Famously referred to as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is a world stuffed with pleasure! With a lot to see and do in Auckland, our native Stray workforce have chosen their prime 6 methods to spend a day or two in Auckland.
Auckland is a metropolis that caters for everyone: the adventurous, the seaside bums, the humanities and tradition lovers, the foodies and even your interior little one – there’s one thing for everybody. Here are 6 issues to not be missed.
1. West Coast – Karekare, Piha & Muriwai Beaches
This one is for all of the seaside bums! Discover the wild west and go to a few of the nation’s most superb seashores. Explore Karekare seaside, made well-known by the Oscar-winning film The Piano. Perfect for a calming 15-minute stroll alongside the black sand all the best way to the spectacular Karekare falls, one among New Zealand’s must-see waterfalls.
Then drive over to Piha seaside, a preferred surf seaside surrounded by rugged cliffs. Have a scrumptious picnic on the seaside trying over on the Lion Rock, a small island in the midst of this majestic seaside.
If two seashores aren’t sufficient, take a look at Muriwai Beach. An intriguing coastal seaside surrounded by rugged cliff-top trails, streams and rivers. For the adventurous, you’ll be able to discover the seaside 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, take in 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 seaside, you possibly can do a 1hour and 30min brief stroll ranging from behind the surf tower on the parking space, which takes you thru the golden sand dunes, onto Muriwai seaside after which again alongside the coast highway – a pleasant refreshing stroll that’s straightforward on the legs!
2. Orakei basin, the Brothers Beer Brewery and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Located in a volcanic crater, the Orakei basin is a shocking lagoon. There is a brief 2.9km stroll that may take you across the fringe of the basin, with serene views of the lake surrounded by lush native bush. When you’re carried out, take a look at the Brothers Beer Brewery and chill out with one among 18 recent drinks on faucet and a mouth-watering chew while trying over the spectacular views of the Orakei Basin.
Then, head over to Bastion Point, simply off Tamaki Drive to discover the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Set amongst 49 hectares of land, this fashionable attraction named after New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister presents superb panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island. It additionally options an obelisk, sunken pool and superbly landscaped gardens – the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.
3. La Cigale French Markets and Auckland War Memorial Museum
Voted as Auckland’s Best Food Market by Metro Magazine for the final 7 years, the La Cigale French Market is to not be missed! This French-inspired market is the proper option to kick-start your Saturday or Sunday. There’s loads to get your arms on from native and abroad producers and growers. Look out for recent bread and pastries, French cheeses, high quality meats, recent fruit and greens and extra. As you stroll by the market you’ll be blown away by the scrumptious scent of roast rooster and freshly cooked paella.
Once you’ve completed your buying, get pleasure from a espresso and a tasty scorching chocolate croissant – our favorite combo! You can then head over to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to get your historical past repair. Learn about New Zealand and its folks by Maori and Pacific collections, ornamental artwork galleries, navy historical past collections and extra.
4. Brunch on the Chelsea Sugar Factory
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 fashionable Chelsea Sugar Factory. From candy and savoury to fragrant coffees and refreshing smoothies, you’ll have your style buds tingling with each chew.
After brunch, you’ll be able to uncover the unimaginable workings of the manufacturing unit and learn how the sugar is made and refined in a 1-hour tour for $25. Taste the various kinds of sugars and syrups, stroll up and down 80 steps, hop on a practice journey by the manufacturing unit – it’s an immersive expertise like no different!
5. Matakana Village Farmers’ Markets and Tawharanui Regional Park
Start your Saturday morning in a real foodie’s dream an hour north of Auckland metropolis. The Matakana Village Farmers’ Market is the best place to go to for recent, 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 get pleasure from in a serene riverside setting.
The markets are zero waste, so take your luggage with you, top off on all of the native goodies and take care of the atmosphere on the similar time – excellent!
After the markets, take a look at one among 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 gorgeous park. If you’re sport sufficient, do one of many trails walks on the far finish of the seaside by farmland and luxurious native bush or sit again and take in 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 this gorgeous paradise.
Tiritiri Matangi, one of the profitable conservation initiatives on the earth, has many guided and unguided walks by the encompassing tracks and seashores the place you’ll be able to spot the cutest little blue penguins! Enjoy a picnic on the customer centre earlier than discovering the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand.
For extra inspiration in your go to to downtown Auckland and the encompassing sights, take a look at this information to the town – from a neighborhood who is aware of all the perfect locations to hang around.
Like we mentioned, there’s one thing for everybody in Auckland! We’ve picked out our favorite 6 issues so that you can discover, however now we have additionally created this free Auckland information with much more issues to do and see. Check ‘em out and tell us what you thought.