Attractions, local highlights
With a central location you are wihtin easy travelling distance to many of Auckland's top attractions, including:
Vector Arena
As a world class concert and events venue, Auckland’s Vector Arena can accommodate over 12,000 people. As New Zealand’s largest premier multi-purpose, indoor, all-weather arena, Vector Arena is home to a diverse range of entertainment & sporting events and continues to attract domestic and international visitors to Auckland.The introduction of Vector Arena to Auckland has meant that New Zealand has been able to play host to a number of big international music acts who now truly consider New Zealand a stop on any respectable world tour!
Situated in Auckland, the largest city of the Pacific, design elements of Vector Arena take inspiration from New Zealand’s rich cultural values and heritage.
The arena is situated just a few minutes taxi ride from Rydges Auckland and the central city.
Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is one of Auckland’s most educational and fun attractions - very much a ‘must-do’ if you are visiting the city. Auckland Zoo boasts New Zealand's largest collection of animals and is recognised as one of the most progressive zoos in the world. A winner of national and international environmental-related awards, the zoo is home to 119 different species and over 730 animals.Auckland Zoo also stages many events and tours which even for repeat visitors ensures there is always something exciting and new happening. One of the zoo’s most popular tours is ‘Safari Nights’. Safari Nights at Auckland Zoo is your chance to see your favourite animals in a whole new light. Whether you sleep over, stay for a barbecue, or just experience the guided night walk, the Zoo’s expert keeper’s promise you a night you will never forget! Embark on a torch-lit evening walk to see what the animals get up to after dusk for a fascinating glimpse of what's going on.
At the heart of the zoo is a real commitment to conservation and a focus on the Zoo's resources to benefit conservation and provide exciting visitor experiences.
Auckland Zoo is located approximately 10 minutes drive from Auckland City.
Auckland Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions with around half a million visitors every year. You could easily get lost in the museum for a day as it tells the story of New Zealand in history and its place in the world, the pacific, and of its people.The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Land of the Long White Cloud, and features exhibitions and collections relating to Maori culture, galleries, one of New Zealand’s top three heritage libraries and a fun and interactive look at Volcanoes. Auckland is built on an active Volcano field so where better to learn about one of the Earth’s most captivating natural wonders!
Occupying an imposing position in Auckland’s beautiful Domain on the hill known as ‘Pukekawa’ by the Maori, the museum is dates back to 1929 and is considered to be one of New Zealand’s finest heritage buildings.
Just minutes from the central city, the Museum is on the must-see list for any visitor spending a few days in Auckland.
Auckland City Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery boasts the largest collection of international and national art in New Zealand. Introduced to Auckland in 1888 as the first permanent Art Gallery in the Dominion, Auckland Art Gallery is proud to be the largest art institution in New Zealand with an impressive collection of over 12,500 works. Included in the ever expanding collection are major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Maori and Pacific Island artists, as well as European painting, sculpture and print collections ranging in date from 1376 to the present day.Today the Gallery occupies two buildings adjacent to beautiful Albert Park in Auckland’s central city. The Main Gallery opened in 1887 as Auckland City's Free Public Library and the part of the building devoted to the Gallery opened a year later on 17 February 1888.The New Gallery located just across the road from the main building opened in October 1995.
Just minutes from Rydges Auckland, Auckland City Art Gallery is a great addition to any day out exploring the city.
Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
MOTAT, as the museum is commonly known, is one of Auckland’s most popular days out and appeals equally to all ages, couples and families alike. The museum is a fun, interactive look at New Zealand’s varied past through visually stimulating and interactive exhibitions. MOTAT boasts Auckland’s only operating tramway, and only one of four in New Zealand. Together with an exhibition of tramcars from throughout New Zealand’s history, including tramcars from Auckland, Wellington and even Australia.The museum offers various ‘zones’ designed to keep your day fun, informative and varied.
At MOTAT’s Meola Road site see the aircraft that have taken New Zealanders over land, ocean and into battle. One of the most impressive exhibits in Australasia, MOTAT’s exhibition includes the only Solent Mark IV Flying Boat in the world and one of only a handful of WW2 Avro Lancaster Bombers in the world.
Located near near to Auckland Zoo, MOTAT is located approximately 10 minutes from Auckland City.