There are many attractions near Mission Bay. Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's most significant cultural and historical institutions that serves as both a war memorial and a repository of New Zealand’s natural and human history. The museum features war memorial halls, including the Hall of Memories and the Roll of Honour. It has a gallery that displays an extensive collection of Maori artifacts, including waka (canoes), taonga (treasures), and carvings, showcasing the rich indigenous culture of the region. The Sky Tower is a 328-meter-high iconic landmark in Auckland that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city, thrilling activities, and fine dining experiences. This 60-story tower has observation decks, a 192-meter base bungee jumping platform, a thrilling skywalk around a narrow ledge 192 meters above ground, and a high-end revolving restaurant.
Auckland Domain is one of the oldest and largest parks in Auckland, which is spread over 75 hectares and sits on the crater of an extinct volcano, Pukekawa, providing gentle slopes and lush greenery. It is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, beautiful gardens, several walking paths, and recreational open spaces for cricket, rugby, jogging, and picnics. It also hosts many events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium has a wide collection of marine life and is home to the Oceanarium, a water tank with a long underwater tunnel where visitors can walk through and observe sharks, rays, and other large marine species swimming overhead. In addition, visitors can enjoy interactive encounters with starfish, sea cucumbers, and New Zealand’s only colony of sub-Antarctic penguins, including King and Gentoo penguins. The aquarium regularly hosts many educational programs, special events, temporary exhibitions, and themed activities for visitors of all ages throughout the year. If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Cascade Kauri is a prominent native forest area located in the Waitakere Ranges, known for its rich natural beauty and ancient Kauri trees, which are among the largest and most iconic trees in New Zealand. It is home to several mature Kauri trees, which are over 2,500 years old. In addition, it also features a waterfall, popularly known as Cascade Falls, offering a serene and picturesque setting surrounded by lush forest.