I visit Auckland a couple of times a year for various reasons and always manage to find a new side to this city on every visit.
This sprawling city is the largest in New Zealand and approx 1/3rd of the countries population live there. This makes for an interesting multi-cultural city but it is pretty much undistinguishable from most other major world cities.
The thing that does make Auckland special is its setting. The city is located on a natural harbour and is made up of lots of interesting bays and coves. Auckland is known as the City of Sails and after familiarising yourself with this city you will see why. There are hundreds of yachts moored in various harbours all over this city and on a summer weekend the harbour is awash with water craft of every description.
TRANSPORT
I always have my own transport when visiting but if you turn up at the airport and need to get to the city, there are various shuttles, buses and taxis at your service. Once in the city, buses are basically the only mode of transport. There is a ferry service to various points around the vicinity but basically, if you want to get around a bit it will be easier all round to rent a car.
ACCOMMODATION
There are loads of hotels and backpackers lodges in the CBD and after staying in a few, I am not overly keen on staying right in the city itself. The city is quite noisy during the night ... especially on the weekends.
If you have your own transport I would suggest staying in Parnell or alternately, head to the North Shore and find a quiet hotel, motel or B&B for a few days.
Check out the discount hotel website www.wotif.com for some good last minute deals.
THINGS TO DO
CITY.
*Auckland Museum.* Located in the Auckland Domain and well worth a visit if interested in a bit of background information on Auckland and NZ. There are two daily Maori cultural performances at the museum at 11 am and 1:30 pm so try and schedule your visit to catch one of these.
*Sky Tower and casino* You will be sure to spot this tower from just about anywhere in Auckland and as a result, the best views in town can be had from the top. There is an observation deck with the obligatory gift shop and restaurant but the views are well worth heading up for alone. If you are feeling adventurous you can do a bungee from the top, not the traditional head first dive though, this one is more a body drop than a headfirst plunge. The casino is mentioned more for the entertainment on offer rather than the gambling. Quite often they hold great shows and concerts but if not, there is generally something on here that may appeal.
*Harbour Bridge Climb* I haven't tried this one as I'm not a huge fan of heights but this climb is hugely popular but has an age limit of 7 years old. Sorry kids.
www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz
*Auckland Zoo* This zoo is pretty good and makes for a relaxing afternoon. Well maintained and good animal displays.
*Kelly Tarltons Underwater World* This aquarium has a moving walkway going through the tanks of fish which makes for an interesting view.
*Victoria Park Markets* An interesting collection of shops and stalls selling everything under the sun. Some good quality hand made art and craft as well as the usual array of cheap and cheerful souvenirs.
*Eden Park* If you visit during the rugby season (March - Sept)there will be a game of rugby somewhere in the city and your best bet would be to head to the home of the Auckland Blues, Eden Park in the suburb of Mount Eden. If you time it right you might catch an All Black game but tickets are very hard to obtain.
*Ponsonby* This suburb is quite handy to the central city and is full of cafes and restaurants and is worth exploring if wanting a night out. A nice jazz bar/ restaurant is The Allhumbra. Good meals and nice atmosphere.
*Prince's Wharf* This area of the waterfront was given a makeover when NZ won the Americas Cup. Thankfully the dowdy waterfront was given a facelift and turned into entertainment central. If you are looking for some fun (day and night) head down here. By day it is focussed on family and tourist fun, by night it is full of revellers and clubers.
HAURAKI GULF.
If you want to head off-shore to explore one of the many islands head down to the waterfront downtown and check out your options. There are various day trips to the different islands, you can visit Tiri Tiri Matangi which is a bird sancturay. The native birds here are free to roam the island but are so used to humans that they flit around freely. Some of the rare ground dwellers are readilly seen here as well.
Waiheke Island makes for a great trip.Check out some of the local wineries and arts and even stay a day or two at one of the many B&B's, homestays or rent a vacation home for a night.
If you just want a cruise there are many on offer from straight sighseeing trips to dolphin swims etc.
OUT and ABOUT
*Titirangi* One of my favorite areas in Auckland is Titirangi in the Waitakare Ranges. There is a supurb Scenic Drive which takes you through some great native bush land and if your only visit to New Zealand is to Auckland city, then this drive will give you a small taste of the New Zealand you will find outside the city. Piha beach on the west coast is a popular surfing and swimming spot on the west coast but beware of the notoriosly dangerous rips and big surf.
*North Shore and East Coast Bays* I love this area of Auckland. The beaches are extremely scenic and the small townships have more of a village feel to them. Makes for a nice down to earth visit rather than just sticking to the downtown Auckland area.
===== NORTHLAND. ============Northland really deserves a category of its own as it is full of all sorts of delights to be discovered but a quick run down of the highlights will have to do.
Hire a car or get on a bus and head north over the harbour bridge, along the motorway and go for it. The only problem is that the motorway peters out way to soon and then you are on the typical New Zealand highway ... two-lane narrow road with big trucks, slow tourists and fast driving NZers overtaking at any given opportunity.
WHANGAREI With a population of 46,000, Whangarei is the biggest city in the region. This is a popular port of call for divers as this is where you get access to marine reserve of The Poor Knights Islands and other popular dive spots.
BAY OF ISLANDS. This is a magnificent part of New Zealand and shouldn't really be missed. Paihia is the main township and is full to the brim with accomodation, tour businesses, restaurants, bars ... etc. The vibe is laid back and fun and the scenery is drop dead gorgeous. Across the bay is the historic township of Russell and the atmosphere here is more intimate and romantic, a great place for honeymooners no doubt. Also interesting for it's historic sites and a popular day trip for visitors to the area. Waitangi is the most historic of sites in New Zealand as it was here that the founding document of the country , The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. The Treaty Grounds are open to the public and well worth a visit.
There are loads of water based activities to chose from here from jet boat trips, leisurely bay cruises, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking and so on. Definitely something for everyone, no matter what age group or level of adventure required.
CAPE REINGA The Cape Reinga Lighthouse isn't that much of an attraction in itself but hundreds of tourists visit daily. The main reason people visit is that it is the most northern point of the country. Apart from the lighthouse there is absolutely nothing else out there ... just a toilet block and car park. A lot of people drive out via the beach (90 Mile Beach) but as we had our own car and not a rental ... we stuck to the road.
WAIPOUA KAURI FOREST If you are wanting to see some of the biggest and oldest trees in New Zealand head to the west coast and visit the Kauri forests. This drive is extremely scenic and there are many small walks just off the highway that get you face to face with these giant trees.
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The Northland region is at its best over the summer months but if possible, try to miss the high season around New Year and January when schools out.
If you have limited time, stick to the Bay of Islands as this spot is well worth visiting and with loads of activities and tours to chose from .. fun is guaranteed.
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