Enjoying the Trip in Auckland

A Guide to Trip in Auckland 

Auckland is the largest urban area in New Zealand and popular amongst all types of visitors.

And a lot of the best places to visit in Auckland you should not miss.

The best way to enjoy travelling around is by hiring a car rental in Auckland.

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Head to New Zealand’s North Island and you’re almost bound to end up in Auckland. A true metropolis, Auckland has a buzz to it, full of activity, diversity, atmosphere, and opportunity. In some ways, it is just another city, but in others, Auckland is unique and well worth exploring.

Often mistaken for the country’s capital (it’s Wellington BTW), Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and has a population that’s bigger than the whole of South Island!

For anyone considering a trip, we’ve put together this Auckland Travel Guide featuring the Best Things To Do in Auckland, plus recommendations of where to stay, what to eat and how to get around!

Source — Maketimetoseetheworld.com

Where To Stay In Auckland

1. Auckland CBD

The Central Business District is where most people will stay, and the best area to stay in Auckland for first-timers.

Auckland is not an easy city to get around. The CBD is the most accessible to public transport and buses and trains to most areas will run from here. The other great thing about Auckland CBD is that it’s very walkable and there is everything within the main area. The central street is Queen Street, and there are nightclubs, bars, supermarkets, restaurants of all cuisines, medical, shopping and more all along that one avenue.

The popular tourist attractions like the Skytower, Civic Theatre, Albert Park and Viaduct are also just a few minute's walks away.

Interestingly, this is also your best bet for finding cheap accommodation in Auckland. Most of the backpacker hostels are situated here, including the cheapest ones in Auckland.

Source — Brenontheroad.com

2. Ponsonby

Ponsonby is a trendy part of Auckland, and our pick for where to stay in Auckland for nightlife, thanks to its lively outlook, affluent air, and diverse array of places to eat, drink, sleep, shop, and have fun.

Along with the CBD, Ponsonby is one of the best Auckland neighbourhoods for nightlife too, with many bars to suit all tastes.

Top Things to Do in Ponsonby

• Stroll along the leafy streets and admire the many elegant villas and mansions that house the area’s affluent citizens.
• Prime your credit cards for a shopping session along Ponsonby Road, with its chic boutiques and designer stores.
• Satisfy your stomach and taste buds at Ponsonby Central, home to many cafes, restaurants, and artisan food outlets under one convenient roof.
• Chill on the nearby beaches; although technically located in Herne’s Bay, beautiful beaches are just a short stroll from the heart of Ponsonby.
• Visit the organic city farm at the verdant Kelmarna Gardens.
• Do your best togs and head to swanky and stylish bars like Lime, Longroom, Revelry, The Franklin, and the Chapel Bar and Bistro.
• Enjoy nature and wildlife at Hukanui Reserve.
• Make a photo stop at the historic Three Lamps building.
• Pamper yourself in one of the neighbourhood’s spas.
• Follow the sounds of awesome live music and rock out to diverse bands.
• Tour the area’s art galleries.
• Visit the pumping K-Road for more buzzing nightlife.

Source — Thebrokebackpacker.com

3. Parnell

Welcome to Auckland's oldest suburb, Parnell.

This beautiful area of New Zealand's largest city is full of charm and character and offers some great boutique shopping, trendy cafés as well as the border the oldest and biggest park in town.

Picturesque Parnell is right next to Newmarket, one of the biggest and trendiest shopping areas in town, as well as a short ride down to the port and Viaduct Harbour.

Parnell Rise and Parnell Road make up the main road through the central suburb of Parnell. In the midst of it sits Parnell Village, an accumulation of great cafés, fabulous restaurants, individual shops and boutiques set in beautifully renovated Victorian villas.

Pick up designer décor, handmade jewellery, antique goods or visit art galleries and browse upmarket fashion stores.

Perfect for a little stroll in the afternoon is the elegant Rose Gardens which are within easy walking distance to the Parnell Village. Also known as The Dove-Myer Robinson Park, you can spot and smell over 5000 new and old rose varieties.

Between October and April, the gardens are in full bloom, visiting in winter is nice but definitely not as spectacular.

Source — Breathingtravel.com

4. Viaduct

The Viaduct Harbour lies within the middle of Auckland CBD and is home to gourmet restaurants, lively bars, and buzzing nightlife.

Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, Viaduct Harbour is a residential, commercial and entertainment precinct. Viaduct Harbour boasts some of Auckland’s finest restaurants and bars, from fresh seafood at Kermadec Ocean Fresh Restaurant, to the ever-popular bar and restaurant Waterfront, the lively atmosphere at O'Hagans to a stylish dining experience at Soul. Regardless of where you dine, you can count on being seated overlooking the water and surrounding activity, while sipping on a glass of fine wine and enjoying mouth-watering dishes.

Viaduct Harbour also hosts a variety of fabulous events including past America’s Cup defences, Louis Vuitton Regattas, the Volvo Round the World Race stopover March 2012, Auckland International Boat show and New Zealand Fashion Week.

New Zealand’s Voyager Maritime Museum can be found within the Viaduct Harbour, also chartered yacht cruises that tour the harbour, and for a more relaxing experience, one can take a stroll around the harbour to grab a gelato and enjoy the view of luxury yachts, racing yachts and gorgeous views of the Viaduct Harbour.

