Sky Tower – an unforgettable sight


With its shimmering beaches and diverse culture Auckland is sure to captivate the hearts of visitors from all walks of life. And the Sky Tower is definitely one of the best places to appreciate the alluring charms this astoundingly beautiful twin-harbor-city has to offer.

Popularly known as the “city of sails”, with the sheltered Waitemata Harbor at its doorstep dotted with hundreds of yachts, Auckland boasts of many nautical events and is the most lively and multicultural city in New Zealand.

Located between the Waitemata and Manukau harbour, its geography is such that glistening waters seem to beckon from every point. It is a water lover’s paradise, with some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and other water sports in the country. It’s a place where everyone lives within a 30 minute drive of white sand beaches, lush rainforest, over 20 regional parks and a maritime playground embracing 50 islands. Nevertheless, with a landscape dominated by volcanic hills, and breathtaking scenery, exciting nightlife and alternative shopping experience from Queen Street to flea markets and other diverse attractions has made Auckland, much more than merely a hotspot for the seasoned sailor.

One such attraction is the Sky Tower, offering spectacular views over all of Auckland. At 328 meters in height, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand with three unforgettable viewing platforms and Auckland’s only 360-degree rotating restaurant. The viewing platforms are accessed by way of glass-fronted lifts, which can whiz up the tower in a speedy 40 seconds! The Main Observation levels features state-of-the-art technology, providing live weather updates and touch screen computers containing geographical data while the Outdoor Viewing Platform consists of high-powered binoculars and is clearly not for the faint hearted! The highest public observation area is the Sky Deck, with seamless glass that provides 360-degree unobstructed views that simply take one’s breath away. For more thrills and excitement visitors can Skywalk round the pergola at 192 meters up or for a greater rush, simply Sky Jump off the tower, which is one of Auckland City’s “don’t miss!” experiences.

Auckland city makes a great base for exploring North Island scenic highlights such as Cape Reinga, The Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo and a stay in one of the many hotels in Auckland would complete the total ‘Kiwi experience’. The Langham Auckland is one of the better known hotels Auckland NZ that is a haven of tranquility in this vibrant city, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the commercial center and waterfront, one mile from Sky Tower, and approximately 15 miles from Auckland International Airport.

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Dart River Jet Safaris, a thrilling diversion

Dart River jet safaris in the environs of Queenstown is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that will linger in your memory long after your trip to Queenstown is over. The safaris combine everything that makes New Zealand a fantastic holiday destination; exciting jet boating in the wilderness, awe-inspiring scenery, exploration of the Maori heritage and the all-encompassing spirit of adventure. The safari will take the participant into the untouched depths of Mt. Aspiring National Park and the lovely Dart River valley.

Excursions will take the traveller from the vicinity of Queenstown to the frontier town of Glenorchy and the wilderness beyond. The visitor will have the opportunity to traverse areas of pristine wilds which cannot be reached in any other way. The fascinating nature of the reaches of the exquisite landscapes of New Zealand will mesmerize the traveller. The picturesque and distinctive countryside is rich in cultural and natural treasures and is steeped in the legends of the native Maori.

The journey will take the sightseer on the route taken by the first residents of this magical land, the pioneering Maori who first laid eyes on this ruggedly picturesque land. These early inhabitants found food and shelter here and discovered the all-important greenstone (‘pounamu’) which was used to make weapons, tools and jewellery; this substance has now become an icon of New Zealand.

The status of Mt. Aspiring National Park as a national treasure has been confirmed by its designation by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The park is considered to date back to around 80 million years and contains some of the world’s most distinctive native forests and glaciated landforms.

The Wilderness Safari will thrill the traveller with a combination of jet boating in the secluded wilderness, a drive through tranquil trails in a 4WD vehicle and a serene guided walk through ancient forests. There is also the option of the Funyak Safari where the visitor will be able to travel in the one of a kind inflatable canoes known as ‘Funyaks’.

When selecting Queenstown accommodation an obvious choice is the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. This fine hotel is one of the convenient Queenstown ski resorts offering comfortable rooms and friendly service.

