Longer days, more sunshine and blossoming nature, spring is a fantastic time of year to be in the big city. If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland in spring, you’re spoilt for choice. Frolic through the many gardens and walking tracks, bike the cycle trails and slow down for a picnic. After hibernating through the cold winter months, spring is the perfect time to get out and about and do something different through the pleasant days of September and October.
1. The Auckland Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking for free things to do in Auckland, start with the botanic gardens, where a vast expanse of lush greenery invites you to explore the native forest, podocarp valleys, and an array of trees and flowers. There’s plenty to see with more than 10,000 native and exotic plants. You can get more information from the Huakaiwaka visitor centre, where ‘tree’ columns support a roof of butterflies in an architectural design inspired by nature. After stretching your legs through 156 acres, you can enjoy a well-earned refreshment at Cafe Miko.
2. Enjoy a scenic walk
Once you’ve had enough of the city sights, explore nature with a walk in one of the surrounding areas. Auckland walks are plentiful, with short, easy tracks and longer adventurous trails. Check out the mighty West Auckland and ‘The Great Forest of Tiriwa’ in the Waitakere Ranges, where a plethora of native flora and fauna reside beneath towering kauri trees.
Stick to the central Auckland area with walks like the pink pathway loop downtown that covers the iconic hot pink bridge track. Soak up the salty sea breeze while walking from the Auckland waterfront to Mission Bay on a cruisy 1 hour, 45-minute stroll. The 16km coast-to-coast walkway is a spectacular way to see the sights of Auckland in spring too!
Check out more great short walks in Auckland here!
3. See Spring Lambs
Spring is the time to see new baby lambs, horses, and pigs. Visit Ambury Regional Park, where the track is flanked by sheep and cattle pens that give the perfect view of the recently born lambs and calves. Thanks to the abundance of vegetation in the area, the park attracts many feathered friends to watch too. Take a snack pack and hide among the wooden beams and lava rocks as you watch the playful pukekos and other birds of the area.
4. The Fukuoka Garden
Experience a sense of Japanese tranquillity in this cultural garden, which hosts a pond, waterfall, and tea pavilion. These gardens are home to beautiful bonsai trees and impressive architecture. Plus, it’s free for anyone to visit. Head down and lose yourself in the zen of this peaceful retreat as one of the top things to do in Auckland in spring.
Spring is the perfect time to visit some of the best cafes in Auckland City as listed here.
5. Climb A Volcano
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Auckland in spring, why not try climbing a volcano? It sounds impressive, and there are a few in the Auckland area to choose from. At 196 metres tall, Mt Eden is one of the most popular spots in Auckland, seeing over one million visitors yearly. Once you reach the summit, enjoy expansive views of Waitemata Harbour and the surrounding city. Explore the Māngere Mountain, where you can learn about the history and geology of the volcano while enjoying some spectacular views. Guided walks last an hour and encompass an archaeological tour to see evidence of early Māori settlements, from food storage pits to terraced gardens.
6. A Picnic On The Beach
There are more than 80 beaches within easy reach of Auckland, and even if it’s not yet warm enough to embrace the cool ocean waters, there’s still plenty to see and do around these coastal areas. Enjoy a break from the city’s bustling streets, take a stroll and feel the sand between your toes. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in front of the ocean’s lapping waves.
7. Mountain Biking
Aucklanders love to cycle, so it’s no surprise that the surrounding area is full of scenic reserves and mountain biking tracks. Try a range of well-maintained cycle tracks suitable for beginners through to Arch Hill Scenic Reserve experts, where you’ll also find a sports field, basketball half-court, and playground. Visit Hunua Ranges Regional Park, a natural playground packed with lush waterfalls, impressive vistas, and a range of mountain biking tracks, including the 15km Mangatawhiri Challenge Track. For a gentler ride, try the family-friendly trails of Shakespear Regional Park, an open sanctuary that integrates conservation with recreation. This wildlife-filled area is perfect for biking, hiking, swimming, boating, surfing, kayaking, and diving.
8. Explore Eateries and more at Wynyard Quarter
There’s no better place to soak up the central city atmosphere than at Wynyard Quarter. Here you’ll discover a range of live music, events, performances, and markets among an array of eateries. Enjoy the refreshing taste of Gelatiamo on a warm spring afternoon or grab a plate of fresh seafood at the Auckland Fish Market. Taste a bite of France at La Petite Fourchette or enjoy a steak at Wynyard Grill.
