Auckland

Introduction

Apart from being the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is the main transport hub of the country. Home to approximately 1.5 million people, Auckland is also the world’s largest Polynesian city. The city has an urban environment and poses great attractions for its residents like thrilling hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. People picture Auckland as a city with a sunny climate, having a background rhythm of the Polynesian culture, and a passion for exceptional food, shopping, and wine. Famous for its wine, people travel for various wine tours in Auckland to enjoy the diverse city and the savory wine. With adventures waiting in all corners of the city, Auckland is a complete package for a fun holiday!

Details

Auckland came into existence in the year 1840 due to a British colonial settlement. By mid-century, Auckland had about 3,500 living in the city. Wellington replaced Auckland and became the capital of New Zealand in 1865. However, by 1900 Auckland became the largest city in New Zealand.

Auckland carries Maori culture as the Maori people were the native inhabitants of the two major islands of New Zealand. From being rich in art, music, and dance to war, weapons, and food, the Maori culture is the main highlight of the city. The city has British as well as Italian architecture.

Places of Interest

West Coast Beaches and Waterfalls: The west coast beaches are about an hour from Auckland City. Being a popular travel destination, the Tasman Sea meets vast stretches of black sand at the west coast beaches. The popular beaches along the west coast include the Muriwai Beach for seeing the extraordinary clifftops and gannet colonies. If guests want to visit a surf beach, then they should head to Piha Beach.

Rangitoto Island: Rangitoto Island is the most iconic island in Auckland. Being a dormant volcanic cone lying off the coast from the city, it attracts people for its spectacular views or for gliding across the harbor through paddle power.

Waiheke Island: Known as an ultimate Island retreat, Waiheke Island is renowned as the ‘island of wine,’ as people visit its many wineries and vineyards, for a Waiheke Island wine tour. guests enjoy the wine tour in Auckland, and explore the beaches, restaurants, and perform various other activities.

Matakana: The stunning beaches, boutique vineyards, form the heart of Matakana. People visit Matakana for its local arts scene and the superb farmers’ market. guests should take the wine tour Aucklandfor tasting the best wines of Auckland.

Great Barrier Island: Known as a boating paradise, the Great Barrier Island shields the harbor of Auckland from the ruthless swells of the Pacific Ocean. The island is covered in lush native forest, and the guests should hike the Aotea Track and visit the Glenfern Sanctuary or even relax on the stunning Medlands Beach.

Waitomo Glowworm Cave: Waitomo Glowworm Cave is a unique wonder of nature that leaves the guests amazed. guests travel to the magnificent limestone caves and glowworm caves to witness these creatures spark in the darkness.

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Islands: The Hauraki Gulf Islands is an amazing place to witness marine life. Being one of the most stunning islands in Auckland city, guests go on a cruise ride for exploring the islands.

Waitemata Harbor: Waitemata Harbour is Auckland’s focal point and opens into the Hauraki Gulf through Stanley Bay. Being an important harbor in Auckland, it provides a setting for a one-day race, which draws thousands of guests into Auckland every year.

War Memorial Museum: The Auckland War Memorial Museum is amongst the most significant war memorials and museums of Auckland. Having various collections of New Zealand’s history, it is a must-visit destination for all the guests.

Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum: Located on Hobson Wharf, the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum houses exhibitions that span over the maritime history of New Zealand.

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: This famous Sea Life Aquarium was the brainchild of Kelly Talton, the New Zealand marine archaeologist and diver. The aquarium is one of the most stunning places to see in Auckland.

One Tree Hill: The One Tree Hill is the suburb of the base of Auckland’s 597 ft volcanic peak. The Hill is an important memorial place for the Māori people as well as the other New Zealanders.

Sky Walking and Sky Jumping at Sky Tower: Being amongst the most adventurous things to do in Auckland, guests afraid of jumping should opt for sky walking as it provides a stunning view of Auckland.

Auckland Art Gallery: The Art Gallery houses various visual arts of New Zealand. This gallery boasts the major works of both historic, contemporary, and modern as well as striking pieces of art by Maori and Pacific artists.