Arts in Christchurch

Experience the local culture at the Arts Centre. Housed in the former home of the University of Canterbury, this is the place to visit to experience the true native culture. Being a hub for entertainment, arts and food the area is a favourite haunt of locals as well as visitors to the city.

The Centre is home to some of the best galleries, theatres and eateries in the area and is also host to special events and festivals. So it all depends on the time of the year but all year round visitors are assured of a unique experience showcasing the intriguing local culture. And if you happen to be visiting over a weekend, you are in luck, as this is the most happening event here.

The weekend market held at the Arts Centre is where you are promised great loots and treasures to take back home. The lively market complements the daily ware of New Zealand art and craft products by offering unique articles. Apart from shopping for jewellery, pottery, Maori carvings and handmade toys, and even at times actually watch the locate crafts-persons turning out their treasures, visitors are also afforded live music by buskers and delectable food at an international food fair. Rain or shine the Arts Centre promises this pulsating market every weekend throughout the year.

If you are a food lover the best day to visit is on a Friday. Friday being ‘Friday Farmers’ Market’, the Centre is filled with local fresh produce. Local artisan foods, breads, honey, wine and organic foods are some of the popular items on sale here. Also available are fare made using local fresh produce such as smoothies, juices, cakes and pies. The ware differs weekly and seasonally as it is a market place for fresh produce. Visitors can also treat themselves to the great Friday lunch at the Market.

Visitors to the area are guaranteed great lodging options. Be it a luxury hotel or budget hotel, Christchurch features the whole range and promises modern amenities with any type of accommodation. For a 4 star hotel, Christchurch city area boasts great accommodation options at the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch City which affords luxury accommodation and modern amenities.

Auckland Zoo- bringing nature that much closer


Considered as one of the best zoos in the Australasian region the Auckland Zoo is truly unique. Apart from the exhibits and rare species of animals on display, the zoo even offers safari sleep-overs on certain occasions and even live bands playing.
One of Auckland’s major attractions is the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand. This zoo is not just a store house for some amazing species of animals, buts its also been identified as a progressive institution.
The zoo is one of the few places where the country’s more native species of animals could be found. Arriving at the zoo is relatively easy, since it’s a popular landmark in downtown Auckland, anyone should be able to direct visitors there. If not, then travelers just need to get on an Explorer Bus which will drop tourists at its door step.
Another plus point about the zoo is that it is next to the Museum of Transport and Technology as well as the Western Springs Reserve. Travellers can make a day out with a trip to the zoo, since a tram service operates between the museum and the zoo.
Some of the more popular exhibits at the zoo include the ‘Sealion and Penguin Shores’, ‘Bank of New Zealand Kiwi’ and the ‘Animal Planet Elephant Clearing’. The latter exhibit is where visitors get to view the behavior of New Zealand’s only Asian elephants. And if visitors are lucky enough they could even catch a glimpse of the elephants on a stroll in the zoo.
The Bank of New Zealand Kiwi is a special exhibit for those visitors who are non natives of New Zealand as the country’s national bird is the major star of the show. Along with this exhibit is the lizard like species, commonly referred to as ‘living fossils’. The Tuatara are a unique species and not every zoo will feature them, so being able to have a glimpse of them is to be considered as being fortunate.
The Australian bird aviary is the haven of bird enthusiasts. Here visitors will be able to feed rainbow lorikeets. Another not to be missed exhibition is the walkabout. This exhibit was made popular by those traveling with families, as they get an opportunity to get up close with animals like Kangaroos and Emus, making the visit to the Auckland Zoo extra special.
If that’s not all, the Wild Bean Café at the zoo plays live music, and features different bands. During certain occasions Safari sleep overs for families are held making the experience to the Auckland zoo a truly unique one.
To see more sites about town, checking into one of the centrally located Auckland hotels is most convenient. The Langham Hotel Auckland offers some exquisite accommodation and facilities which set it apart from other Auckland luxury hotels.

