Thursday 10 April 2014

Parks, Beaches, Islands, Museums and Adventure Activities………… and what not…Auckland is an Ultimate Holiday Destination – for both families and Individual travelers (like me)!


The vibrant, small-scale city, Auckland is a breeze of cool-fresh air. Also, known as “City of Sails”, Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus of land on New Zealand’s north island and allures sailors, families, outdoor sports enthusiasts and backpackers. 

 A Backdrop

Regularly nominated amongst the world’s cities offering premium “quality of life”, Auckland is a small, contemporary and friendly choice – an ideal base for any exploration of beautiful NZ – be it relaxed exploration or adrenaline rush giving adventure activities.

 Moreover, as the largest  known metropolis in Polynesia, it is certainly a cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures, mixing ancient Maori culture with English, Asian and Australian influences; thus, creating a capital that is refreshing unpretentious, modern and engaging.

Auckland
Auckland 
Read on to know the top 10 things Not to Miss When on a Holiday in Auckland:


Visit the Auckland Sky Tower – The Biggest Attraction

 Soaring 328 meters above the ground is Auckland Sky Tower where from the peak you will be able to see Auckland Harbor Bridge (a sparkling bridge) and 50 extinct volcanoes surrounding the place. This place is a must visit for adventure enthusiasts as they can do Sky jump, where you will find yourself tied up and falling from the Sky at around 85kmh. 

Auckland Sky Tower
Auckland Sky Tower 
Explore the Wynyard Quarter

In recent years, Wynyard Quarter has seen huge development and today, it is one of those places where something or the other is always going on…hustle-bustle 24*7.

On Friday nights during summer, you will find movies playing out in the open at Silo Park Cinema, and on Saturday mornings during the warmer months are reserved for Silo Park Markets.

 Moreover, there are myriad good restaurants to try, art installations to check out or if you are in the relaxation mode then you can head to Karanga Plaza and unleash yourself at the extra large wooden recliners. 

Wynyard Quarter
Wynyard Quarter
Climb Mount Eden

To get a different perspective of the city, visit Mount Eden. This dormant volcano, nestling in the suburb of Mount Eden, confers panoramic views from the apex natural point. It might be a bit tad of a limb to get up there; however, I must tell you, it is worth it when you get to the apex.

Your holiday in Auckland is not complete until you climb Mount Eden. 

Mount Eden
Mount Eden
Check out the Domain

At 75 hectares, Domain is Auckland’s oldest and largest park, ideal for relaxing if the weather is pleasant. While you are there, you can go for a self-guided sculpture checking park tour, visit Auckland museum, walk around the winter gardens and simply sit back and relish the seemingly infinite expanse of greenery around you.


Ashburton Craft Village
Ashburton Craft Village
Check out Waiheke Island

Love culture, food and wine?  You will certainly love Waiheke Island. Found in the centre of the Hauraki Gulf, the magnificent island is famous for its supreme quality wineries, chromatic landscape and array of adventure activities from archery to mount biking. 

Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island
 Drive to Piha

 There is as such no public transport to Piha, situated on the west coast of Auckland; however, it is worth taking a car on rental and driving there. Whether you want to relish stunning ocean views and climb Lion rock, hike the Waitakere Ranges or walk to KiteKite Falls or simply lay on the beach, you would not be stuck for fun things to do and enjoy in Piha. 

Piha beach to Lion Rock.
Piha beach to Lion Rock.
Explore Auckland Art Gallery

At the nitty-gritty of the city, Auckland Art Gallery is home to approx 15,000 traditional and contemporary artworks, has 3-permanent Maori works that were commissioned primarily to celebrate the establishment of the art gallery building and hosts travelling exhibitions. 

It is a fantabulous place to know about the culture of New Zealand, and both new and old parts of the building are spectacular. 

Auckland Art Gallery - Kitchener Street
Auckland Art Gallery - Kitchener Street
Do a Little Shopping

Queen’ ST is hoarded with typical Kiwi high-street shops such as Glassons and Cotton; however, if you are in the market to buy things that are unique and exclusive then get yourself to Karangahape Road; here you will find ample vintage stores.

 On the contrary, if designer boutiques are what match your style, then head towards Lorne ST or a local suburb of Ponsonby, you certainly would not be disappointed. 
Queen StMall for shopping in Auckland
Queen StMall for shopping in Auckland


Spend a Relaxing Day at the Beach 

When on a holiday in Auckland, visit Takapuna, on the north shore has a picturesque beach with serene water and a sultry view of Rangitoto Island. Another beach you must check out is at Mission Bay, where there are free barbeques. 
takapuna beach in auckland
Takapuna beach in auckland


Do Bungee Jumping

Adrenaline junkies will immensely love the Auckland Bridge Bungy. It is an excellent method to see more of Waitemata Harbor as you have your way towards the drop point and certainly a memorable adventure activity of your time in Auckland. 






With a clutch of amazing culture centers, enough attractions and elite restaurants to cope with the Island’s frequent-changing weather, Auckland renders big-city fun in a handsome, reasonable package.
In order to optimize your flying expenses, it is recommended that you plan your vacation for at least a fortnight if not more because the right balance of vacation is one where your duration of stay must be equivalent to flight duration to arrive your destination.
If you are planning to have vacations in Auckland, take a look at Flights to Auckland with Hoodaki, adventure tours and luxury holidays.