When in Auckland the number of activities to indulge in will no doubt be endless, but for those who aren’t afraid of heights then a balloon ride with an amazing aerial view of Auckland is an experience not to be missed. It’s the best seat in town.

Floating above Auckland’s majestic landscapes and the wind to ruffle one’s hair with a view to thrill is what awaits those who venture on a balloon safari.

Whether it be a winter morning, if it is clear enough there isn’t a better view of the surrounding area in Auckland – its cities, islands and beautiful beaches than from a basket of a balloon.
Some companies offer balloons as tall as 110 feet and have the capacity to carry about 8 people at a time. Whatever the reason, a hot air balloon ride is a fantastic way to experience Auckland.

Also when venturing into a balloon basket it would be a good idea to make sure the pilots come licensed by the Aviation Authority of New Zealand. For weary first timers this piece of knowledge will set minds at ease as licensed crews are known to maintain high safety standards. Typical pilots maintain constant radio contact between Air Traffic Controllers as well as ground crew.

So, when in the air a camera is must, extra batteries and film are essential. Since the air upwards is the same as that on the ground no additional clothing is necessary, although a flat pair of shoes would be make the journey more comfortable.

The duration of the flight is usually one hour or at the discretion of the pilot. But travellers should leave at least 4 hours aside of their day when a balloon ride is on the cards. And on landing, celebrations are in order and many balloon companies are more than willing to treat participants to some bubbly and snacks.

The plus points of an aerial view from a hot air balloon is that since the air inside the balloon is heated it becomes lighter than that of the air on the outside and so the lifting of the balloon is very gentle. The normal buzzing sound of an aircraft engine is no where to be heard and those traveling won’t have their ears popping. Since the movement of the balloon is compatible with the speed of the wind the atmosphere inside the balloon is very calm.

After some light entertainment of a balloon ride, if shopping is next on the list then staying at one of the central Auckland hotels would make getting about more convenient and saves time to fit in more activities. There are many Auckland luxury hotels to stay at and the Langham Hotel Auckland is not only central to shopping and business districts but also within walking distance to the Auckland Domain and War Memorial Museum.

The Glenfern Sanctuary is a natural paradise that is home to native New Zealand wildlife that includes trees, plants and exotic birds. Much of what the place has to offer can be ideally seen through a guided sanctuary walk. A trip here makes for a great day of relaxing family fun that can be both educational and entertaining.

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 luxurious Auckland hotels to stay in whilst holidaying in the city can stay at the Langham Hotel Auckland. This hotel makes for a great base from which to explore Auckland from a contemporary and relaxing base.

Auckland is a vibrant city with many attractions and things to do. The city has much to offer with serene beaches, great nature walks, excellent holiday islands, great food and wine along with an exciting nightlife and shopping opportunities. This modern cosmopolitan city fondly dubbed as the “City of Sails” due to its close association with the sea, blends the traits of nature with an exciting urban landscape. The city is bordered by the sea and a cloak of rainforest from the surrounding hills providing a breathtaking landscape ideal for a holiday seeker.

The city is renowned for many activities; amongst them are the exciting shopping opportunities in many of Auckland’s markets. On Saturday and Sunday mornings visitors can go through the best of craft, flea and farmers markets that are scattered throughout offering bargains in various products and items.

Albany Farmers’ Market is a great place offering a range of products from fresh vegetables to chocolates and even natural health products. The market is held on first and third Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm at the Albany Hall in Liberty Lane. Coatsville Market is growing in popularity and is best known for its delicious culinary offerings. The market has almost 100 stalls selling various types of cakes, exotic foods, clothing, arts and crafts. The market is located at Coatsville Reserve and is open on first Sunday of every month from 10am to 3pm. Collectors Market Remuera held every Sunday at Commerce Club in Remura is a great place to look for antiques and collectibles. Seafood Market located at the corner of Madden and Daldy Streets is the only seven-day fresh food market, offering a range of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit and premium grade meat. While at the place do not forget to check out their Seafood School which offers an exciting opportunity to learn about various seafood cuisines and enjoy a hearty meal along the way.

These are just a few of the many markets in the city offering a wide range of opportunities to look for fresh food, various collectibles and many authentic arts and crafts. It’s best to plan your stay at one of the many Auckland hotels and do not forget to drop by some of these authentic farmers markets that will truly offer you a memorable experience. Those who plan to explore this exciting city can do so by staying at a luxury Auckland hotel such as The Langham Auckland which offers excellent services and facilities.

The Whitford Bird Garden is a popular spot in New Zealand that is known for showcasing a wide range of natural species and lush greenery. This tropical garden is home to native plant life, exotic birds, different types of Amazonian fish and an art gallery, and is an ideal place for a fun family outing.

