Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’ because Aucklanders love boating, and with the spectacular Hauraki Gulf for a playground it’s not surprising.
While taking to the water is one of the best ways to enjoy Auckland other options include climbing extinct volcanoes, relaxing at seaside cafés, sampling Pacific fusion cuisine and wine tasting at city fringe vineyards.
Attractions
- Catch a 35 minute ferry to Rangitoto Island, an extinct volcano, and walk an hour to the summit or take the train for spectacular city views.
- Visit the museum in the Domain near Parnell. It has an impressive display of Maori treasures and daily Maori cultural performances.
- Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World specialises in southern ocean marine life and Antarctic species. A clear tunnel walkway gets you very close to huge sharks and stingrays.
- From the downtown terminal catch a ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a bird sanctuary with beautiful beaches and forest walks. On the island you will see endangered native species including the flightless Takahe, a large bird weighing 3kgs.
- New Zealand National Maritime Museum at the Viaduct in downtown central Auckland showcases New Zealand’s maritime history as well as running sailing trips on the harbour.
- Skycity tower (328m), the one that looks like a giant spark plug, has panoramic views of the city from an observation deck with a stomach sinking glass floor. If that’s not scary enough you can sky jump off it from 192m.
- Devonport village, a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown, is a pretty seaside village with fine colonial timber buildings and delightful cafes and galleries.
- In the southern suburb of Otara the Saturday markets in Newbury Lane confirm Auckland’s status as the biggest Polynesian city in the world. Pacific Island crafts on sale include jewellery, carvings and printed cloths along with island food.
Events
In summer (December to March) there’s plenty of outdoor entertainment ranging from concerts in the parks to boat races on the harbour to wine festivals. Events calendars are available at Visitor’s Centres
Night Life
The Viaduct in downtown Auckland, built to host the America’s Cup challenge, has a big range of bars, pubs and restaurants. Otherwise most of the bars and restaurants are concentrated in High Street central city and nearby suburbs Ponsonby, Parnell and Misson Bay
Where to Eat
Auckland’s specialty is Pacific Rim cuisine, a fusion of Pacific and Asian flavours with an emphasis on fresh local produce.
- Burger Fuel in Central Ciy, Ponsonby and Parnell serves healthy gourmet burgers. Try kumera fries (sweet potato) with garlic mayonnaise.
- Auckland Fish Market, cnr of Jellico and Daldy Streets, Auckland Central. There’s a variety of takeaways as well as a Sushi and Sashimi Cafe and a fish and chip shop.
- Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant at Church Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island. This hilltop restaurant serves island grown wine and food with sweeping views of the harbour and central city.
- Euro Restaurant and Bar, on Princes Wharf is award winning, pricey and worth it.
Accommodation
Auckland has accommodation to suit all budgets from a dorm bed in backpackers to the Hilton Hotel at the end of Princess Wharf. There you could wake up with a huge cruise ship docked alongside.
Background Information
Auckland, while not the capital of New Zealand, is by far New Zealand’s largest city with a population of 1.3 million.
Back in 1840 it was the port that made the first governor, Lieutenant William Hobson, choose the site for the country’s capital. Although just 25 years later Wellington took that title, Auckland remains New Zealand’s principle business centre and gateway for visitors entering the country.
For More Information
- The New Zealand Visitor Centre, Viaduct Harbour corner of Quay and Hobson Streets.
- New Zealand tourism website. www.tourism.net.nz
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