Travel Tuesday: Auckland
Posted on Tuesday, 6 January 2015
Our very first Travel Tuesday is dedicated to our hometown Auckland.
Auckland, or the city of sails, is the biggest city in New Zealand and home to 1 million people.
- Sky City is located in the heart of the CBD, head up the Sky Tower to grab a bite to eat in the revolving restaurant while you check out the 360 view of the city. If you're feeling brave enough you can also jump off the top or walk around the outside rim, don't worry about the wind you'll be safely attached to the building!
- If the Sky Tower is a little too high for your liking why not try climbing the Harbour Bridge? While you're there you can also bungee jump off of it!
- Head to the newly redesigned Zoo to check out all the cute animals! You can purchase behind the scenes experiences for some of the animals and feed Giraffes. The zoo also houses a few of our native Kiwi birds! You could also check out Motat (Museum of Transport and Technology) which is right down the road!
- Although it's not as big as other theme parks around the world Rainbows End is still a fun time for everyone and they have added a few new rides in recent years such as the Stratosfear and the Invader.
- While you're out in the south visiting Rainbows End make sure you head to Spookers as the night ends. Spookers is the number 1 haunted attraction in the country and is based in a haunted abandoned mental hospital in the middle of nowhere. Driving down the long dirt road with no lights and surrounded by never ending forrest really puts you in the mood.
- Wynyard Quarter is located on the waterfront and has boomed since the Rugby World Cup in 2011. There are lovely open spaces to relax by the sea, play grounds for children, several great restuarants (Miss Clawdy is one of my personal favourites), a fish market, and awesome night markets and an outdoor cinema in the summer.
- Britomart, located not too far from Wynyard Quarter, is the main central transport centre which has also boomed in recent years. It's a waterfront precinct full of great restaurants, great nightlife (1885 is a hot spot for celebs!), and great shopping.
- At the Auckland Museum you can experience what a volcano eruption would be like, view the beautiful war memorial, witness a Maori cultural performance, as well as many other exhibits. It's also free!
- If you feel like getting out of the city for a day hop on a ferry and head to Rangitoto, a 600 year old volcano only a few minutes away from land. Take the time to walk up to the top for another amazing view, or if walking's not your thing there is a mini train that can also take you. While you're there check out the caves!
- If you have some time to spare take a few days off and head to Waiheke Island. The ferry ride is about 40 minutes and is a popular getaway destination. Visit vineyards, dive, sail, zipline, Waiheke has it all. Make sure to check out the hot water beach too.
A few other spots to hit are New Market, Mission Bay, Ponsonby, K Rd (perhaps don't go at night to avoid the sleaziness), Devonport is also a must! located across the bridge, make sure you head up Mount Victoria for a stunning view of the city and Rangitoto! While you're making your way around Auckland make sure you try Burger Fuel, New Zealand's popular and delicious gourmet burger restaurant and don't forget to grab the famous aioli for your fries and a can of L & P!
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