New Zealand's largest metro area (city pop. 1.5 million, metro nearly 1.7 million), Auckland is surrounded by beautiful beaches, uninhabited islands, and volcanic cones. According to a Maori myth, the region was created during a fierce battle between two iwi (tribes), which created deep cracks in the earth, thrusting upwards the many volcanic cones one sees today around Auckland. Sparsely settled by the Maori since the mid 14th century, the city proper was founded in 1840 as New Zealand's first capital.
Today, it's bustling with cultural institutions, world-class shopping centers, restaurants, bars, art galleries, wine districts, wineries, rainforests, and much more. For all common attractions that you know about Auckland, there are still some unique attractions that maybe most of you don't know.
CLIMATE AND BEST TIMES TO VISIT
Travel to Auckland in any season - the region has a warm coastal climate without extremes of temperature. Summers in Auckland last between December to February while autumn/ fall is between March and May. Winter and spring last during the months of June to August and September to November respectively.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Sky Tower
The country's tallest manmade structure at 328 meters, Sky Tower (above) may be Auckland’s most exhilarating attraction, offering breathtaking views of the city from three viewing platforms, along with adrenaline-pumping experiences such as SkyWalk and SkyJump.
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
With a diverse collection of aquatic life, this aquarium was oepend in 1985 by Kelly Tarlton, a visionary Kiwi adventurer, diver, explorer, and inventor. From Shark Dives and Shark cages experiences to a Penguin Discovery to a behind-the-scenes tour, adults and kids alike will have a ball here.
Waiheke Island
Some around 17 kilometers off the coast, Waiheke is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. Spread across approximately 19 kilometers (west to east), the island is also called a "homeland of artists", thanks to its galleries and workshops, along with quaint cafes, pristine beaches and more than a dozen vineyards. One particularly well known attraction here is the Connells Bay Sculpture Park.
Rangitoto Island
Some 25 minutes from Auckland by ferry, Rangitoto is the largest and youngest island in the Auckland volcanic field, born of a volcano that erupted in the sea in a series of explosions just 600 or so years ago and is now extinct. The island is uninhabited and is a favorite destination for hikers, trekkers, and explorers. Many people also go to the island on a guided kayaking adventure trip.
Auckland Art Gallery
Housed in a beautiful French-style mansion, the Auckland Art Gallery was established in the year 1888 and is home to New Zealand’s most extensive collection of art, both historic (dating back to the 11th century) and contemporary both Kiwi and international. And adults as well as kids enjoy the Lego attraction here!
One Tree Hill
Also known as Maungakiekie, the area's tallest (183-meter) intact volcanic cone offers a view from the top (you can drive up) provides sweeping views over the city, gulf, and surrounding countryside, including green meadows and grazing sheep. Up here you'll also find three craters, a lava field, a monument to John Logan Campbell (an eminent late-19th-century mayor of Auckland), and Cornwall Park, popular with families for picnics, barbecues, and kids' playground and toy train.
Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum
The country's largest maritime collection is spread over seven galleries, covering everything from the first Polynesians' migration to Aotearoa to the early European exploration and settlement to New Zealand’s modern-day yachting success. One can also experience Waitemata Harbour by sailing onboard a heritage vessel.
TOP SPOTS TO EAT
Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar: The best seafood in town!
The French Cafe: Contemporary European cuisine in a sophisticated environment.
Serengeti: Delicious South African cuisine.
The Attic Bar and Restaurant: New Zealand focused cuisine, and great drinks in a classy but relaxed setting.
Little Bird Unbakery: A quaint little place that offers breakfast, lunch, smoothies, teas, cakes, tarts, cheesecakes, cookies and lots more.
Orphan’s Kitchen: A great dining experience along with wonderful service.
Blitza: Authentic Italian pizza in the heart of downtown.
The Empire: An iconic establishment, for mouth-watering food, intoxicating drinks, and live entertainment.
Mud Pie Deli: Cabinet foods and off the menu items!
Milse: A patisserie and dessert spot offering contemporary sweets both à la carte and in three-, five-, and seven-course menu!
The icing on the Cake: Another well known dessert place frequented by locals and tourists alike.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Festivals and events keep on happening in Auckland all year round! The locals celebrate Christmas with families and friends. Many people also celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali and the Chinese festival of Lanterns. Other major events:
ASB Auckland Seafood Festival: This one takes place usually in the last week of January. Visitors get to taste a variety of seafood, from oysters to lobsters to octopus to the humble fish.
Auckland Arts Festival: Every March, Auckland is transformed into a vibrant city as this 19-day festival hits the streets. with a whirlwind of theatre, music, cabaret, dance and visual arts.
Farmers Santa Parade: An annual extravaganza with amazing pageantry - grand floats, lively marching bands, character balloons and of course Old Saint Nick himself.
Boxing Day: December 26 brings with it a lot of sales and discounts, along with well attended horse races.
You can best explore the city with Auckland itineraries for a memorable experience indeed, including a two-day itinerary here.
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