Visitors to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city situated on the west coast of North island and fronted by the beautiful Waikameta harbour, wil find plenty to do - and see - in this City of Sails.
For those who prefer to take things leisurely, there is the option of a peaceful stroll through the CBD or down to Prince’s Wharf for a view of the harbour. The shops along Queen Street provide a great opportunity for retail therapy - with a wonderful selection of locally produced merino or possum wool sweaters.
If walking appears too tiring, there are convenient hop on/hop off buses that take in the city’s many attractions. Situated a short way from the city centre are attractive heritage buildings (good examples are among those of the University of Auckland) and pretty gardens (like the picture perfect Parnell Rose Garden).
Known as the City of Sails, Auckland enjoys a magnificent harbour, beautiful beaches and impressive volcanoes.
Auckland Museum
Founded in 1852, the War Memorial Museum boasts an impressive natural history section, an exhibition devoted to the conquest of Everest by native son Sir Edmind Hillary and a whole floor devoted to New Zealand’s war history.
The museum also houses what is probably the best collection of Pacific Island exhibits anywhere in the world – that allows the visitor to explore the diversity of Pacific peoples and also learn about the culture of the Maori, who were the original inhabitants of this country before European colonization. A highlight for overseas visitors is the Maori cultural performance that takes place three times each day.
Ferry Building in Quay Street
For those who prefer something adventurous, a visit to one of Auckland’s best known landmarks, the sandstone and granite Edwardian baroque Ferry Building on Quay Street, provides the opportunity to take a ferry ride across the picturesque harbour. Other trips that can be taken are sightseeing tours of the spectacular marine park of the Hauraki Gulf to observe whales and dolphins at play - or day trips to one of the many nearby islands.
Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands
A popular island destination is Waiheke Island, a half hour ferry ride away, which has some pretty beaches as well as olive groves and vineyards (with some excellent vineyard restaurants!).
Another fascinating tourist experience is a trip out to Rangitoto Island – which not only has a large forest of Pohutukawa trees growing out of the volcanic rock (these become a colourful sea of red flowers in summer) but also Auckland’s most photographed dormant volcano. The volcano has a cone so symmetrical that one can imagine it having been fashioned by a giant potter on his wheel! A hike to the top takes about an hour and provides some breathtaking views across the water.
Skytower, Skywalk and Skyjump
For 360 degree views over the city, visitors can catch the high speed lift in the 328 metre Skytower and enjoy a meal in the Orbit Revolving Restaurant at the top.
And if they are really adventurous, they can try taking a Skywalk or a Skyjump from the Skytower. With a safety harness strapped on, the intrepid can take a walk on the platform that surrounds the top of the Skytower – or even perform a bungy jump off the platform.
After all, New Zealand is the land that invented bungy-jumping!
Sanjiva Wijesinha - Dr. Sanjiva Wijesinha, Associate Professor at Monash University medical school, writes on health, travel and medical topics.
