« NEW ZEALAND • Discover New Zealand • North Island • Auckland

Discover Magical Auckland

Auckland has a warm-temperate climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters, and is the sunniest and warmest of New Zealand's main centres. Auckland is home to many cultures. The majority of inhabitants claim European - predominantly British - descent, but substantial Maori, Pacific Islander and Asian communities exist as well.

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» North Head Historic Reserve

To early Maori this strategic viewpoint was known as Maungauika, and looking out over Auckland's Harbor and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, the summit of this ancient volcanic cone was perfect for fending off an attack. In the 1800s, under European rule, the hill was fortified with cannons and guns to deter a Russian invasion, and was again fortified during both World Wars to protect the precious harbor. Though the attacks themselves thankfully never came, the tunnels, guns - and view - still remain …

» One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is the name for a suburb, park, and single hill on the outskirts of the Auckland city center. Though it is now a 118-acre park, there was a time in history when this 600 ft. peak was an important Maori settlement which was home to thousands of residents. The strategic location between Auckland's two harbors provided easy access to the water, and the volcanic soil of this extinct caldera created a desirable spot for farming …

» Parnell Village

The most charismatic of Auckland's neighborhoods, charming Parnell Village is Auckland's oldest suburb and is renowned for its restaurants, cafes, galleries and boutique shopping. Spend a day exploring the fashionable village shopping area along Parnell Road which is renowned for quality crafts and good jewelers. In the evening there is an international flavor to the 40-odd restaurants and cafes in the area and a dinner option to suit every budget …

» Piha Beach

Located one hour west of downtown Auckland, Piha Beach is one of the most popular day trips for city-trapped urbanites needing an escape to the beach. This coastal community of 600 residents sits tucked at the base of the Waitakere Ranges, a series of hills which are criss-crossed by some of Auckland's best hiking and trails. Along the shore, the beach itself is an expansive theater where land and sea meet in an epic tableau. Towering rocks spring upwards from the sea …

» Ponsonby

Just west of Auckland's CBD, Ponsonby is one of the city's most fashionable inner-city suburbs. Known for its restaurants and cafes, delis, boutiques, jewelers, independent bookstores, clubs and bars, and art galleries that line Ponsonby Road - this large neighborhood also has its fill of art hotels. In a classic tale of gentrification, up until the 1970s Ponsonby had a reputation as a crime-ridden corner of the city, full of slums and unloved buildings that had remained rundown since the Great Depression …

» Queen Street

Busy, bustling, and lined with shops, Queen Street is the pulsing center of Auckland. This main thoroughfare runs from the Auckland ferry building up the hill towards Karangahape Road, and in addition to the shops and trendy storefronts is home to a collection of restaurants and hotels. The pedestrian traffic along the length of Queen Street is greater than anywhere else in the country, and the fast-paced energy of commerce and trade can be felt in the step of those on the street …

» Rangitoto Island

Auckland is famous for many different things, although volcanoes aren't usually one of them. While the sailboats, wine, and iconic waterfront are just a few of the city highlights, there nevertheless sits a volcanic island just minutes from downtown Auckland. Symmetrical, rugged, and only 550 years old, a visit to volcanic Rangitoto Island is one of the best day trips from Auckland. Ferries depart from the city's north shore and cross the bay in about 25 minutes …

» SkyJump

Most visitors to Auckland at some point in their visit spend a couple of minutes staring up towards the SkyTower. At 1,076 ft. in height, it's not only the highest structure in New Zealand, but it's an iconic pinnacle which serves as the centerpiece of the famous Auckland skyline. For the thousands of visitors who stare up towards the tower, however, only a handful of visitors will leap from the tower towards the streets of the city below. At the Auckland SkyJump, visitors have the chance to partake in activity which is the most extreme adventure in the city …

» Skywalk Auckland

Few places on earth offer the spectacular 360-degree views and thrilling adrenaline spike of Skywalk Auckland. Stationed more than 190 meters above the surrounding New Zealand city, Skywalk and Skyjump bring the adventure this nation is known for into city limits. Daredevil travelers can strap into thick black harnesses and inch along a narrow walkway high above Auckland streets with nothing separating them from the world down below. Expert guides point out urban highlights from atop the tower …

» Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open wildlife sanctuary devoted to the protection of local endangered species. The island is tightly controlled to keep out predators such as cats and mice, which hunt fragile bird species, including the tiny kiwi birds you'll see running around the island. With about 80 species of birds, Tiritiri Matangi is a must-see for birdwatchers, and the air is rich with varieties of birdsong rarely heard on the mainland. Guided walks can help you spot and identify the various types of birds …

» Viaduct Harbour

There was once a time in the early 1990's when Viaduct Harbor was a downtrodden port. With an infusion of money from the America's Cup, however, this aging corner of the Waitemata waterfront was fantastically transformed into one of the city's most popular districts. Bars, restaurants, and high-end apartments line the pedestrian mall, and some of the most luxurious yachts in the South Pacific can be docked at the nearby marina …

» Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum

Located at the southern entrance to the Viaduct Harbor, the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum is a window into New Zealand's maritime past. As an island nation, the history of New Zealand has been largely reliant on man's ability to navigate the sea. Polynesian voyagers in sailing canoes were the first to land on the shores of New Zealand, only to be followed later by European explorers mapping the far-reaching corners of the Pacific. Explorers were followed by traders and settlers, all of whom endured long voyages at sea to reach the shores of Aotearoa …

» Waiheke Island

Aucklanders swarm to Waiheke Island in summer to make the most of its stunning beaches, which are some of the safest and cleanest in the world for swimming and water sports like sea kayaking and snorkeling. Some of the best beaches include Palm Beach, a secluded beach so named for the palms at the east end, which is not to be confused with the clothes-optional Little Palm Beach. Blackpool Beach is popular with windsurfers and the perfectly romantic Cactus Bay …

» Waitakere Ranges

Many equate the city of Auckland with sailboats cruising along the famous waterfront. While there is no denying the city's maritime heritage, few realize that the 'City of Sails' also has bushwalks and tumbling waterfalls which are tucked away in a forested hideaway. In the Waitakere Ranges - a string of hills which rise to 1,400 feet and stretch for 15 miles - rural hiking tracks weave their way through native wilderness and bush. Set only 30 minutes west of the downtown city center …

» Waitemata Harbour

Waitmata Harbor, often referred to as Auckland Harbor, is one of two beautiful harbors surrounding Auckland. Its name refers to 'obsidian glass' in Maori language and its spectacular waters are said to sparkle like the dark volcanic glass that early settlers found in the area. The harbor made a stunning backdrop for the 2000 and 2003 America's Cup and for the sailing enthusiast there is the opportunity to live the experience and sail an America's Cup yacht …

» Waitomo Caves

There are a variety of activities to partake in and the fascinating cave system with its geological wonders and fantastic creatures to explore. Climb through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. The cave system itself is over two million years old. A highlight of the caves is the glowworm grotto; illuminated by thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling, it is a magical place …

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« NEW ZEALAND • Discover New Zealand • North Island • Auckland