The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, which means “a maiden desired by 100 lovers”, indicating that Auckland has been a desirable jewel since time immemorial – and you’re sure to fall in love with this beautiful city too once you’ve spent some time here.
The most distinctive feature of Auckland City’s skyline is the Sky Tower, a 300 metre high tower that has a rotating restaurant and viewing platforms offering a stunning panorama of the city below. The truly brave can try the Skywalk or even a bungee jump from the tower.
For more spectacular views, take a drive to the top of the highest volcanic peak on the mainland – Mount Eden, overlooking the town and harbour. You’ll find well tended walking tracks to get you right to the summit where the views are all the rewards you’ll need for your climbing efforts. The opportunity to gaze into the glassy crater of an extinct volcano is an experience you’ll not soon forget.
For a unique way to tour the city consider a Segway Safari, there are several available as guided CBD tours with amusing commentary and the chance to take a glide along Auckland’s well appointed streets, taking in the beautiful architecture and wide green spaces of the city.
Auckland is also the undisputed hub of New Zealand’s local art scene, and you’ll find many galleries and museums here along with lots of street art to explore. There’s also regular “open studio” events happening all over the city which is a great way to make an exciting new discovery and add some more art to your collection.
For an unforgettable photo opportunity, visit the rugged black-sand beach to the west of Auckland – Piha. An easy 45-minute drive from Auckland with spectacular views, the soaring cliffs, dramatic rock formations and black sand combine for a spectacular experience into a truly unique environment. Stroll along the crystalline beaches or abseil down the Piha canyon – the choice is yours.
To explore the rich cultural heritage of Auckland, make time to visit a Māori meeting ground – a Marae. A marae is a fenced-in complex of carved buildings and grounds that belongs to a particular iwi (tribe), hapū (sub tribe) or whānau (family). By visiting a marae you can experience Maori culture in a unique way. After being welcomed in via a special ceremony for newcomers, you can join in on a sacred tree planting ceremony, or join in on a delicious hangi feast, where meat and vegetables are cooked underground in coal-filled pits for many hours with scrumptious results. There are a lot of stories to hear and culture to experience as you revel in the legendary hospitality of this traditional way of life.
For an exciting day trip out of Auckland, consider a “food and wine” tour of Waiheke Island. Casita Miro, the Rangihoua olive estate, Mudbrick Winery and more are all accessible via car ferry. You’re sure to be charmed by the lavender covered hills and the microclimates that make the island perfect for vineyards and olive groves alike. You can try a swoop over the treetops in the Ecozip, or even experience some clay-bird shooting and archery at Wild on Waiheke. There’s an array of award winning restaurants on the island where you can sample the very best of local produce.
Auckland is an excellent base from which to explore all the delights of the North Island and your hire care is your ticket to all the adventures you desire.