Nearby Attractions

Tiritiri Matangi Bird Sanctuary: The Tiritiri Matangi Bird Sanctuary is a charming wildlife sanctuary that houses the native birds of New Zealand. The sanctuary also acts as an important conservation project. guests will enjoy the tour of the sanctuary and will be serenaded by birdsong.

Rotorua: Rotorua has various geysers that the guests enjoy after visiting it for fun and adventure. The wonderful geyser located at Puia and Wai-O-Tapu attracts a lot of guests seeking some adventure.

Mangawhai Heads: Being just one and a half hours away from Auckland, Mangawhai Heads attracts guests who appreciate artistic work. The local markets, stunning beaches, and local art are thoroughly enjoyed by all the guests.

Matamata: Matamata is two hours away from Auckland and gives the guests a thrilling Hobbit-y experience. Being a quiet place, the guests can relax and have a cup of coffee and or iced beer to enjoy the beauty of Matamata.

Mount Maunganui: Being three hours away from Auckland, Mount Maunganui has various astounding bars and restaurants for the guests. It provides a soothing environment to the guests who are looking for some calm.

Raglan: Raglan is famous for its surfing beaches. Be it the Many Bay or Ngarunui Beach, the guests will have the best surfing experience of their life. The guests can also visit the Bridal Veil Falls for hiking to the summit of the volcano.

Whangarei Falls: Located in Whangarei Scenic Reserve, the Whangarei Falls is a classic curtain waterfall that is part of the Hatea River.

Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands offers the guests various things to do with lots of activities, short walks, tours, and attractions that they can choose from. Being amongst New Zealand’s stunning holiday destinations, there is a range of things to do and see in the Bay of Islands. The guests can get a relaxing body massage, beauty treatment, enjoy the local seafood, go fishing in one of the local Bay of Islands fishing charters, experience its beauty through a scenic flight, cruise to the Hole in Rock, parasail to 1200 feet, watch dolphins, sail across the 144 islands or take an overnight cruise in the Bay. guests can also explore the history of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and experience a Maori cultural show during their visit to the Bay of Islands.

Other Attractions

Street Shopping: Even though a lot of guests visit Auckland for its Waiheke island wine tour, their trip is incomplete without visiting the Queen Street. Being heaven for shopaholics, Queen Street has trendy boutiques, local kiosks, big brand outlets, and various restaurants, cafés, and pubs.

Food – Food & Wine Tours: Home to world-class food producers, Auckland is amongst the few places in the world that offers a wide range of options for Indian and vegetarian cuisine. Being a haven for wine lovers, Auckland has various wine tour Auckland, which includes the famous Waiheke Island wine tour.

Nightlife: The famous Viaduct Harbor offers a super cool nightlife experience. This harbor has the most happening pubs, bars, eateries, and nightclubs that attract the chicest crowd. guests should visit this buzzing harbor for enjoying a lavish brunch or a marvelous dinner.

Where to Stay

Sofitel Auckland: Sofitel Auckland offers luxuriously large suites and rooms that feature a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, the comfortable Sofitel MyBed, and luxurious marble bathrooms equipped with both a rain shower and a deep soaking tub. The guests can enjoy the champagne bar, cafe, gourmet restaurant, and the spa. The hotel also has outstanding facilities for organizing exceptional events.

Hilton Auckland: Hilton Auckland is a nautically-inspired hotel that sits on the end of Princes Wharf, which houses various fine shops, restaurants, and bars. Being located at a prime location, the hotel is a ten-minute walk from the Cloud convention center, New Zealand Maritime Museum, and downtown Auckland. Guests can enjoy the scenic views from their rooms, or they can relax in the outdoor pool of the hotel.

Hotel Grand Windsor: Being a perfect blend of classic and artistic decorations, Hotel Grand Windsor is full of elegance and charm of the bygone era. Being amongst the best boutique hotels of New Zealand, Hotel Grand Windsor is filled with luxury for its guests. The rooms of the hotel are glamorous yet comfortable. Guests can enjoy the gourmet food, sip the most delicious wine, and relax in the soothing environment of the hotel.