Auckland New Zealand Things To Do

Auckland is the largest city in the whole of Polynesia let alone New Zealand, and yet it is not the capital. Interestingly enough, the city that lies to the north of North Island, was once New Zealand's capital, but it lost the title to Wellington in 1865 when it was decided that it would be better for the capital to be on the southern shores of North Island and closer to South Island.

Auckland lies on an isthmus, a thin strip of land that at points is just over a mile wide. This means that it has sea on both sides with Waitemata Harbour to the east, which opens to the Hauraki Gulf, and Manukau Harbour to the east which opens to the Tasman Sea. It takes its nickname of The City Of Sails from the large number of yachts that grace its marinas.

Auckland could also be called the City Of Volcanoes because it lies on a field of 50 extinct volcanoes. In fact some of the best views of the city are from the peaks of volcanoes of old like Mount Eden and One Tree Hill. You'll share your vantage point with - you guessed it - flocks of sheep. In a country where sheep outnumber humans by a factor of at least ten, it's not too surprising to find them within the city limits!

Back in the city itself, you'll find the easiest way to get about the entire metropolitan area is by car, but if you are happy to stay in Auckland City itself public transport in the shape of buses, ferries and trains usually does the trick. If you do hire a car, be prepared for traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.

When in the city, a great way to get your bearings is to go on a Auckland City Highlights city coach tour with onboard commentary. Old Auckland, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mt Eden, the America’s Cup Village and Westhaven Marina, Auckland Domain and the Tamaki Waterfront are all on the itenary - and you can book your tickets before you even leave the UK so one less expense while in Auckland.

You'll definitely want to travel up in a glass-fronted lift to one of the viewing platforms at the top of Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328m, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and on a clear day you can take in breathtaking views for up to 50 miles in every direction!

And as New Zealand is the home of the adrenalin rush, you won't be surprised to hear that you can base jump off the Sky Tower! The Sky Jump is New Zealand's highest jump and the world's highest tower-based jump and children ten and over (with parental permission) as well as adults can enjoy the 16 second freefall!

Or go on a Sky Walk - take in those views as you walk around the 1.2m wide platform on Sky Tower's pergola!

For those who aren't so daring, the 700 seater SkyCity Theatre plays host to a variety of shows including the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and The Auckland International Film Festival. And everyone will have the stomach for a meal in the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.

The Auckland's Must Do Four Tour ends at the Sky Tower and also includes entrance to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, entrance to Auckland Zoo and an Auckland Harbour Cruise. A fantastic family day out that starts at noon every day throughout the year.

Firmly back on terra firma, if it's Saturday head for the Otara Flea Market at the Otara Shopping Centre on Newbury Street. It opens from 6am to noon and offers a fantastic selection of clothes and other items and is a great place to sample Polynesian food too.

To get away from the bright lights, go wine tasting on Waiheke Island, take the kids to the Rainbow's End theme park or head for the Waitakere Ranges where you'll find stunning waterfalls, views to die for and rugged, beautiful beaches. Or take a ferry to Rangitoto and climb to its summit for more amazing views of Waitemata Harbour and Auckland city.

Auckland has a warm-temperate climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters. Remember when it's winter in the UK, it's summer time in New Zealand!

Air New Zealand offer direct flights from London to Auckland as well as multi-stop packages. Their lowest fares are always on their website where you can also book hotels and even hire a camper van - a great way to see more of this amazing country.

1001 Things To Do Before You Die Auckland, New Zealand

1001 Things To Do Before You Die
Auckland, New Zealand