Otara Market: A Penny Pincher’s Kiwi Dream


Owing to its sun-kissed landscapes along stretches of prime beachfronts, Auckland well- deserves its title as the City of Sails. Spread out amidst the Manukau and Waitemata‘s picturesque ports the city is a hub of natural wonder with its cascading hills, lush rainforests and volcanic mountains. Home to the proud heritage of the Maori community, Auckland is a modern day metropolis that encompasses a mainly Polynesian, Asian and South Pacific islander population.
Renowned as one of New Zealand’s most popular holiday destination the locale offers a wide range of attractions such as Rangitoto Island, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Sky Tower, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World as well as the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge.
With some of the nation’s premier designer clothing outlets, Auckland is also a shopper’s paradise where one will be spoilt for choice. The trendy shop fronts along Queen Street and High Street, famed for their exclusive collections while the Ponsonby, Newmarket and Parnell boutiques are also available. Department store fanatics can hit the suburbs where Albany Westfield, St Lukes, Botany Downs and Sylvia Park are located in addition to the DFS Galleria.
Those who are looking for a bargain can do no better than Auckland’s quaint street markets where one finds not just an authentic Kiwi shopping experience but local goods galore. Dubbed Manukau’s premier attraction, Auckland’s Otara Market welcomes a staggering 5000 shoppers each Saturday with its impressive collections of art, jewellery, crafts, clothes, music and fresh produce. A fantastic display of Polynesian customs is not all that’s on offer at his bustling outdoor market as Asian, Pakeha, Pacific Island and Maori vendors line the colorful streets of the Otara Market in a melting pot of culture and vibrancy.
You can find anything from humorously captioned t-shits to conventional Tapa wear as well as quilts and pacific island handicrafts alongside CD’s, jewels and fashionable attire. Stroll along the over 250 storefronts of the Otara Market while listening to the pulsating beats of Pacific Island music and the scintillating aromas of Chinese pork buns, over-fresh rewana bread and Cook Island doughnuts.
A stunning collection of fresh flowers are also sold here while Chinese and Indian food stalls offering a myriad of scrumptious treats are also available. The finest fresh produce in Auckland also finds its way to this pleasant market where food connoisseurs are sure to find the ingredients for their next culinary masterpiece.
Having launched the career of fashion houses such as Dawn Raid Streetwear who first set up shop at the Otara Market , this meandering, ever-growing bazaar is a bargain hunter’s dream come true as the best that Auckland has to offer is for sale here at a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to luxurious Auckland hotels it is difficult to surpass The Langham Auckland. Ideally located, this comfortable Auckland hotel serves as the perfect base for holidaymakers and corporate travellers.

Auckland Multipass – Explore the Amazing Attractions in the City of Sails


Auckland is truly an amazing city offering a wide range of things to do. The city boasts of many modern attractions that are sure to leave a memorable experience on one’s mind. Visit four leading attractions in the City of Sails and experience Auckland’s true spirit.

Auckland with its cosmopolitan vibe and modern urban landscape provides its visitors many activities and things to indulge in. The city is a melting pot of cultures and communities exuding exciting flare for diversity. Breathtaking sceneries and nature trails to modern entertainment hotspots and theme parks are all part of what you would be able to experience while at this amazing city.

The city is a popular tourist destination and there is much to explore and experience. The Auckland Multipass is a ticket that helps any tourist to visit the many exciting attractions in the city, offering easy and convenient access to many of the leading attractions in Auckland. The Multipass provides access to a number of attractions in Auckland such as Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Rainbows End Theme Park, Sky Tower and Fullers Cruises.

Rainbows End is a premier theme park covering 23 acres located just off Southern Mortorway at Manukau. The park is home to a range of exciting rides such as Corkscrew Coaster, Goldrush, Enchanted Forest Log Flume, Motion Master and Fearfall just to name a few.

The Sky Tower is a monumental structure in Auckland rising up to a staggering 220 meters above the city providing spectacular panoramic views of the city. Guests could gain access to the observation deck consisting of 3 separate viewing platforms and the popular Sky Jump. The tower’s 3 restaurants will also offer an exciting and a memorable dinning experience with the city of Auckland gleaming below you.

Kelly Tarltons Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is an exciting destination for both kids and adults. The place is designed representing life and environment in the Antarctic where guest will be able to discover and observe colonies of penguins playing in real ice and snow. The guests could further go beneath the ocean in a tunnel and come face to face with sharks and even visit the Stingray Bay which offers up close views of the magnificent Sting Rays with their large wingspans and long barbed tails.

