New Zealand....Auckland...?

Question

Im heading off soon for a 2 week holiday to see my friend in New Zealnd - she lives in Auckland. Does anyone have some great tips on what I definitely should not leave off my "to see" list, as I only have 2 weeks there, I want to make the most of it....

Answer 1

Aotea Square, and Queen Street - the hub of downtown Auckland, often the site of crafts markets, rallies or arts festivals.
Botany Town Centre, Howick - a complete shopping complex, one of the largest in Auckland includes a cinema, bowling alley, food court and many shops to visit.
Britomart Transport Centre - the downtown train and bus centre housed in a historical building.
Eden Park - the city's primary stadium and a frequent home for All Blacks rugby and Black Caps cricket matches.
Harbour Bridge - connecting Auckland and the North Shore is an iconic symbol of Auckland.
Karangahape Road - known as K' Road, a street in upper central Auckland, famous for its bars, clubs and smaller shops.
Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World - a well-known Auckland aquarium in the eastern Mission Bay suburb, built in a set of former sewage storage tanks, and showing fish like Sharks.
MOTAT - Aucklands Museum for Transport and Technology, with its main site at Western Springs.
Mount Eden - a volcanic cone with a grassy crater, it offers a nice view of Auckland and the surrounding area, being the highest point in Auckland and a famous tourist destination.
Mt Smart Stadium - a stadium used mainly for rugby league and soccer matches. Also used for concerts.
Mount Victoria, although slightly out-of-the-way for the casual tourist, offers a spectacular view of the city. A brisk walk from the Devonport Ferry terminal, the cone is steeped in history as is the nearby North Head.
One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) - a volcanic cone which dominates the skyline in the southern, inner suburbs. It no longer has a tree on the summit, instead being crowned by an obelisk.
Ponsonby Road - a road (and suburb) west of central Auckland known for arts, cafes and culture.
Rangitoto Island - guards the entrance to Waitemata Harbour, and forms a prominent feature on the eastern horizon.
Sky Tower - the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, stands 328 m tall.
Sylvia Park - a shopping complex in Mount Wellington opened in June 2006. Once completed it will become one of the largest malls in the southern hemisphere. It contains the largest Warehouse store in New Zealand.
Viaduct Basin - a marina in downtown Auckland, venue for the America's Cup regatta 2000 and 2003. It is now a thriving commercial centre and has many new upscale residential buildings.
Western Springs Stadium - a natural amphitheatre used mainly for speedway races, rock and pop concerts

Answer 2

All of the first posters suggestions are fab, can i add Auckland Museum. There is a Maori culture show that's not to be missed, extra charge but well worth it.
The view from Mount Eden helps you get your bearings, Auckland geography can be a bit confusing!
The big kid in me really enjoyed Kelly Tarlton's, especially the ride through the penguin enclosure.
Check out the dining options at the Sky Tower (orbit or The Observatory), very very nice food and an excellent treat - just check it comes in on your budget on their website.
If you or your friend drives, The Coramandel Peninsula is a great place for the scenery - gives you a taste of what you can see on the South Island, don't forget your camera.
If you are staying anywhere near Howick you can get the ferry to and from Auckland City from Half Moon Bay, there is parking there (the sailing club have designated parking spaces so be careful were you park - fines) and it beats the traffic.
You won't quite be making the summer season so don't forget to pack some warm/waterproof clothes, and comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking.
I am so jealous, any room in the suitcase?
Have a great time - Sunday is a good day for house hunting if you get the urge to stay out there!

Answer 3

Auckland is a great city, but if you have the time and a little money, it is definitely worth exploring some other parts of this wonderful country.

I booked some internal flights with Air NZ on my trip and they we really cheap and enabled me to see a whole load of things in a short time. The Coromandel Peninsula is only a couple of hours by car from Auckland and is pretty and relaxing.

For me though, the best is in the South Island - take a heli trip and land on the one of the Glaciers (Frans Josef or Fox) or head down to Doubtful Sound for undiluted beauty and serenity.

Check out some amazing panoramic images of some of these sites at http://www.360travelguide.com/listimage.asp?StartNum=1&CountrySelect=New+Zealand&LocSelect=All+Locations

Answer 4

There is so much to do!!! You'll be struggling to fit it all in. Most peopel have said things really close to auckland but if you can travel further afield try walking the tongariro crossing and ger down to rotorua for some amazing Maori culture. Paihai is a cool place just to chill out on the beach and should be pretty warm by now. THe west coast out at Piha is pretty cool too, but my favourite place is just chilling out in DevonporT. Some good hills to walk up and great cafe culture. If you see a Scottish guy with a mohican say hello. It's me!!!!!

Answer 5

I havent been to the North Island but if time allows and you are able to travel try and get down to the Egmont National Park. If its something you'd nomally visit apparently its wonderful. Also if you got swept up in Lord of the Rings film trilogy, there's a location guide book which tells you what was filmed where. Maybe it could help to add some interest to your trip. The people who live there are just lovely too.

The south island is a must, but go there when you go back.....and you will want to!

Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 6

You can jump off the Sky Tower attached to a rip-line thingey

http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/skycity/index.cfm?5FB84201-50BA-1DC3-6503-2FD86214423F

Do you plan to go outside of Auckland. If so there is the Hole in the Rock which is further north. You access it by boat (more money to pay out)

Answer 7

Answers will always be subjective. So, ask your friend her wish list. Do some of it together. You must have a gut feeling for your own special wish. Follow that if you can. Whatever you do you will not be disapointed. The country is great. The people warm and welcoming. Its worth every minute of the flight.

Answer 8

i have just returned from auckland and i believe that there are two things not to miss. one is to go on an auckland harbour cruise and the other one is to go to the top or just see the sky tower at night.

Answer 9

Take a trip across to Waiheke Island, it's beautiful.

Answer 10

Easiest trip up the east/pacific side of the Coromandel.