If you are interested in exotic birds and lush natural surroundings, the Whitford Bird Garden in Auckland is one of the top places in the city to visit. Home to unique birds, fish and plant life, the Garden will leave you breathless with its tropical natural setting and peaceful existence of nature. Ideal for a family outing, the Garden is one of the more popular ones in New Zealand and is known for showcasing a wide range of natural species and lush greenery.

The Whitford Bird Garden creates a beautiful setting with its lovely orchids, palms and bromeliads that are eye catching. Birds like the fantail, warbler and tui are attracted to nest in this garden as the park is home to native plants where many of these birds’ habitat.

One of the main features of this unique and beautiful garden is a free aviary flight that allows you to view exotic tropical birds. Another highlight of the garden is a large tropical fish pond that is home to different types of Amazonian fish. As you walk around, birds such as ducks, pheasants and quails, as well as turtles, wander freely around the garden.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the art gallery onsite where the owner of the Whitford Bird Garden has his native bird paintings on display. Blake Twigden, the owner, has created a perfect blend of art and nature in this spectacular garden by combining his love for Mother Nature with his in depth knowledge of outdoor life.

There are plenty of Auckland hotels where you can stay in, when visiting the beautiful city of Auckland. A preferred Auckland luxury hotel that is popular among tourists for its great service as well as central location is the Langham Hotel Auckland. This hotel offers premium and classy accommodation that makes for a relaxing haven to enjoy a good vacation.

Renowned as Volcano City with its’ central road ways and suburbs shaped by molten lava routes, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most culturally diverse town. With a growing number of Asians and a massive Polynesian community Auckland is a city lined with trendy metropolitan neighborhoods and lush properties that stretch out for miles.
Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest edifice, the Sky Tower and Mount Eden, the New Zealand National Maritime Museum and picturesque Albert Park are also located in bountiful Auckland. But a trip to Auckland would be incomplete without visiting one of its true superstructures, the Vector Arena. With an impressive 12,000 spectator capacity, this monumental stadium in the heart of Auckland has hosted some of the biggest stars in the field of music, entertainment and sports. Providing varied accommodation for a myriad of events, Vector Arena is also a lyric theatre ideal for intimate musical shows with a limited number of audience members. With retractable and detachable seats the venue is perfect for any event including ice shows, sports events, ballets, orchestral performances and even business conferences.
Built at a cost of 80 million dollars, Vector Arena could be dubbed the Madison Square Garden’s of New Zealand as 200 world class acts performed at its gala opening event back in ’07.Designed with state of the art features and traditional motifs typical of the Maori Iwi, Vector Arena is the ultimate culmination of cultural heritage and modern sophistication. Opened in March ’07, Vector Arena has become a permanent fixture in the international artists’ tour route as the arena has seen over 500,000 fans attend a whopping 70 shows in the stadium’s brief history. World famous acts such as Coldplay, The Black Eyed Peas, Pussycat Dolls and Eric Clapton have graced its stage to date in addition to Carlos Santana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Andrea Bocelli and Def Leppard in a catalogue that encompasses 80 top-notch acts and events such as the WWE Raw Live Tour, Disney on Ice and the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.
The Green Room lounge with its exclusive VIP features is another must-see locale as it offers a private lounge, an exclusive catering staff, Cash Bar and a gourmet menu among other facilities. The private suites at the arena accommodate a minimum of 18 persons while VIP parking spaces are also available.
For scrumptious treats and refreshments, look no further than the Bistro Arena where guests can enjoy meals with views over the city’s breathtaking skyline. There are seven food and beverage stalls in total at the venue serving everything from hotdogs to bubbly champagne.
Accessible by wheelchair, the seating arrangements in the arena have also been built to accommodate those with limited mobility. A Hearing Assistance system is also in place for those with hearing difficulties in addition to braille signs and tactile indications for those with visual disabilities. Conveniently located within close range of the city’s public transportation links such as the Britomart train/bus station and the ferry terminal downtown, the venue is also near public parking spaces while mobility parking and bus parking are available onsite.
The Langham Auckland is ideal for those who are looking for an Auckland hotel close to Auckland’s popular attractions. Comfortable and stylish this elegant rest is undoubtedly one of the nation’s premier Auckland hotels.

The Waitakere Range can be said to be one of Mother Nature’s true oasis on earth. With the breathtaking waterfalls and views from top of the mountain ranges just being priceless, this place should definitely be visited by tourist who really wants to feel the true essence of New Zealand.

New Zealand is a country blessed with an environment that is the envy of many countries, with meadows and mountain ranges spreading as far as the eye can see, New Zealand is undoubtedly a picture postcard country.