Fullers Cruise Centre will offer the guests a memorable harbor cruise with the opportunity to explore and enjoy amazing nature treks and breathtaking views in the Rangototo Island. While on the island you can take a leisure trek to discover breathtaking views of the city with spectacular 360 degree views of Auckland and Hauraki Gulf islands.

The Auckland Multipass offers a cost effective, convenient way to explore these amazing attractions during your stay in the “City of Sails”. The pass can be obtained at any of the four attractions or from an i-SITE visitor information centre. When planning your stay at an Auckland hotel make sure that you select the best place that offers convenient access to these wonderful attractions in the city. The Langham Auckland is a great luxury Auckland hotel providing excellent service and facilities.

Glenfern Sanctuary – New Zealand’s hidden and magical world of nature at its best

A nature lovers’ paradise, the Glenfern Sanctuary is home to native New Zealand wildlife that is very rare and unique, and is a popular tourist destination in Auckland. This lush green world is found on Great Barrier Island on the Kotuku Peninsula, and is a safe haven where many endangered and rare native species can be found. Much hard work carried on over years have gone into the creation of this eco system that is based on reforesting the area with rare native plant life and the eradication of pests such as rabbits and cats that oppose it. A trip to the place makes for a great day of relaxing family fun that can be both educational and entertaining.

Upon visiting the Glenfern Sanctuary, you will be transported in to another world where lush greenery and exotic bird life blends in to create a peaceful coexistence. The site contains over 9,000 trees, whilst rare bird species such as the brown teal, chevron skink, black petrel and kaka can be found. Much of the attractions to be viewed and experienced during your visit can be accomplished by taking a sanctuary guided walk.
The exciting sanctuary guided walk begins by taking a ride up Sunset Hill in an all terrain army vehicle. From the top of the hill you are able to take in the amazing view of the 60 acre sanctuary. A trail starts off from here which leads you along the top of the ridge and then branches off to the Kauri Tree Walk. Along the walk, you can enjoy the beauty of native plants and explore a mature lowland forest that has many unique plants and trees. The best part of the walk is still ahead where a suspension bridge leads you to the crown of a 600 year old Kauri tree. A platform accessible by ladder can be ascended to gain an amazing view of the Port FitzRoy.
As you make your way back down the valley, rare birds that exist only in this part world like the black petrel seabird can be seen in its nest. Lush trees that include old nikau, taraire and kohekohe trees can also been seen in their habitat, whilst there is a unique old puriri tree that has a face like image in its trunk. The walk back to the starting point continues to be exciting as you take in the charm of Mother Nature and head back to the starting point by crossing several bridges over a stream.
Tourists looking for elegant and modern accommodation should certainly book themselves into one of the luxurious Auckland hotels on offer. A well known and popular choice of stay is the Langham Hotel Auckland. This hotel makes for a great base from which to explore Auckland and its surrounding beauty.

One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) – One of Auckland’s Most Prominent Volcanic Peaks

One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) is a prominent landmark and volcanic peak in Auckland that today stands as a tourist attraction with its lush greenery and beautiful setting. Ideal for hiking and enjoying nature, the site is also believed to be the place where important Maori fortifications once stood.

An important landmark in New Zealand, One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) is a prominent volcanic peak in Auckland. Standing at a majestic height of 182 meters, it is one of the largest volcano mounts in the city and is believed to have last erupted approximately 20,000 years ago. The name One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) translates to mean ‘mountain of the kiekie’ and is thought to be an important Maori sight. Today plenty of tourists as well as locals frequent this beautiful leisure site that is covered with lush greenery and flowers.

Unlikely to erupt again, at One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) you are still able to see the place where the Maori fortifications once stood, signified by an oval crater and other remnants. A climb to the top of the peak is worth it, as from here you can have an unprecedented view over the Auckland city and Auckland’s 2 main harbours.

A beautiful landscaped park known as Cornwall Park lies on the scoria cone of One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie). Filled with lush greenery and mature trees, it is a great place for relaxing and walking. Within the park, attractions like the Acacia Cottage which is a long standing timber structure in the country, and the Stardome Observatory which has a planetarium and 2 telescopes can be visited.

