10 Things to Do in Auckland in July

Auckland is internationally renowned as a city full of excitement and beautiful scenery. Every year, a huge number of tourists choose to explore the attractions of this coastal area of New Zealand. In July, the variety of activities available in the city make it one of the most popular destinations for visitors.

Are you planning to experience New Zealand's winter? If so, take into account some of these recommendations for one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

Of course, it's the middle of winter, so a dip in the sea is not going to be a good idea. However, Auckland has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of New Zealand, so you'll fall in love with the scenery anyway. So don't hesitate and book a beach and rainforest tour.

In addition to the tranquillity that always comes with being close to the water, at beaches like Takapuna, Karekare and Piha you'll find everything you need for a day of relaxation and connection with the environment around you. The size of the waves is a spectacle worth seeing at any time of the year.

On the other hand, most of the beaches have camping areas, barbecue areas or a wide range of shops and bars overlooking the sea. Whatever your preference, you will be able to enjoy a unique afternoon by the sea.

If you're visiting Auckland in July, you'll be lucky enough to be able to book a whale and dolphin watching cruise off the city's shores. Of course, there are a number of different tour companies that operate cruises from Auckland, but at this time of year I'd advise you to opt for one that includes this unique and worthwhile experience.

Among the species you may encounter on the tour are bottlenose dolphins, as well as spotted dolphins and huge humpback whales. The whale-watching season in Auckland generally runs from May to October, making July an ideal month to encounter these unique species.

While many of the tours usually provide the necessary equipment, don't forget that it's the middle of winter, so dress warmly.

Among the best museums in Auckland is undoubtedly the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It is located in a beautiful public park in the centre of the city. Each year, it offers a large number of exhibitions and options for all ages, with a special focus on the month of July due to the number of visitors it receives.

For those who prefer a more urban feel, and a little escape from the tourist crowds, the Auckland Museum is a must-see. Throughout its halls, you can observe all the culture and history of New Zealand, from its wildlife to the European colonisation period up to the present day.

One of the exhibits not to be missed on this visit is the collection of Maori artefacts, which allow us to reconstruct life dozens of centuries ago, as well as to learn more about the rich customs of New Zealand. It's also a great plan if you're in town for a rainy day, as is booking your tickets for the Kelly Tarlton Aquarium and spending a good few hours gazing at the incredible marine life.

Practical info

• Address: Parnell, Auckland 1010.
• Opening hours: 9am to 5pm.
• Price: from around €16 per person.

If you're in Auckland for 3 days and want to get a bit of physical activity and see some of the best scenery, the city offers a wealth of parks and nature reserves for you to explore. In July, in particular, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Some of the alternatives to choose from are:

• Hunua Ranges Regional Park on the east coast.
• Waitakere Ranges Regional Park on the west coast. In both, it is possible to go on beautiful walks, bike rides or get lost in the flora and fauna.

However, if you choose to do these activities, you should always be mindful to respect the natural environment and wildlife of the area. Each Regional Park has its own rules to follow, which you should be aware of to ensure your visit is environmentally friendly.

The Sky Tower is undoubtedly one of Auckland's most iconic landmarks and you're sure to be able to see it from the outside if you book a guided tour of Auckland. But the ideal thing to do is to go up and enjoy the views, which in July are also impressive due to the snow, capturing a dreamy postcard.

The interesting thing about this place is that you can both climb to the top and be entertained by everything that happens at its base: live music, the best drinks and food, as well as an exciting and fun ice skating rink (something that makes it one of the best things to do in winter in Auckland).

As I said, this is one of the most popular areas of Auckland, so you should not miss it under any circumstances. You may have to queue a bit, but it's well worth the wait and you can combine it with a guided tour of the city.

Practical information

• Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Streets.
• Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 6pm, and Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 8pm.
• Price: from approximately €20.

Of course, you should make the most of the time of year to visit one of Auckland's most important and interesting events in July. This festival runs throughout the month and you can enjoy concerts, plays and art exhibitions.

The Auckland Winter Festival also offers a major food fair, which is ideal for combining the best international dishes with those of the region. With something for everyone, you'll have a great time in a lively atmosphere and it's perfect to combine with a food tour of the city.

You can find the full programme for each edition on the official Auckland City Tourism website, as well as on various information and tourist portals. Please note that as this is a very busy event, it is advisable to plan in advance what you want to see.

Practical information

• Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens and Te Atatu Community Centre.
• Price: Depends on the events you want to attend.

If you want to get a taste of local customs, there's nothing better than a visit to theGerman Winter Market in the city during the month of July. Whether you're looking for the best of New Zealand cuisine or locally made crafts and clothing, this market is a must-visit.

As is the case in many European markets, this Auckland market also focuses on selling fresh seasonal produce. In addition to seasonal fruit and vegetables, you can sample the country's best wines, cheeses and regional products such as honey. All produced and grown locally.

If you have a long list of gifts to bring to your family and loved ones, you can take the opportunity to find a beautiful variety of handicrafts and souvenirs that will be produced by locals. Jewellery, clothing, decorative items and much more will be available to make you look good with your friends.

Practical information

• Address: Green Bay Community House (1 Barron Drive, Green Bay).
• Dates: late July.
• Price: free admission.

While there are a number of hiking options from Auckland, if you want to make the most of winter and you like to ski, then you'll probably swap the beach for Mount Ruapehu. It's worth noting that it's excellently connected to the city, making it a popular destination in July for anyone who loves winter sports.

Mount Ruapehu has two large ski resorts that offer panoramic views out of a painting and where you can rent equipment and take ski lessons if you need them:

• Whakapapa: This is the largest in all of New Zealand, offering a variety of slopes for all levels and tastes: expert, beginner, intermediate, variety of styles and more.
• Turoa.

Finally, you'll also find different types of winter sports, such as sledging, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snowboarding. If sport is not your thing, you can always enjoy a more relaxed experience on the Whakapapa cable car.

When we talk about Auckland, we're talking about one of the biggest music scenes in the world. In the month of July, the live concert schedule is more than extensive, so you're sure to be able to coincide in your stay with top artists.

As I said before, this New Zealand city is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, so you'll be able to enjoy many different genres of music on offer, from large open-air festivals to the intimate atmosphere of a bar or jazz venue.

If you like big events, then in July you're likely to come across the popular Winter Festival and also the more-than-interesting Matariki Festival with its connection to the sky and the stars. Both feature an eclectic line up of artists and a festive atmosphere with thousands of people.

Last but not least, take advantage of the winter season to enjoy the bustling city centre and its beautiful outdoor ice rink in Aotea Square. Whether you're travelling with your partner, friends or family, everyone will be able to have fun with this proposal.

You don't need to be a skilled skater to have a good time at this ice rink. Besides, you will be able to enjoy a complete proposal of visual effects and live music that will create a unique atmosphere.

You can also find local food and drink around the rink to get your energy back.

The weather in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is characterised by its humidity and warmth. In winter, you'll find temperatures here are quite pleasant for the time of year, a far cry from the harsher winters in other parts of the world. Ideal for enjoying all there is to do in Auckland. In fact, minimum temperatures range between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius.

However, you are likely to experience long rainy days during your visit, as this is the city's most unsettled time of year. On the other hand, if you move away from the city, temperatures can drop sharply, such as when visiting for skiing or dolphin and whale watching. In short, it's a good idea to pack warm clothes and rain gear for your July visit to Auckland.