Best Auckland Weekend Breaks for Adventure Lovers

Auckland City, located on the North Island of New Zealand is known for a vibrant and bustling nightlife, immense culture diversity and plenty of delicious restaurants to keep any foodie happy. But it is also a region famous for extensive outdoor experiences and opportunities to reconnect with Mother Nature in the best possible way.

For visiting tourists and locals alike, take away the stress and inconvenience of city travel by researching Auckland city car rental options to ensure you never have to compromise on memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

Mt. Eden

Mt. Eden, or Maungawhau as it is known in native Maori, is a dormant volcano situated in the middle of Auckland. Its summit sits at 196km above sea level, making it the highest natural point on the Auckland isthmus, which offers fantastic views of the city and bay.

Its main feature is a crater dome at the very top of the climb, 50m deep, known as Te Upu Kai a Mataaho, or the bowl of Mataaho. Mataaho was a deity said to have lived in the crater, acting as the guardian of the secrets hidden in the earth. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can embark on the walking trail to the summit of Mt. Eden for picturesque and panoramic views well worth the effort.

The Sky Tower Experience

Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the entire country, offers exhilarating opportunities to get your heart pumping. Entry to the tower itself is cheap, but the thrills start with the SkyWalk or SkyJump.

The SkyWalk involves walking around the top of the tower on a platform with no rails, although you will be safely strapped into a harness. If you are brave enough, you can venture right to the edge of the platform to overlook the city streets below. Alternatively, if you are looking for the ultimate adrenaline thrill, the SkyJump is for you. Leap off the Sky Tower and experience what it’s like to fall 192m back to earth.

Rangitoto Island

Adventurers who love the water should not miss the opportunity to head to Rangitoto Island by sea kayak. The island, which can be seen from the mainland, is Auckland’s largest and most recent volcano. It is uninhabited by humans, and reaching the summit will offer unobstructed 360-degree views of Auckland’s surrounding beaches and neighbouring islands.

Auckland Sea Kayak Tours depart at mid-afternoon, with a 5km kayak to reach the island. A gourmet BBQ is served on Rangitoto before guests embark on a one-hour hike to reach a viewing platform at the summit. After watching the blazing sun set over the city skyline, the tour group kayaks back to the mainland under the dazzling stars of the night sky.

Harbor Bridge Bungee

Many people don’t know that the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge is actually made up of three bridges. But due to its immense popularity when it first opened, two ‘clip-on’ side lanes were later connected to the main bridge. This landmark has since become a popular bungee-jumping destination thanks to AJ Hackett New Zealand.

The company has multiple bungee locations across the country, but Auckland Harbor is the only spot that also includes an optional ocean dip. The walk along the bridge to the bungee platform gives you the opportunity to view Auckland city and Waitemata Harbor. The jump is 40m high and is the exact location where AJ Hackett himself was arrested in 1987 for jumping off the bridge when it was still illegal.

Sail Away

Waitemata Harbor is not only a magical place to explore on land, but it’s a fantastic place to experience from the water. Starting at Viaduct Harbor, there is a wide range of exciting sailing journeys and opportunities to suit every level of experience.

For a memorable seafaring adventure, book a tour with Explore Group to head to one of the surrounding islands in the Hauraki Gulf. For seasoned and experienced sailors, secure your spot as part of the crew on one of their America’s Cup sailing experiences.

Take to the Skies

If the SkyTower isn’t high enough to satiate your thrill-seeking, why not jump out of a plane instead? Skydive Auckland offers the highest skydive in New Zealand, a whopping 16,500ft. The dropzone provides spectacular views of the west and east coasts, the city, and some surrounding islands.

Alternatively, you can head an hour south of central Auckland to Waiuku, where HighSide Paragliding operates tandem flights seven days a week. Soar over the majestic sands of Kariotahi Beach, taking in some of the best views the North Island has to offer.