Home to 1.5 million people, Auckland completely dwarfs New Zealand’s other cities. Built on land acquired from the Maoris, it has become a cultural melting pot, taking on the flavours and cultures of European, Pacific, Chinese and Indian immigrants. Beginning as a masterpiece of Victorian workmanship, the city is now topped by the Sky Tower and an array of modern skyscrapers. Regularly listed among the world’s top ten most liveable cities, Auckland’s attractions and activities will keep you well-entertained.
Things to do.....
Auckland Attractions
Surrounded by sparkling water, abounding with harbours and marinas, the sea is never far away in the ‘City of Sails’. There are dozens of enticing Auckland beaches, with Mission Bay and Kohimarama ideal for swimming, Piha and Muriwai perfect for surfers. You can bag quality shopping in Auckland’s trendy Britomart and Parnell districts, or pick up bargains in the flea markets of Otara and Avondale. For some culture, Auckland Art Gallery is definitely in the frame with 15,000 artworks including paintings by Picasso and Cézanne.
The Ultimate Sky High
At 328 metres tall, The Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere. So an ascent of this modern wonder, which also boasts a casino, bars and restaurants, is top of many people’s list. You can head for the Skydeck observation lounge or the Orbit for 360° views of the city. Alternatively, thrill seekers should rope up for a skywalk or take the SkyJump, where you’ll reach speeds of 50mph as you plummet – safely – almost 200 metres.
Climb Mount Eden
Before the upstart Sky Tower shot up on Auckland’s skyline, the best place to get a view of the city was from Mount Eden. This natural wonder is a dormant volcano with a magnificent bowl of a crater at its centre. Rising almost 200 metres from sea level, it dates from an eruption more than 28,000 years ago. Known in Maori as Maungawhau, tradition states that what lies beneath was protected by a deity Mataaho, the guardian of secrets hidden in the earth.
Stroll Down Queen Street
Laid out in 1840, Queen Street is both the city’s trendiest and most traditional of thoroughfares. It links the past in a string of heritage buildings with the consumer present. So look up for grand edifices including the Vulcan, the Art Gallery and the Customhouse, straight ahead for Gucci and Vuitton, and hidden down alleys, behind the glass and cut stone lined grandeur, you’ll find cobbled lanes packed with boutique shops.
Auckland on a Plate
Boasting an eclectic mixture of cuisines from around the globe, Auckland’s top restaurants range from street pop-ups to fine dining establishments. You’ll find everything from Vietnamese to Vegan. Many districts are renowned for their eateries, but it’s hard to beat Queen Street and its side lanes. Here you’ll find a mix of mouthwatering options on the main drag alongside the quirky pubs and cafés of Vulcan Lane. In nearby Parnell, students often mix with the stars of stage and screen. But for the ultimate Auckland sunset, washed down with seafood and a Sauvignon Blanc, head harbourside to the Viaduct Basin.
Go Wild in Auckland
Separated from its nearest neighbour by 2,500 miles, New Zealand occupies a unique place in the natural world. In Auckland Zoo you’ll find many indigenous species including geckos and skinks, keas and kiwis. Vying for the tourist fauna market is Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. It may not sound too promising, but a set of former sewage tanks now hosts a collection of Antarctic and Pacific marine life including sting rays and sharks, penguins and turtles.
