When you live somewhere long enough, you can get lazy and forget to explore things that are right on your doorstep. It’s a real shame because most of us are sitting on top of a gold mine of activities that we never end up doing at all.
Having lived in a lot of places during my 26 years, I’ve learnt to appreciate the things in my area that bring me joy. 
I thought you’d bring you a list of 5 things to do in Auckland that are absolutely free! Hopefully this list will inspire you to get out and about in your neighbourhood and do more and be more active. Whether it’s a stroll in the park or one of these activities, it’s important to get moving and enjoy the summer.

Top 5 free things to do in Auckland

1// The Auckland War Memorial Museum
If you are an Auckland resident then head over to the museum in the heart of the Auckland Domain. It’s a beautiful place to visit and you get in free with proof of an Auckland address. They even give you a fancy free card that helps you get in free every time you visit.
Certain exhibits may charge a fee and it’s up to you to determine if it’s something you’re interested in paying for but for the most part the museum is fantastic to roam around in and get a little lost. 
You can even take a picnic and enjoy it in the Domain grounds before heading back into the Museum to enjoy the rest of the floors or head over to the Botanical Gardens and Winter Gardens for a bit of flora and fauna love.

2// Junk & Disorderly
J&D can be as cheap or as expensive as you like! Take the day to roam around the beautiful and huge space they’re created. We spent ages picking up small little trinkets and examining them. The atmosphere was laid back and relaxed, making for a great Sunday afternoon stroll. While you could pick up a few new decor items, no one is going to push you to spend money. There’s live music in the afternoons and The Caravan serves up hot coffee and treats that you can enjoy on the couches or benches provided inside the store.
There’s a little bit of everything for everyone here. I loved roaming around, discovering old treasures and sparkly new finds.

3// Silo Park
While this one is seasonal, you can attend a free movie at Silo Park in the CBD. There are food trucks galore where you can stock up on tasty treats or bring your own picnic with you to enjoy with the film. Make sure you get there early to get a good seat and bring something comfortable like a deck chair or some blankets and cushions.
This is a great opportunity to see a movie with mates in a relaxed atmosphere. There will be chatting and banter as it’s not quiet like a traditional cinema but the people watching is amazing! Make sure you check the liquor laws before cracking open a beer or pouring a glass of wine and be aware that this is a family friendly event.

4// Mount Eden
The Mount is a fantastic place to chill out with friends. You can drive to the top until 8:30pm in the summer or if you’re more adventurous you can take a hike up the side of the mountain. The view from the top is fantastic, showing you a huge portion of the surrounding suburbs, including Eden Park and the other domains in the area.
I would suggest taking a small picnic with you or driving up with takeaway dinner in the evenings. This is one of Auckland’s real natural gems.

5// Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park is HUGE! It has lots of grass and areas to sit with the family as well as a few sheep. You could take a picnic lunch or use the public BBQ’s that are available in the park. There are lots of walks and you have a large number of sports to choose from if that’s your thing. There is Thai Chi every Saturday morning near the roundabout. You could take a good book to the gazebos that are scattered around the park and enjoy the fresh air while protecting yourself from the hot sun.
If you have a bit of money to spare, make sure you check out the observatory as they do fantastic shows for around $10 a ticket and give you the opportunity to gaze at the night sky through their telescopes.

Is there something in your neighbourhood that you love that you want to share? We’re always looking for hidden gems, free or otherwise and love finding new places!