Why should you choose Auckland?
Auckland, the major city of the North Island of New Zealand is built around a harbor. The heart of Auckland city offers a world class experience in a compact area: cultural diversity, all kind of events, fashion, art and culture, nightlife and dining experiences. But most of it, for me was an experience that left a lot of good memories, experiences and a feeling that I want to go there again, because there are some things left undiscovered.
So here are some reasons that put Auckland on the “to do” holidays list:
- Sky Tower as the 200 meters high symbol of the city, where either you choose a panoramic view or for brave hearts a jumping experience
- Auckland’s iconic aquarium
- Auckland Museum that has a significant collection of Maori treasures (taonga). The taonga, the ancestral representations of all major tribes of Aotearoa, provide descendants links to their history and the people that came before them. They embody spiritual power in terms of mana (ancestral authority), tapu (restriction of everyday being) and korero (associated narratives), these tonga continue to be viewed as key symbols of tribal identity by Maori today
- A night market can be quite a gem because you can join locals for delicious dishes from around the world, see arts, crafts, jewelry and more. A great atmosphere with more than 200 stalls, more than one night market to choose
- Dinning is also very pleasant because you will meet friendly people, good food, some pubs encourage to let your hidden talents to be seen
- Walking on the streets and mingle with the locals will give a pleasant feeling
- Albert Sanford fish market, built in 1890, located in the harbor of Auckland brings nowadays fresh seafood sold by numerous retailers. You will see a boutique food market, restaurant, café and the popular Auckland Seafood School. You can even try cooking lessons and try different seafood recipes
- A walk through Auckland harbor
- If is Auckland, is New Zealand, so you should know about haka, which is a traditional war dance performed by a group with specific movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. Originally haka was performed by Maori warriors, but nowadays is a practice of New Zealand rugby team All Blacks
- O lot of islands around that can be visited, I recommend Rangitoto, as the youngest volcanic island in Hauraki Golf (emerged from the sea just 600 years ago) and also pest-free, so special rules visiting should apply, very close to Auckland city. Rangitoto is a favorite location for walkers; you can choose some trails for hiking and also a loved boating destination. Rangitoto and its neighbor Motutapu Island are now a safe pest free haven for precious native flora and fauna. The most popular summit track climbs the world’s largest pohutukawa forest. The peak is 259 meters above sea level and offers you spectacular panoramic views of Auckland and Hauraki Gulf. If you feel adventurous you can hire a kayak and you can explore Rangitoto
- Another island is Waiheke as the home to a number of wineries and vineyards and also beautiful beaches just 40 minutes ferry ride away of Auckland
- Rotoroa Island is a special one, once used as alcohol and drug rehabilitation in the care of the Salvation Army. You can enjoy a day here: swimming, picnic, explore sandy beaches or walking trails. Also some heritage buildings such as the original school house and jail can be visited
- Devenport is a lovely village just 12 minutes away from Auckland, by ferry is famous for its collection of Victorian villas, friendly people, boutique shopping. Devenport was named after naval based in England and is the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy
- It is a must a day trip to Matamata. Why? Because the lush farm land of the Hamilton-Waikato region, famous for dairy products and horses, green hills were inspirations to The Shire and chosen for Hobbiton Movie Set. If you are a Lord of the Rings and hobbit fan you will want to visit to see Frodo’s house, the Green Dragon inn. Matamata i-site located on the main street of the town is the perfect spot to begin your tour and find out what else you can do around
- Kiwi is what you will hear or see in New Zealand because is the nickname used for people from this country, which derives from the flightless bird kiwi-the symbol of New Zealand
Sneak peek:
