Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is a multicultural city of suburbs surrounded by the sparkling waters of Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, and filled with volcanic craters to explore. Set your sights on Auckland with a stay in our Auckland accommodation!
Things to see and do Auckland, one of the largest cities in New Zealand, is an idyllic destie that combines laid back locals with thermal springs, parklands, rainforests, volcanic cones and the marine reserves and playgrounds of the Hauraki Gulf Islands and The Bay of Islands. Be prepared to hike, sail, scuba, snorkel or just chill out drinking vino on your Auckland adventure.Or if you love the city life why not check out our Auckland CBD hotels, for the perfect Auckland city escape, or Auckland Airport hotels in Manukau city.Given the natural abundance of water, one of the best ways to see Auckland is on a harbour cruise or ferry ride to the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, or you can charter a boat, yacht or go on a guided kayak harbour expedition to discover the far reaches of the Waitemata. Hikers and mountain bikers can lose themselves in the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges not far from the city centre where you can ride through lush rainforests, plantation forests and craters. Better yet, travel up the glass-fronted lifts of Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest man-made building in New Zealand, for amazing city and harbour vistas in every direction. For thrill seekers, try the Skywalk around the pergola at 192m, or Skyjump off the tower if you dare!
The Bay of Islands is just three hours from Auckland and houses pristine beaches perfect for swimming or snorkelling. You should stop and admire the view from Cape Brett and Percy Island as well as the historic town of Russel.
Art and CultureIf you’re looking for some Maori culture, discover one of the biggest collections of Maori treasures at the Auckland Museum, where you can scour through photographs, tribal artefacts and contemporary exhibitions. While you’re there, trek over to the War Memorial and view some of the WWII archived collections, aircraft, armoury, holocaust gallery and uncover some natural history, archaeology and more at the Museum Library.
For those with naval inclinations, head over to the waterfront and gain an eyeful at the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum. Discover Auckland’s rich naval heritage along with stories of courageous migrations and maritime pioneers. Auckland caters for art lovers, so if that’s your thing head over to the Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o Tamaki, where you can explore international art exhibitions as well as permanent collections of New Zealand Art in the heart of the city.
Another beaut place to visit is the Pah Homestead, home to the James Wallace Arts centre in the ground of Monte Cecilia Park which showcases contemporary artists’ exhibitions, and an adjoining gallery shop where you can buy jewellery, ceramics and fine art. When you’ve finished wondering about, you can replenish your thirst in the dining room or swanker onto the veranda. You can also follow the Auckland Art Trail around Birkenhead and Northcote or learn from the artists in their home studios on Waiheke Island, Davenport and Titirangi.
Auckland Food and WineAuckland moves at a fast pace (for New Zealand that is!) and is perfect for gourmet lovers with its ‘Pacific Rim’ cuisine that features green-lipped mussels, succulent Clevedon Coast Oysters and local lamb or venison. Try one of the dining options and waterfront restaurants in the ‘old-world’ suburbs of Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Parnell. Or you can wrap your knuckles around the perfect fish and chips and picnic on Mission Bay or Viaduct Harbour. Alternatively, dig into some fresh cheese from the Puhoi Valley and wash it down with a nice local winery red from Waiheke Island, Clevedon or Matana.
Auckland ShoppingGive your retail itch a scratch by visiting the many designer boutiques and stores in the lively district of Britomart, historic Ponsonby, jewellers in Parnell and top designers in Newmarket. If you’re looking for something completely bespoke or truly unique you’ll find it in Karangahape Road or in the specialty shops located in Howick Village. Or, if you’re strapped for cash and on the hunt for serious bargains, head to the Dress-Smart mall for a dose of factory and outlet shopping that should ease your wallet woes.
Getting thereSo, hop on a flight to Auckland and discover this amazing city for yourself when you book into one of our Auckland hotels.
Image credit: Auckland under Creative Commons
