Auckland is a sprawling city bursting with colour and activity. Famously known as the City of Sails – A name which has deep roots in history – Auckland is a rambling metropolitan area with many sights to see and many activities to engage in. From art galleries full of amazing exhibits to serene beaches and parks lush with greenery, Auckland also offers excellent food and wine adventures.
Adventure and leisure go neck and neck in Auckland City. Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Rainbow’s End Theme Park are two places in Auckland that you won’t regret devoting a whole day to. Kelly Tarlton’s in a marine marvel devoted to the protection and appreciation of New Zealand’s coastal marine life and it offers a wide range of activities for all visitors. Rainbow’s End is fully loaded with many roller coasters and ride, ideal for the whole family to spend the day at. However, if you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping and heart beat racing, the Auckland Bridge Climb and the Auckland Bungee Jump is the most ideal setting for you. The bridge offers stunning views of Auckland city while the plunging bungee jump will have you screaming in delight as your body reaches high velocities.
Sightseeing is not just an option when you are in Auckland – its must-do! Although every site in Auckland is worth paying a visit to, the All Saint’s Church and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery are exceptional. New Zealand’s second oldest church, this quaint little building is tucked in to a picturesque landscape brimming with flowers. For a taste of something sweeter, the Chelsea Sugar Refinery should be paid a visit to as it is the main source of New Zealand’s sugar products.
Parks seem to call to you at every corner and turn in Auckland City. The raving metropolis is abundant with parks of all types, be it picnic parks, nature parks, gardens or even animal parks. The Auckland Botanic Gardens, Ayrlies and Cornwall Park are verdant with greenery and are ideal for a day of serenity. You can while away several hours strolling through the paths of vibrant flowers and sheltering trees, taking time to absorb the affluent plant life on New Zealand. The Mangemangeroa Reserve in Howick however, is a little more adventurous. Sprawling over miles and miles of forests and fields, the Mangemangeroa Reserve is an ideal place to spend the day hiking and admiring wildlife.
If you are a beach aficionado and you are adherent to the feel of the sand, waves and sunlight; Auckland offers many sea side towns with beautiful beach getaways. Cheltenham Beach, Muriwai Beach, Half Moon Bay are all idyllic settings with amazing soft sand shores and tranquil waters. The expanse of blue that blurs to towards the horizon and not to mention the clear sunsets and gentle waves are sure to be a memorable and soothing experience during your stay in Auckland. All the beaches are brimming with marine life and vantage points from the hills surrounding the beaches offer fantastic views of the coastal towns.
Food, wine and art – the three are so intertwined with each other in Auckland. From the Clevedon Chocolate Shop to the Indian restaurant Athidi on Parnell and the Classic Comedy and Bar are some of the many places in Auckland that offers the unique blend of fun and great food. The food culture in Auckland has been influenced by so many different colonies and nationalities that reside within the nation and therefore it is correct to say that Auckland offers you a truly international and wonderfully diverse selection of dining choices. From simple rustic cooking to fine dining, Auckland has everything to please the taste buds of even the pickiest eater. Alongside the rich food culture, Auckland is famous for its many vineyards. As a result, there are many wine tours available where you get to visit the vineyards and sample the rich wines. Cable Bay Vineyards is reputed as being one of the finest wine makers in all of New Zealand and they are well known for their excellent chardonnay. For any wine connoisseur, the Auckland vineyards would be a paradise. In addition, the plentiful art galleries are also excellent if you are looking to spend a day admiring the works of many famous painters, sculptors and other artists in New Zealand. The Fresh Gallery Otara and Gabriella Lewenz are ideal places to visit for a taste of contemporary art.
Auckland offers a wide range of quality of accommodation and there is many a hotel in Auckland that would surge to meet your needs, with excellent hospitality and affordable prices. Auckland New Zealand hotel choices are unlimited and the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City is ideal to facilitate your stay in Auckland.
