Things to do in Auckland
As the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand, Auckland has plenty on offer for visitors, with sights ranging from scenic cityscapes to beautiful wildlife reserves that surround the destination. If visitors are heading out with the kids or just want to learn more about Auckland, Maori culture, or New Zealand in general, a great place to start would be the Auckland Museum. The museum overlooks the city and the attractive Waitemata Harbour and is one of the most visited attractions in Auckland. Apart from the museum there's also the Auckland Art Gallery, which houses some amazingly creative installations and has free tours that start daily around midday.
After soaking up some local knowledge and culture, travellers can take a daring venture up the Auckland Sky Tower, one of the tallest freestanding buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, from which there's a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. Other attractions include catching a show at the Civic Theatre, or enjoying a lazy walk through Albert Park. A popular way to enjoy many of these sites is to purchase a tourist card, called an Auckland City Pass, which allows access to numerous venues within a one-month period.
For those keen to explore the wilder side of Auckland, there's a ferry from Auckland Harbour to Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of New Zealand's most important wildlife sanctuaries. Visitors can admire the beautiful flora and fauna of Auckland while on a tour led by expert guides of the island.
Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum overlooks the city and the attractive Waitemata Harbour. It's one of the most visited attractions in the city, housing a remarkable collection of Maori and Paci…
Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum overlooks the city and the attractive Waitemata Harbour. It's one of the most visited attractions in the city, housing a remarkable collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts and cultural displays. Originally built as a World War I Memorial in 1929, the building was dedicated to the memory of New Zealand victims in both World War I and II. The 'New Zealand at War' exhibition has since been joined by extensive displays about the people and the country, its cultures, art and natural history. A highlight is the Maori cultural performance of song and dance, performed three times daily.
Website www.aucklandmuseum.com
Hauraki Gulf Islands
The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous islands, some recreation retreats and others conservation islands with restricted access for the protection of rare bird, animal and plant…
Hauraki Gulf Islands
The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous islands, some recreation retreats and others conservation islands with restricted access for the protection of rare bird, animal and plant life. Waiheke is the most popular, and has picturesque bays and white sandy beaches, rolling farmlands, and hills cloaked with vineyards and fine wineries. Uninhabited Rangitoto is a large volcanic cone with an unusual landscape of black distorted lava shapes. It's possible to hike up to the crater rim and explore the lava caves on the slopes. Each island has its own distinct character, so tourists can decide if they want to explore natural geographic features, relax on the beach, or simply wander around galleries and cafes.
Auckland Sky Tower
At 1,076 feet (328m), Auckland's Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable views over the city, the harbour and the gulf isla…
Auckland Sky Tower
At 1,076 feet (328m), Auckland's Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable views over the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. It's part of the Sky City Entertainment Complex, which has a casino, theatre, hotel and conference centre. Visitors can splash out on dinner in the revolving restaurant, or admire the view from one of the four circular observation decks, which are reached by a glass lift. The tower has an outdoor deck, glass floor panels, an audio visual guide, and a number of touch computer screens providing geographical information. The Sky Deck is the highest viewing level and has spectacular 360-degree views.
Website www.skycityauckland.co.nz
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery. Interspersed with numerous little coves, inlets and sandy beaches, the historical townships of Paihia, Waitangi and …
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery. Interspersed with numerous little coves, inlets and sandy beaches, the historical townships of Paihia, Waitangi and Russell are the central hubs of the area. Sailing and boat cruises around the islands are the main attraction, but the natural surroundings and warm waters of the bay make it an ideal place for kayaking, swimming, diving, and fishing. The bay is also of historical significance as the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between the European settlers and Maori chiefs in 1840.
Website www.bay-of-islands.co.nz
Hamilton
Hamilton is a pretty town 80 miles (128km) south of Auckland. Its proximity to the bigger city means it's often overlooked by tourists in New Zealand. However, as an excursion from…
Hamilton
Hamilton is a pretty town 80 miles (128km) south of Auckland. Its proximity to the bigger city means it's often overlooked by tourists in New Zealand. However, as an excursion from Auckland, Hamilton has some worthwhile sights to offer. There are several hot springs around Hamilton, and the city is full of gardens, parks and river walks. Not far out of Hamilton is Matamata, home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, which is the 'Hobbit village' that was created for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Guided 'film and farm' tours are offered for fans of the movies.
Website www.hobbitontours.com
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation projects. A hundred and twenty years of farming had seen this 220-…
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation projects. A hundred and twenty years of farming had seen this 220-hectare island stripped of almost all its native bush but between 1984 and 1994, volunteers planted between 250,000 and 300,000 trees. The Island is now sixty percent forested with the remaining forty percent left as grassland for species preferring open habitat. Visitors can access the island by a regular ferry service, which leaves from Auckland and Gulf Harbour. When on the island, visitors can enjoy a guided walk, explore the beaches or simply admire the natural beauty of the place.
Website www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz