A certain charm descends upon Auckland in August, as the days warm up, the region comes to life. From the best weekend walks and hikes in the region and fun activities for the whole family to cultural events that will inspire – if you are looking for what to do in Auckland at this time of year – we’ve got you covered.
What to do in Auckland: August 2019
When visiting New Zealand, there is no question that you will tour the city of Auckland (and surrounds). If you happen to be in and around the city in August you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of amazing things to see and do. Auckland at the end of winter has a certain charm and a delight to explore. Be prepared to enjoy sports events, festivals and other exciting events.
Here are our top 8 picks of what to do in Auckland this August:
1. Spartan Auckland City Sprint
For the first time in history, the World’s Best Kids Obstacle Course Race is coming to New Zealand. The Spartan Kids race is 1-2kms of pure muddy joy. Featuring miniature versions of our adult obstacles with a couple of extras like our massive inflatable slide, it’s a great day out. For more details on the 5km sprint for adults, which features 20 epic Spartan obstacles for runners to conquer, click here. August 2-4
2. Take a day trip to Piha Beach
Only a 45-minute drive from the Auckland CBD, Piha Beach is a sight to behold – Auckland’s most rugged and beautiful beach. This quiet, cosy hub has it all; good food, great walks, a charming community spirit and one of the most unique and stunning beaches in New Zealand – and perfect for this time of year when the days start to warm up.
Read more: Things to do at Piha Beach
3. Get creative at Semi Permanent
New Zealand’s most prestigious, popular and influential creative festival is taking place in Auckland this August. This year’s festival sees an exciting line-up of
accomplished speakers hand-picked to inspire and motivate with their knowledge and experiences from all areas of design, from art, graphic design and film to music and photography. On at the Aotea Centre, the event promises lively discussion and creative inspiration. August 15-17
4. The MiNDFOOD season of Six Degrees of Separation
On at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, Six Degrees of Separation is an adapted of the 1993 feature film of the same name starring Will Smith. This astounding story based on real-life events depicts the lives of suave, sophisticated and wealthy Manhattan art dealers Flan and Ouisa Kittredge (played by Jennifer Ward-Lealand). The Kittredges are all about keeping up appearances but their world of comfort and respectability is turned upside down with the sudden arrival of a charming stranger. August 14-30
5. Annual Tulip Festival
Spring is on its way! Eden Garden’s Annual Tulip Festival showcases over 10,000 flowering bulbs. A great day out for the whole family with a children’s adventure trail, gourmet BBQ, café, live music and an art exhibition of paintings, ceramics and jewellery. August 24-25
6. Family day out at the Zoo
The zoo is always a great activity for those in Auckland with young children. The 16.35-hectare zoological garden in Auckland is situated next to Western Springs park not far from Auckland’s central business district. Take a stroll through the zoo’s beautiful grounds and take in wildlife from around the world. Tigers, orangutans and even the humble Kiwi – there is plenty to see and do. And with scheduled daily activities, your kids (and you) will be amused for hours. aucklandzoo.co.nz
Click here to win 1 of 4 family passes to the Auckland Zoo.
7. Resturant month
Auckland is a foodies paradise in August with American Express Restaurant Month. There are some 25 events and 100+ special menus on offer this at various restaurants across the region. Watch this space for more details. All through August
8. Take a walk up One Tree Hill
U2 wrote a song about it, and has great cultural significance to the Maori and European settlers. A walk up the old volcano and a picnic in the magnificent Cornwall Park around the base of Auckland’s largest park is the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday in August. It’s simply one of the world’s great urban green spaces, and not to be missed.
