Famously generally known as the ‘Metropolis of Sails’, Auckland is a world filled with pleasure! With a lot to see and do in Auckland, our native Stray workforce have chosen their high 6 methods to spend a day or two in Auckland.
Auckland is a metropolis that caters for everyone: the adventurous, the seashore bums, the humanities and tradition lovers, the foodies and even your inside little one – there’s one thing for everybody. Listed below are 6 issues to not be missed.
1. West Coast – Karekare, Piha & Muriwai Seashores
This one is for all of the seashore bums! Uncover the wild west and go to a number of the nation’s most superb seashores. Discover Karekare seashore, made well-known by the Oscar-winning film The Piano. Good for a calming 15-minute stroll alongside the black sand all the way in which to the spectacular Karekare falls, considered one of New Zealand’s must-see waterfalls.
Then drive over to Piha seashore, a preferred surf seashore surrounded by rugged cliffs. Have a scrumptious picnic on the seashore trying over on the Lion Rock, a small island in the course of this majestic seashore.
If two seashores aren’t sufficient, try Muriwai Seaside. An intriguing coastal seashore surrounded by rugged cliff-top trails, streams and rivers. For the adventurous, you’ll be able to discover the seashore on a employed bike or “blokart”, it’s nice enjoyable!
For these of you preferring to take a calming stroll across the shoreline, you’ll be able to fly a kite, absorb the superb views and take a look at the superb gannet colony from one of many many simply accessible viewing platforms. If you wish to spend extra time on this magical seashore, you can do a 1hour and 30min quick stroll ranging from behind the surf tower on the parking space, which takes you thru the golden sand dunes, onto Muriwai seashore after which again alongside the coast street – a pleasant refreshing stroll that’s simple on the legs!
2. Orakei basin, the Brothers Beer Brewery and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Situated in a volcanic crater, the Orakei basin is a shocking lagoon. There’s a quick 2.9km stroll that can take you across the fringe of the basin, with serene views of the lake surrounded by lush native bush. While you’re performed, try the Brothers Beer Brewery and chill out with considered one of 18 contemporary drinks on faucet and a mouth-watering chunk while trying over the spectacular views of the Orakei Basin.
Then, head over to Bastion Level, simply off Tamaki Drive to discover the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Set amongst 49 hectares of land, this well-liked attraction named after New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister provides superb panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island. It additionally options an obelisk, sunken pool and fantastically landscaped gardens – the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
3. La Cigale French Markets and Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum
Voted as Auckland’s Finest Meals Market by Metro Journal for the final 7 years, the La Cigale French Market is to not be missed! This French-inspired market is the proper method to kick-start your Saturday or Sunday. There’s loads to get your palms on from native and abroad producers and growers. Look out for contemporary bread and pastries, French cheeses, high quality meats, contemporary fruit and greens and extra. As you stroll by means of the market you’ll be blown away by the scrumptious scent of roast rooster and freshly cooked paella.
When you’ve completed your procuring, take pleasure in a espresso and a tasty scorching chocolate croissant – our favorite combo! You possibly can then head over to the Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum to get your historical past repair. Find out about New Zealand and its individuals by means of Maori and Pacific collections, ornamental artwork galleries, army historical past collections and extra.
4. Brunch on the Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing facility
This one is for the foodies! Head over the spectacular harbour bridge, in the direction of North Shore and revel in a scrumptious brunch on the well-liked Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing facility. From candy and savoury to fragrant coffees and refreshing smoothies, you’ll have your style buds tingling with each chunk.
After brunch, you’ll be able to uncover the unbelievable workings of the manufacturing facility and learn the way the sugar is made and refined in a 1-hour tour for $25. Style the several types of sugars and syrups, stroll up and down 80 steps, hop on a practice journey by means of the manufacturing facility – it’s an immersive expertise like no different!
5. Matakana Village Farmers’ Markets and Tawharanui Regional Park
Begin your Saturday morning in a real foodie’s dream an hour north of Auckland metropolis. The Matakana Village Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to go to for contemporary, sustainable and native artisan items. There’s loads for everybody, from award-winning espresso to freshly made bites like scorching mussel fritters and maple syrup crepes, which you’ll be able to take pleasure in in a serene riverside setting.
The markets are zero waste, so take your luggage with you, replenish on all of the native goodies and take care of the surroundings on the identical time – good!
After the markets, try considered one of Auckland and North Island’s best-kept secrets and techniques, the Tawharanui Regional Park. A paradise for picnic lovers, swimmers and surfers! You’ll be blown away by the clear blue waters and golden sand of this beautiful park. In the event you’re sport sufficient, do one of many trails walks on the far finish of the seashore by means of farmland and plush native bush or sit again and absorb the attractive views of this wee little paradise.
6. Take a ferry from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi Island
Calling all wildlife lovers on the market, this one’s for you! Hop on a ferry from Auckland metropolis and uncover this must-see wildlife sanctuary for threatened and endangered native birds and reptiles on 220-hectares of land. Look out for stitchbirds, bellbirds and tiny, wee robins as you stroll by means of this beautiful paradise.
Tiritiri Matangi, one of the vital profitable conservation tasks on the planet, has many guided and unguided walks by means of the encompassing tracks and seashores the place you’ll be able to spot the cutest little blue penguins! Get pleasure from a picnic on the customer centre earlier than discovering the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand.
For extra inspiration on your go to to downtown Auckland and the encompassing points of interest, try this information to town – from an area who is aware of all the perfect locations to hang around.
Like we stated, there’s one thing for everybody in Auckland! We’ve picked out our favorite 6 issues so that you can discover, however we now have additionally created this free Auckland information with much more issues to do and see. Verify ‘em out and tell us what you thought.