Top 10 free things to do around Auckland

Finding fun things to do for free can be a bit of a challenge in some cities of the world, but not in Auckland. The City of Sails is close to all that nature has to offer, with all the advantages of a thriving cosmopolitan city at the same time.

Here’s some of our favourite free things to do around Auckland. A few may be taking some break over this time so check with them first.

1. Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, CBD
The newly-refurbished Auckland Art Gallery is the jewel in Auckland’s art scene. It’s sophisticated, world-class and features a gallery of early Maori and European works alongside contemporary collections. Highly recommended for family outings with a cultural twist.

2. North Head Historical Walk, Devonport
Pretend that you’re living in centuries past on a 2km historical walk around North Head. North Head was originally a defense fort set up in the 1880s, and later expanded into a coastal defence system in WWI and II. Check out the ancient tunnels, guns and searchlights! 

3. Feed the ducks at Western Springs
Save up all your stale bread, biscuits and pastries for the cute ducks at Western Springs - who’ll be your best friends for a breadcrust. While you’re there, check out the endangered native long-finned eel in the lake and the wild fowl around the shores and wetlands.

4. Sign up for a free haircut at Cut Above Academy, CBD
Sign up to be a hair model at Cut Above Academy and get a decent cut for free. Be prepared to wait as tutors need to constantly check your hair, but it’s a cool way to get a stylish do and help out the hairdressers of tomorrow.

5. Check out the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, Hillsborough
There is an ever-changing programme of free exhibitions curated from the James Wallace Arts Trust Collection, as well as regional touring exhibitions. The centre is located at the historic Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park. Open Tues-Fri, 10am-3pm, weekends, 10am-5pm.

6. Urban foraging around Auckland
The Auckland Fruit Economy Map lists trees and other plants around all Auckland that are free to pick. A quick glance at the map shows that you can pick free acorns, chesnuts, feijoas, comfrey, wild fennel, grapefruit, mushrooms, lemons and loquat, to name a few. Saves on grocery bills!

7. Walk the Waitakere Ranges
The ‘Waitaks’, as the locals call it, has 250km of walking trails - plenty to choose from for every fitness level. It pays to talk to staff at the Arataki Visitor Centre before you go for a wander to get their tips and check on weather conditions.

8. Watch young gannets hatch at the gannet colony in Muriwai
This is one of the best times of year to see the gannet colony in Muriwai, located next to the carpark at the black sand Muriwai beach. A viewing platform takes you right above the main colony, which has about 1200 pairs of nesting birds from Aug-March.

9. Coast to coast walk
The Auckland coast to coast walk is a 17km trip through some of the most richly historical parts of the city. The walk goes from the Viaduct to Manukau Harbour, and takes in highlights such as volcanic sites, parks and native flora and fauna.

10. Wriggle and Rhyme at Auckland libraries
Something for the parents - Wriggle and Rhyme are active movement sessions for babies from ages 0 to two. The free 30-minute session is available at many locations (check for times), and even older pre-schoolers are welcome.

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