@globustrotterin

_{Finding peace in Auckland –} 

New Zealand is in general an expensive destination and Auckland is also included in the equation. However, as the biggest city in these pacific islands, there are gained perks going there such as available free if not affordable activities. So, let’s go!

_{I love how the biggest city in New Zealand integrates nature element in it (on frame – Mangauika Nature Reserve, Devonport, Auckland)}

BUT WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?

Searching for accomodation in Auckland could be challenging, especially if you are on budget and looking for something that offers privacy but still located in the city center.

We got our accommodation from Kiwi International Hotel for 38 USD per night

_{We had two beds, a double & single bed with a storage room since there was no standard room available for our period in Auckland}

_{The room also had this tea & coffee station in the room along with the water cooker which we found very practical}

_{There was also a small sink in our room. We thought it was great since we could at least have access to water and could brush our teeth here}

Pro – budget friendly, strategically located, a common room for eating with microwave

Downside – no private bathroom nor AC, some homeless within distance

15 FREE & AFFORDABLE THINGS YOU CAN DO IN AUCKLAND

Explore Mount Eden (Maungawhau) with visitor center included 

I love how Auckland preserves volcanic remains in the city and Mount Eden is one of them. You can visit this Maori’s sacred site for free and enjoy the view of Auckland. Moreover, you can educate yourself about volcanoes and its relation with New Zealand in the visitor center. 

_{And enjoy your way walking along Tahaki Reserve}

_{If the weather is good, you will have a panoramic view of Auckland}

_{The interactive visitor center}

_{And also a homey cafe inside the same building}

Artspace Aotearoa 

If you love a contemporary art gallery, this is your place to go. This place is luckily located near my accomodation and it was free of charge. 

_{When I was there Lubaina Himid’s exposition was on display and I loved it}

_{As well as Michael Parekowhai’s}

_{And they also have a library inside}

Auckland Art Gallery

I can’t believe a visit to this place was free and I’m glad for that. This gallery has a huge mix of classic and contemporary art pieces. Gotta love it for its diversity and the cute shop.

_{Some of the expositions}

Academy Cinemas

Every Wednesday this cinema has a 5 NZD (ca. 2.5 USD) promotion of classic movies, which you can enjoy. We didn’t miss the chance and ended up watching the Ghostbuster original. 

_{For this offer the studio was rather cute & small}

_{Take a note for a service charge in buying tickets online}

Central City Library

Because you can enjoy it for free and without any bureaucratic process. I found a great book and a corner to read and enjoy my relaxed afternoon there. 

_{And they had a mini photography exposition too}

_{The library is quite huge, consisting some stories}

Albert Park

If you have to choose one among many parks in Auckland, go to Albert park. This park has a lot of trees from different countries in the world and some of them are just huge. Walking here was peaceful and the gazebo made it more wonderful.

_{From Albert Park you can see Sky Tower}

_{And there is just a huge D in the park}

Domain Wintergarden 

A well maintained two indoor botanical gardens, which connected with a renaissance style pond in the middle. It was free and a great place for sightseeing. But, if you love ferns, the fernery on the left edge is a star. Truly an urban jungle worth a visit. 

_{Was here during rainy weather and it was a great sanctuary}

_{How many types of ferns can you spot?}

Government House 

Well, not the house itself, but the garden of it. You can visit for free (with a registration online here) with a guided tour. We did it and it was a great tour. The garden itself is so beautiful with a lot of unique trees, flowers and birds. It is one of the most charming and huge gardens that I’ve ever visited. 

_{The entrance} 

_{Just how lush is this} 

_{A path from the garden’s pond}

The Charlotte Museum

How about a visit to the first lesbian museum in the world? Well, feel free to educate and surprise yourself with its world. Spoiler, lesbian have been here for centuries! You can visit it for free, but a small donation is appreciated. 

_{The one & only Charlotte Museum} 

Symonds Street Cemetery

Even though it is a cemetery, it provides a good trail for you to walk. Our afternoon walk there was peaceful. I appreciate how nature is available in the middle of a city like this. 

_{Cemetery doesn’t have to be creepy}

Devonport Museum

Devonport in general is an interesting area to visit since it is a relaxed bayside village situated in the biggest city of New Zealand. But, to know Devonport better, you should go to its museum. Luckily it is free. You can ofc donate to support its museum. 

