopping

This is the best and cheapest thing to do until you start buying stuff. In case you plan to stock up on clothes or anything for your journey around New Zealand, Auckland is the best place to do it.

You can also hop around small towns with expensive gear to do window shopping to spend the rest of your time in New Zealand. You also hop on to a free shuttle to the Dress Smart outlet shopping center.

8. Go On a “Cheap As” Bar Crawl

You can go for the Frenzi Bar Crawl, starting at The Camel Bar, where you can spend NZ$10 for 4 free drinks in 4 bars. It may often include a free hotdog. The night also sees the party game where you could win big prizes by being lucky!

9. Take a Free Walking Tour

Get a free talk on your foot of Auckland Central from a local! Here you can explore the best eating and partying places. The top sights to visit, and what events to go to, are all on the backpacker’s budget. You will be completely mesmerized by the 2-hour tour, and will not want to leave the City of Sails.

10. Walk to Silo Park Anyway!

Even when the Silo Cinema event isn’t on, you can have a cool stroll in this area of Auckland. There are plenty of water features, sculptures, a basketball court, and plenty of places to sit and contemplate how awesome you are.

11. Go to Devonport from Auckland City

A quick ferry ride for only NZ$15 will bring you to Devonport. Here you can get amazing photos of the city skyline, explore the tunnels at North Head, get free entry into the Navy Museum, and swim at Cheltenham Beach.

12. Visit the Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum you can at a very reasonable price you can discover New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Here you can explore interactive exhibitions. Here the interaction reaches a new level with the harbour cruise. It is more expensive than the rest of the activities mentioned on this list, the Maritime Museum cruise is one of the cheapest cruises around the harbor.

Sail out onto the water up to the Harbour Bridge, to get incredible views of the city. You can also catch some glimpses of some crazy people jumping above you. You need to take an entry ticket of NZ$20 for entry to the Maritime Museum or free for Auckland residents. Both museum entry and cruise are NZ$50.

13. Go Outlet Shopping

This is the cheapest thing you could do if you do not buy anything here. But if you need to stock up on clothes or anything for your journey around New Zealand, Auckland is a good place to do it. You can hop around small towns with expensive gear for the rest of your time in New Zealand.

Get a free shuttle to the Dress Smart outlet shopping center. Take the Dress Smart shuttle from one of the early pick-up points, like the Sky Tower. As once the bus is full, you will have to wait another hour for the next one.

14. Catch a $5 Movie

Many cinemas do some version of “Cheap Tuesday” where you may have to spend between NZ$10-12 on tickets. At the Academy, you can watch a NZ$5 flick throughout Wednesday! Alongside popular releases, the Academy also shows foreign language and art-house movies.

15. Say hello to the residents at Western Springs Park

You can watch out for the residents at Western Springs Park which are ducks, swans, geese, eels, pukeko, and more! The Auckland Zoo might be nearby, but there’s plenty of wildlife to see in Western Springs for free.

16. Grab Some Cheap Eats

City life often involves eating a decent amount of food, especially when there are so many tempting options around. You can eat out in Auckland cheaply.

Synopsis

From strolls in scenic parks to savoring local flavors and diving into cultural experiences, Auckland offers a myriad of captivating yet budget-friendly activities. Each one provides a unique lens through which to explore and appreciate the city’s essence.

By indulging in these affordable adventures, not only will you witness the vibrant heartbeat of Auckland but also ensure a memorable and enriching New Zealand journey.

FAQs

How can I access the Auckland Museum for free?

Auckland residents can enjoy free entry to the Auckland Museum by providing proof of their address. Non-residents can purchase tickets for NZ$25 to explore its interactive exhibitions.

Is the Auckland Art Gallery free for everyone?

New Zealand residents can access the Auckland Art Gallery for free. Visitors from abroad may need to pay a fee of NZ$20, allowing them to explore the gallery, located on the edge of Albert Park.

What is Kava, and where can I try it in Auckland?

Kava is a traditional South Pacific drink made from ground roots. You can experience it at Four Shells Kava Bar, gaining a taste of South Pacific culture.

When can I watch a free movie in Silo Park?

Silo Cinema, projecting movies onto silos, operates in the summer months. Enjoy free movie nights every Friday or Saturday at Silo Park, complemented by a vibrant night market and food stalls.

Where can I taste tea for free in Auckland?

T2 on Queen Street offers opportunities for free hot tea and iced tea tastings, allowing you to explore various tea aromas.

What are the best places for outlet shopping in Auckland?

Dress Smart outlet shopping center is an excellent choice, and you can catch a free shuttle from convenient locations like the Sky Tower.

How does the “Cheap As” Bar Crawl work, and where does it start?

The Frenzi Bar Crawl often starts at The Camel Bar, offering NZ$10 for 4 free drinks across 4 bars, including the chance to win prizes through party games.

Are there free walking tours available in Auckland?

Yes, you can join a free walking tour to explore Auckland Central, discovering the best eateries, party spots, and top sights with insights from a local guide.

How can I catch a $5 movie in Auckland?

The Academy offers NZ$5 movies on Wednesdays, featuring a range of films, including popular releases, foreign language, and art-house movies.

What wildlife can I see at Western Springs Park?

Western Springs Park is home to various wildlife, including ducks, swans, geese, eels, pukeko, and more, providing a delightful encounter with nature.