Auckland top 10 things to do and see

Over 25 years ago, Michael was based in Auckland in his previous life as a tour guide. Since those days he’s often visited New Zealand’s biggest city and each time the old memories flood back. This is his top 10 of must-dos:

1. Mount Eden or One Tree Hill:

It’s worth either walking or driving up these two volcanic cones to get an overview of Auckland’s immense scale as New Zealand’s largest city. The panoramic views are fabulous and it’s a great photo opportunity.

2. America’s Cup Village and Viaduct harbour area:

Auckland is the “city of sails” and presents a great opportunity to go sailing with Explore NZ, either by yacht or a “real” racing boat.

3. War Memorial Museum and Auckland Domain:

The War Memorial Museum has a fabulous collection of Pacifica & Maori exhibits. There’s a beautiful Marae on show and this whole area is very atmospheric. You will also be moved by the war memorials and the Holocaust section, both of which portray the power of the human spirit to endure and triumph. Give yourself at least half a day to get the full impact of these exhibits.

4. Auckland Art Gallery:

This Gallery is huge and it really does take time to see everything. There are modern, avant garde and classic exhibitions on show. Plus there are interactive displays such as the light laser exhibit where you can test your dancing skills:

5. Devonport Historic Village:

If you want to escape the pace of downtown Auckland for a while, Devonport Historic Village is a must-do and only a 12-minute ferry ride away from the CBD. Devonport Village is beautiful with a rural feel and a more relaxing energy.

You’ll get a great view of downtown Auckland, as the ferry retreats away and there are great viewing opportunities from the lower and upper deck.

Once in Devonport  you can explore beautiful beaches and admire the gorgeous Summer display of Pohutukawa blossom which is generously displayed in Mt. Victoria, a short climb to wonderful panoramic views.

Stylish Boutiques and cafes also provide a relaxing past-time.

If you go further up the main road, on the left you’ll see a restaurant/café called Corellis, an Italian style family restaurant and very popular.

And if you’re really not feeling energetic, you can explore this area by Segway from Magic Broomstick (Segway) Tours, hire a bike from Cycle Auckland located in the Devonport Ferry Terminal or hire a scooter from Scootours Devonport.

Devonport has a very popular Beach front and you’ll be enchanted by the gorgeous old villas lining the streets.

6. Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World:

If you’re travelling with children, and you really want to keep them entertained for a while, this will delight them and give you a much welcomed break to also relax and enjoy the sights.

7. Sky City Tower:

Only travellers with NO fear of heights, need apply for this one (not for me, thank you!). I do know that my customers are thrilled by the views from New Zealand’s tallest man-made structure. Adrenaline junkies love travelling in the glass-fronted lifts to the viewing platforms and testing their nerve with a skywalk round the pergola or a sky jump off the Tower!

8. Waitakere Ranges and Westcoast Beaches:

A comprehensive explore of these aeas are probably best done with a local tour company/guide. Muriwai and Piha Beach are very beautiful and well worth a visit, but if you’re up for a swim, be sure to keep within the flags.

9. Waiheke Island:

This beautiful island is only a 40min ride by Ferry from Auckland’s CBD -if you have some spare time, and maybe interested in stunning “reds” (wine!), then this “lifestyle + holiday island” is for you. To really explore the area, you need a car. I would suggest joining a wine tour or a private tour where you can relax while being driven around and shown some very special wineries and scenery.

10. Auckland’s restaurant and cafe scene:

If you’re serious about your caffeine and enjoy world-class cuisine, then downtown Auckland is the place to be. There are too many to mention here but let’s just say you’ll certainly be presented with some fantastic dining options. There’s Sean Connolly’s restaurant, The Grill, The Depot, The French Café, The Grove…oh and let’s not forget Monsoon Poon, our fav.

The suburb of Ponsonby is renowned for it’s excellent range of quality ethnic restaurants. Personally, I love the smaller, locally owned cafes outside the CBD (not the coffee house chains thankyou!). In my opinion, the best bread can be found at Olaf’s Artisan Bakery & Cafe in Mt. Eden. (Germans, take note!)

These top 10 things are only a small fraction of what really is available in Auckland. There are a number of centrally located hotels I’d recommend, mainly in the viaduct harbour area – such as the Sebel Suites, Hilton Heritage Hotel or Sky City Hotels. For the true “heart” of the city and it’s people you’ll probably need to explore the suburbs which offer a more personalised experience.

Happy travelling in Auckland!