Ideal for hiking and enjoying nature, a trip to One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) is highly recommended for those visiting Auckland. It will give you the rare chance to explore a volcano up close and unwind in this perfect natural haven.

Tourists looking for an Auckland luxury hotel to stay at when visiting the Auckland city can stay at the Langham Auckland hotel. This hotel is a preferred choice amid other Auckland hotels due to its excellent standards, and contemporary and elegant charm.

Unique underwater experience at Kelly Tarlton’s


Built in 1985 within a period of 10 months – Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is a unique aquarium with innovative tunnel viewing of marine life as well as Antarctic creatures. The place is a must for the whole family.

Fondly known as the ‘number 8 wire’, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World should not be missed by anyone who has a fascination for marine life and shares a passion for viewing these creatures up close.

The underwater world is a popular aquarium in Auckland, and was created by marine diver and archeologist Kelly Tarlton. A unique feature of the aquarium is that it was built using old sewage storage tanks.

The aquarium came up with a new method of acrylic shaping that permitted tunnels to be created as a pose to flat panel viewing. The main features are Antarctic Encounter and the Underwater World. Upon entering the aquarium tourists will walk into the Antarctic Encounter and will be able to view King Penguins and Gentoo Penguins that live in the aquarium’s temperature controlled habitats.

Within this area tourists will come across a restored Captain Robert Scott‘s hut which as it was during a tragic expedition to the South Pole in 1912. The tour doesn’t end here as tourists get to experience a thrilling ride on a Snowcat which passes through the penguins’ compound. The ride also features other aspects which all related to the theme of ‘Antarctic Encounter’.

Underwater world which was the first section to be developed in the aquarium has a 110 metre tunnel made out of its unique acrylic base, and is divided into two sections. Each section is designed to accommodate 200 species. The first section exhibits sharks, while the second accommodates schooling fish breeds. Separate sections have been created for species like octopus, sea horses, moray eels, crayfish, piranhas etc.

Tourists wishing to combine a visit to the aquarium and the Auckland museum on the same day will find it convenient to travel around if accommodation is near by. The Langham Hotel Auckland offers guests a central location as it is situated in downtown Auckland and four blocks away from the Auckland museum. Auckland luxury hotels such as this one cater to a range of travellers.

Auckland’s fascinating whale and dolphin safari


Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, a highly cosmopolitan centre with significant numbers of foreign ethnicities among the Anglo-Saxon majority. It is aptly called the ‘City of Sails’ as its unique location with two major harbours makes it a magnet for marine adventurers of every description. Auckland has been named as having among the best quality of life when compared with global cities.

Originally a Maori settlement, European domination began with the purchase of the city’s site by Joseph Brooks Weller. Subsequently William Hobson, the Governor of New Zealand, selected the site to be his capital, and named it after the Viceroy of India, George Eden, Earl of Auckland.

A whale and dolphin safari is a mesmerizing adventure that will be on every visitor’s list of things to do at Auckland. The specially designed vessels, often catamarans take the visitor out into the tranquil waters of the Hauraki Gulf to observe these fascinating marine mammals at close range. The sight of dolphins engaging in their playful games or a mighty whale surfacing to breathe must rank among nature’s most memorable displays. Sometimes the spectacle of whales, dolphins and seabirds feeding at the same time thrills the beholder.

The Hauraki Gulf is considered to be one of the world’s richest marine parks, with no less than 22 species of marine life inhabiting the area. Additionally the cruise takes the traveller to experience a sea view of the Auckland area and the surrounding islands. On the rare occasion of dolphins or whales not being seen on the tour, the tour agency will often provide another ticket free of charge. The tour crew are highly experienced professionals with an intimate knowledge of the area and its creatures. Often a guide will provide a commentary on the sites of biological and historical interest. Drinks and snacks may be purchased on board.

A visitor seeking an Auckland hotel need look no further than The Langham Auckland. Distinctive among Auckland hotels, the establishment offers five-star luxury and all modern facilities and amenities, a peaceful haven in the port city.