And one such picturesque place is the Waitakere Range, located 25km west of Auckland; the Waitakere Range is spread across 16 hectares and several mountain ranges. With many waterfalls, streams, the west coast and rough mountainous terrain being situated here, this is a paradise for that true outdoor loving backpacker visitor.

The park is world renowned with many award winning TV series loved by viewers such as Hercules and Xena being filmed in these very grounds and drawing locals and visitors alike to experience the splendor of true nature.
The Waitakere Range Park offers a wealth of leisure opportunities to its visitors trekking, swimming, fishing boat launching, running, and horse riding, walking, and camping are few of them. What ever the level of adventure you want it is really an ease to find it in this magnificent environment.
The nature surrounding the range is filled with many exotic and native species of flora and fauna of New Zealand, just waiting for you to discover and enjoy. With interesting fauna such as shining cuckoo, pied tit, kereru, tui found here it is a truly zoologically divers park unlike many found around the globe.
And further if you are a nature loving camper, a walk through the many tracks in the range is sure to be a delightful eye opener to the many different and new aspects of loving Mother Nature.
After a good days trekking or a relaxing picnic nothing can be more rejuvenating than a treatment at the best spa facilities in Auckland. And where can it be, but a hotel known all over the world for its timeless elegance and services. The Langham Auckland is without doubt one of best hotels in Auckland, and well worth a visit.

A vacation to the city of Auckland is guaranteed to be a fun filled and a memorable holiday for the whole family, as this vibrant city is packed with many attractions and sights to visit. Whether you are a nature lover, an art lover, a history buff or looking for adventure, Auckland offers it all. As the main city in New Zealand, Auckland has all the major workings of a big city that is complete with easy transport options to access its many tourist attractions.

For those interested in animal and sea life, places like the Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tartlon’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter are a must see. The interactive and award winning Auckland Zoo is home to approximately 135 species of animals that will leave you with a memorable encounter of the animals. Visitors have the opportunity to view the animals up close at the zoo. Kelly Tartlon’s is a place the kids are bound to love. You can visit the indoor Antarctic snowy section where you can meet the penguins, or discover the hidden depths of marine life by making your way through the underground passages at the underwater world.

Tourists should pay a visit to the Sky City Tower in Auckland. This stunning 328 meter tower comprises of 3 main observation decks where you will have unprecedented views of the whole city. For thrill seekers, sky diving from the top is possible and is sure to leave you surging with adrenaline.

Plenty of museums and art galleries are also located in the Auckland city. Museums that are worth a visit include the Auckland Museum that highlights the rich cultural, social and natural history of the country. Art lovers will be in for a treat by visiting places such as the Auckland Art Gallery and the Corban Estate Arts Center.

Nature lovers vacationing in the city should not miss out on a trip to the Great Barrier Islands. This location is home to world class eco retreats where the untainted beauty of nature can be appreciated in all its fullness. One such place to visit is the Great Barrier Islands in the Glenfern Sanctuary.

If you are planning a holiday, Auckland is an awesome spot to enjoy a relaxing getaway. Visitors looking for suitable Auckland hotels from which to explore the city can ideally stay at the Langham Hotel. Part of the elegant and contemporary Langham hotels group, this Auckland luxury hotel is sure to make your stay a memorable and unforgettable one.

Overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, Bastion Point in Auckland, New Zealand is a stunning coastal land which is renowned for offering spectacular views. It is also well known for being an ideal place for outdoor activities.
Bastion Point was an important piece of land, which was initially owned by Ngāti Whātua, the indigenous people of New Zealand. This exceptional land was owned by Ngāti Whātua prior to the British Colonial rule while significant development took place during the period of 1840 and 1950.
Due to its fine strategic location over Waitemata Harbour, the government of New Zealand decided to create a military outpost in Bastion Point in 1885. Even today the remainders of World War II can be witnessed at the site with numerous lookout bunkers and gun emplacements available.
Bastion Point is the famous setting of the Savage Memorial for the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand who was the local legend Michael Joseph Savage. The garden is very well maintained and is complete with a pool, impressive art deco memorial and obelisk. The reflective pool is surrounded by hedges and splendid flower-beds. The memorial is built on the site that used to be the gun emplacement which dates back the 1880’s ‘Russian Scare’.
The wide open spaces at Bastion Point is ideal for those who wish to enjoy outdoor sports such as flying a kite, picnicking, playing a game of football or simply unwinding under the sun.
The point is open to the public throughout the week from 6.30 in the morning to 9 in the evening. Visitors can reach the point from Tamaki Drive. Those who wish to admire the scenic beauties offered at Bastion Point can do so by staying conveniently at a nearby Spa in Auckland. For instance, Chuan Spa Auckland is a renowned Auckland Spa that features an extensive range of contemporary amenities and professional service.