Source — Newzealand.com

The Best Things To Do In Auckland

1. Rangitoto Island - Summit Walk

After a steady uphill climb through lava fields, enjoy panoramic Gulf views from the peak - one of the best vista points in Auckland.

The Summit Track is the most popular of the walks on Rangitoto Island. Beginning at Rangitoto Wharf, the track climbs through lava fields and the world’s largest pohutukawa forest up to the summit peak. Standing 259 metres above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland. 

A 15-minute diversion (one-way) from the Summit Track leads to lava tunnels and caves that you can explore with a torch. Follow the sign-posted track to the caves, and return the same way. The detour will add roughly 45 minutes to your return journey, and can be completed either on your way to the top or on your return to the ferry. Walking times are based on an average to slow pace, and will vary with different levels of fitness. Ensure you have plenty of time to complete your walk and return to the wharf to catch your ferry.

Know before you go

• Bring water and snacks with you. There are no cafés or supplies of drinking water on the island.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes that can cope with the rugged lava surfaces.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat. The heat reflecting off the ground can be intense.
• Bring a jacket and layers, as the weather can change quickly.
• Bring a torch if you’d like to explore the lava caves.
• There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you.

Source — Fullers.co.nz

2. Cornwall Park

While being immersed in nature, Cornwall Park offers you space to wander, play, socialise, discover, learn, reflect, recharge, and enjoy spectacular views of Auckland.

Cornwall Park has something for everyone from experiencing an urban working farm within New Zealand’s biggest city, finding off-road trails to run along, playing games on the open-lawns, bbq-ing with friends and family, to simply relaxing under your favourite tree.

From walking between trees to finding your favourite tree to sit under, Cornwall Park has over 350 species and 8,000 trees for you to discover.

With over 30 different species that pass through Cornwall Park or call it home, Cornwall Park is the place to find, spot, and listen to our city's and country's bird

Cornwall Park has been farmland for over a century. Today, you'll find 600 sheep, 60 cows, two-full time farmers, and at least double the animals from July to September when newborn lambs and calves arrive!

Our flowers and plans are part of what makes Cornwall Park special - we plant over 32,000 annual plants (split across Spring and Autumn) and 10,000 bulbs (Autumn) each year in 12 garden beds for you to enjoy.

If you're after stunning views of Auckland, Maungakiekie and of the sky through the trees, you're in the right place. Explore and find your favourite view today! Better yet, bring friends and take it all in together.

Cornwall Park is a place for you to come together with friends and family over food (and even a wee BYO)! To help you along, we've got BBQs for you to use and designed lots of space - and some hidden gems - for you to set up a picnic.

There are loads of spaces at the park to indulge in your favourite games and sports - bring down your chess set, cricket set or a ball or two, and start playing! 

Source — Cornwallpark.co.nz

3. Mount Eden

Walk to the top of Mount Eden – Maungawhau, one of our 48 volcanic cones and the highest natural point in Auckland. Discover the volcano’s history as a traditional fortified Māori village – join a guided tour and see the occupation terraces, storage pits and housing sites that give a glimpse into former Māori settlement.

Check out the 5.5-acre, award-winning garden on the side of Mount Eden, with its colourful plant collections, waterfalls, rock formations, resident native birds and fabulous city and harbour views.

There’s just as much culture here to match the natural attractions. Walk through Mount Eden village’s small local galleries; with a community of creative artists and writers the suburb is known for being the home of some of Auckland’s most exciting modern art. And if you like affordable Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, take a wander around and pick a local restaurant. 

Source — Aucklandnz.com

4. Waitakere Ranges

You may have seen the pretty white sand beaches stretching along Auckland’s east coast, but have you seen Auckland’s rugged side? By that, we mean the dramatic coastline, huge headlands, native forest and black sand beaches of the Waitakere Ranges. This regional park makes up more than 16000 hectares of Auckland’s west coast.

With 250km of walking tracks along the coast and within the rainforests, there are heaps of reasons to make a day trip out of the Waitakere Ranges. If it isn’t for hiking to waterfalls, then backpackers and Aucklanders alike come to Waitakere for the pumping surf!

Things you can't miss in the Waitakere Ranges

• The views from the Arataki Visitor Centre and the Golden Frame
• Hiking the many sections of the Fairy Falls
• Paddling in the cool pool of Kitekite Falls
• Getting that perfect picture of Kerekere Falls
• Jump off the jetty at Lake Wainamu
• Learn to surf on Piha Beach
• Refine your surfing skills at O’Neills Bay or walk on the headlands.

Source — Backpackerguide.nz

5. Sky Tower

A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms, or for more thrills and excitement, SkyWalk round the pergola at 192 metres up or SkyJump off the Tower!

If dining with a view is what you're after, then you're spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafes up the Sky Tower - Orbit 360˚ Dining revolving restaurant, the superbly chic and elegant The Sugar Club or relax with your coffee, cheese board or ice cream at the Sky Café.

The Sky Tower is one of New Zealand's most exhilarating and spectacular tourist attractions, you will be amazed at what you can see and do under one roof!

Source — Heartofthecity.co.nz