Auckland
You’ll find the best of both worlds in Auckland, with beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all so close to the city centre. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park west of the city centre has more than 250 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks through lush native rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and along a magnificent coastline. Walk through the region’s largest native forest in the Hunua Ranges or explore the striking landscapes of some of Auckland’s 26 regional parks, such as Duder, Shakespear, Tapapakanga or Āwhitu.
You’re never far from the sea in Auckland. Bring your board to one of the black-sand surf beaches on the wild west coast – Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells), Muriwai and more. Head north to the expansive golden sands and clear waters of Tāwharanui and Pakiri. Closer to the city centre, and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Auckland, visit Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard, and refuel with some fresh fish and chips by the seaside.
Explore Auckland’s magnificent Hauraki Gulf and its beautiful islands. The jewel of the gulf is Waiheke Island, a haven of vineyards, olive groves, beaches and fine dining, just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
For an exciting day trip, discover the history and sandy coves of Rotoroa Island, explore the open wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island or climb the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island for incredible views from the summit. If you have a few more days, travel by light plane or ferry to remote Great Barrier Island, famous for its rugged beauty and unspoilt wilderness.
Auckland has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafes and bars to suit every taste and budget. In the inner city you’ll find modern dining at Britomart, Commercial Bay, Federal Street and City Works Depot. Enjoy dinner and drinks or a casual bite on Auckland’s beautiful waterfront in the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter precincts.
Auckland has three main wine growing regions, where superb wine and stunning scenery go hand in hand. Visit Waiheke Island, known as ‘the island of wine’ for its 30 wineries and vineyards. North of the city discover Matakana’s boutique wineries set amid picturesque coastal countryside. In the west, Kumeu is home to Auckland’s oldest established vineyards and is surround by market gardens and organic produce.
Accommodation
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Activities
Scenic Highlights
The Mysterious Volcanic Island of Rangitoto
Rangitoto Island, an unforgettable feature of Auckland’s inner harbour, pushed its way through the ocean floor around 600 years ago. The volcanic fireworks that accompanied it inspired local Maori tribes to call it ‘Sky of Blood’.
Auckland City Sky Tower
The Auckland Sky Tower is the country’s tallest building, at 328 metres high.
Parks, Walks and Hikes in Every Direction
There are 22 conservation parks within easy reach of downtown Auckland. Between them they offer over 500 km of walking tracks and the Waitakere Ranges (Auckland’s largest regional park) are the perfect backdrop for walking and exploring.
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Activities
- Take a ferry from downtown Auckland and hike to the summit of Rangitoto Island the Hauraki Gulfs distinctive volcanic Island
- Explore the many established wineries on Waiheke Island along with excellent swimming and sunbathing spots
- Sunbathe and swim at Motuihe Island
- Catch a ferry to Kawau Island in the northern Hauraki Gulf and visit the ‘Mansion House’ which was once owned by George Grey
- Rent or charter a boat and discover the best part of Auckland the Hauraki Gulf and its many Islands
- Try whale watching or swim with the dolphins in the outer Hauraki Gulf
Try fishing, diving and relaxing around Auckland’s largest Island Great Barrier Island - Visit Auckland Museum and the Domain Gardens
- Dine at the many world class eateries in Ponsonby, Parnell and the Viaduct Harbour
- Go hiking amongst a labyrinth of trails in the Waitakere Ranges
- Auckland City Art Gallery houses a comprehensive collection of New Zealand and international art
- Play a round of golf at Formosa, Titirangi or Gulf Harbour
- The Auckland Museum is an iconic landmark in Auckland and filled with national treasures well worth a visit
- New Zealand National Maritime Museum showcases New Zealand’s maritime history
- The newly renovated (as of 2011) Auckland Art Gallery is home to a collection of New Zealand and prized international art
- Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World gets you up close and personal with sharks and penguins
- Take your snorkelling or diving gear and explore the aquatic life at Goat Island Marine Reserve
