Auckland Landmarks and Monuments

(Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ)

Auckland is one of New Zealand's most important cities and as such, it contains some of the country's most important landmarks, both natural and made by the hand of man.

The impressive Sky Tower was built between 1994 and 1997 and remains one of the city's most instantly recognisable landmarks, serving as both a telecommunications and observation tower. Attracting more than half a million visitors every single year, the Sky Tower cost in excess of NZ$75 million to construct.

Also located in the city and of historic significance is Acacia Cottage, along with the Town Hall and the Auckland Harbour Bridge, while Mount Wellington is a natural beauty spot and a popular retreat from the city centre, boasting views that seem to be almost endless.

Sky Tower

Address: Victoria Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 363 6000
The Sky Tower is now synonymous with the city and measures over 325 metres / 1,066 feet, making it the tallest building in New Zealand. Visitors will no doubt appreciate the breathtaking modern architecture and the platforms offering spectacular panoramic views across the city, as well as the restaurant that slowly revolves. Those feeling brave may even like to have a go at sky jumping with a harness.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to late
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, seniors and families, children five years old and under are free

Auckland Town Hall

Address: Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 307 5075
Auckland Town Hall was built in the early 20th century and features striking Italian-style architecture. When it was completed, the Town Hall quickly became one of the city's most striking buildings and is still used for important administrative functions today. Inside there are two large halls where concerts and major local events are staged, as well as a huge pipe organ, which was fully restored between 2008 and 2010 at great cost.
Open hours: daily - hours vary
Admission: charge for some events

Acacia Cottage

Address: Cornwall Park, One Tree Hill, Auckland, 1003, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 630 8485
Acacia Cottage is a historic wooden house, famous for being one of the oldest timber buildings in the whole of New Zealand, dating all the way back to the early 1840s. Relocated in 1920 and again in 1956, the house now stands in Cornwall Park, between the Epsom and Greenlane districts. Acacia Cottage is close to both Huia Lodge and a popular visitors' centre, and enjoys a Category I listing by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Auckland Harbour Bridge

Address: Westhaven Drive, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 376 3301
Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the most striking man-made structures in the city. Dating back to the late 1950s, this eight-lane motorway bridge connects the city with the North Shore, crossing Waitemata Harbour and stretching for some 1,020 metres / 3,346 feet. One of the most unusual ways to fully appreciate the construction of the Harbour Bridge is to join the regular guided bridge climbs.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: charge

Alberton House

Address: 100 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert, Auckland, 1003, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 846 7367
Alberton House stands on the south-western side of Auckland and was built around 150 years ago, when it was one of the grandest houses in the area. Now managed by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, the house features classical architecture, a lavishly decorated interior and many original period features. Additional attractions include seasonal garden parties, balls and live music.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:30 to 12:00, 13:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, children are free

Ferry Building

Address: 99 Quay Street, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 979 2333
The historic Ferry Building stands on Quay Street, in the heart of the city centre, where it was built in the early 1900s. After being thoroughly restored and refurbished in the 1980s, the Ferry Building now houses a trendy restaurant and bar, together with a number of shops.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Grafton Bridge

Address: Grafton, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 979 2333
Grafton Bridge was built around 100 years ago and crosses the Grafton Gully, stretching for some 98 metres / 322 feet. When it was originally constructed in 1910, using reinforced concrete, Grafton Bridge was heralded as a feat of engineering and remains an important historic landmark in Auckland. It is estimated that roughly 15,000 vehicles use the bridge each day.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Highwic House

Address: 40 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland, 1001, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 524 5729
Situated on the south-eastern side of Auckland and within the Newmarket neighbourhood, Highwic House was built in the mid-19th century and is full of period features, such as antique furniture, paintings and lavish decor. Highwic House is probably New Zealand's finest house in the timber Gothic style, with steep slate roofs, vertical boarding and latticed windows. Particular highlights include landscaped gardens and many exciting seasonal events, while nearby Withiel Thomas Park may also be of interest.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:30 to 12:00, 13:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Mount Eden

Address: Mount Eden Road, Auckland, 1003, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 979 2333
Mount Eden is an enormous natural volcanic 'cinder cone' towering almost 200 metres / 650 feet high and presiding over the surrounding landscape, being Auckland's highest natural point. With driving trails and pathways suitable for walking / tramping, Mount Eden overlooks the Hauraki Gulf and is rich in native flora and fauna.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Mount Victoria

Address: Kerr Street, Devonport, Auckland, 1309, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 446 0677
Mount Victoria is a prominent volcano standing on the North Shore, where it measures in at almost 100 metres / 325 feet high and dominates the area. Particularly notable are the stunning views of both the inner Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour, as well as the various scenic picnic spots and walking / tramping trails.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Mount Wellington

Address: Maungarei Memorial Drive, Mount Wellington, Auckland, 1006, North Island, New Zealand NZ
Tel: +64 (0)9 979 2333
Mount Wellington is a particularly eye-catching natural landmark and can be found in southern Auckland, close to the suburbs of Penrose and Tamaki, where it measures just under 140 metres / 459 feet. The top of this volcanic peak can be reached by car and offers spectacular panoramic views of both the cityscape and the surrounding countryside.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free