_{The building used to be a church}

_{Learn about how Devonport developed through centuries, including the European settlement era}

_{Since you are already in Devonport, go walk along the bayside. We stumbled upon a historical point from WW2.}

Ambury Farm

The only free farm in Auckland since it is managed by the government. I personally think this is a great activity for kids since they can learn about different farm animals directly and interact with some of them. 

_{Learn why you can’t give the farm animals treats}

_{Kunekune pig napping}

_{Having a walk after farm visit be like in frame}

Auckland Botanic Garden

A huge garden which is divided into different sections, such as different types of flowers, roses, spices, African plants etc. 

_{Bring your sunhat, umbrella, water & sunscreen since it could be very hot}

Rangitoto Island

A visit to Rangitoto island is a must if you stay in Auckland. Rangitoto is the newest volcano made land nearby Auckland and it was a great hike to the summit. You can visit the island for free, but a ferry to the island and back would cost you ca. 30 USD.

_{Do note, there is nothing on the island, so you need to catch your ferry back on time (on frame – Auckland from the ferry)}

_{Exploring Rangitoto}

_{Visible lavas in frame, Rangitoto}

Auckland Free Walking Tour

It is not free though since it is based on tips. Doing this made me feel that I know the city, even New Zealand better. And it intrigued me to go back to New Zealand again someday and discover more.  

_{Our tour guide said this building is a travelers welcoming building since it’s the first thing that travelers see when they came from sea (a reference from an era where air traveling was still rare)}

_{Bar area in Britomart, Auckland}

_{New Zealand in a nutshell street art}

WAS IT WORTH IT TO VISIT AUCKLAND?

Absolutely! If you love the comfort of a modern city, but still longing for a great access to nature, you get it here. And if you love diversity, you will definitely feel it here. Well, talking about diversity will always relate me to gastronomy. In Auckland eating is surprisingly affordable too (plus with no tip culture & water is usually provided).

_{We love how Auckland prioritizes tree in the city}

WHERE TO EAT YUMMY UNDER 8 USD IN AUCKLAND?

PieFee – You can’t go to New Zealand and not try their meat pie. Open since 6 AM, this pie shop will rock your taste bud.

_{Besides the salty, they have sweet pies too!}

An an – Basically a Vietnamese Restaurant, but if you are on budget opt for their Banh Mi. For me it’s the best in town!

_{Char Siu Banh Mi for 6.5 USD}

Eden Noodle House – A noodle house with a lot of noodle selections, from dry, soupy, normal, spicy, veggie or meaty.

_{I tried Hot Pot noodle for 7.5 USD}

Dumpling House – Despite the name, they sell a lot of varieties of meats with rice and also some noodles. 

_{Most of the menu will cost you 6 USD} 

Mithaiwala K Road – Take their simple Hawi menu which consists of rice, naan, two types of curry and dessert for 6 USD.

_{A great deal taste wise & portion wise, love their veggie meatballs}

Java Lunch Deal – As an Indonesian abroad it is always a happy feeling to find a piece of home on a plate since it is quite a rare experience. Java offers a lunch deal with rice, spicy potato, crispy omelet, and one additional side for just 5 USD.

_{Opt for Jackfruit Stew as your protein source}

Sal Slice Pizza Daily Deal – If you have ever been to New York, you know how slice pizza rocks there. At Sal, you can enjoy this too, but the portion is smaller. 

_{Daily slice costs 2.50 USD, just take two and you will be full}

St Pierre’s Sushi – Same like Sal Slice Pizza, St. Pierre Sushi also offers a daily deal of sushi for just 4 USD. Don’t be fooled since one pack like below is already full-filling. 

_{Tuesday is for salmon rolls, my favorite rolls so far}

Selera Cafe – A Malaysian cuisine specialty restaurant, but they offer a lunch deal too for 5.50 USD. Last time I was there they had nasi lemak and laksa as options. 

_{Try laksa, a portion of egg noodle cooked in prawn broth and coconut milk with bean sprouts, tofu and boiled egg}

GuangDong BBQ – A Chinese restaurant which specializes in roast meats in their cuisine. As you can see below, they offer a good lunch deal too for mostly 6.50 USD per portion.

_{Which one would you like to try most?}

_{Note – This article doesn’t contain any ad. All tips are based on personal experience and not legal advice. Prices were noted from the trip in March 2025.}