Auckland is a much more enjoyable city when you leave the city centre and know which bits to focus on. I’ve written a first-timer’s guide to Auckland, but if you want something a bit special, these are the things to do in Auckland that will stay in the memory…
Feasting in Ponsonby
Ponsonby – just to the west of the CBD – is Auckland’s most enjoyable neighbourhood to hang out in, and Ponsonby Central plays a big part in this. There’s a high quality food court vibe as dozens of specialist bars and restaurants – one concentrated on rotisserie chicken, another on melted cheese sandwiches for example – congregate in a mini-mall and spill down adjacent laneways.
Beach time and mooching in Devonport
Auckland’s most impressive beaches are the moody black sand affairs – Karekare and Piha – on the other side of the Waitakere Ranges on the west coast. But if you’re wanting a day by the seaside rather than crashing surf, you can’t go too far wrong with Devonport – a 15 minute ferry ride from downtown. Here, Victorian architecture combines with cafés and bookshops for those who step away from the sand.
Five great things to do while you’re in Auckland
- Spot whales and dolphins on a half day Hauraki Gulf Marine Park cruise.
- Indulge in Waiheke Island’s finest produce on a food and wine tour.
- See the city from above at the top of the Auckland Sky Tower.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on Auckland Harbour – with a three course dinner.
- Explore Auckland’s wild side – visiting the city’s black sand beaches and rainforest.
Crossing New Zealand on the Coast to Coast Walk
Auckland is basically a big bed of volcanoes, and two of the main ones are highlights of the 16km Coast to Coast Walk between the city’s two harbours. Mt Eden is the city’s highest natural point, with tremendous views over the city centre and Hauraki Gulf, while One Tree Hill has cows and sheep roaming around it. Take the train from Britomart Station to Onehunga to get to the start point.
Discovering Polynesian heritage at the Auckland Museum
The Auckland Domain, near the end of the coast to coast walk, plays host to the rather excellent Auckland Museum. The ground floor focuses on culture, with a massive Maori meeting house, plus fascinating displays on Pacific Islander history. The first floor is where the drama is though – it’s all about New Zealand’s rambunctious geology, earthquakes and volcanoes.
Meeting rare native birds on Tiritiri Matangi
Auckland’s major selling point is the series of islands in the Hauraki Gulf that are a short ferry trip from downtown. Of these, Tiritiri Matangi is one of the lesser known – and most fascinating. It has been set aside as a reserve for rare birds that have been essentially wiped off the mainland by human-introduced predators. It’s both beautiful and an amazing story of conservation in action. It’s best tackled as a day trip.
Sailing an America’s Cup yacht
Would-be top tier yachties can have a go on former America’s Cup training boats. The two hour high speed jaunts around Waitemata Harbour enlist passengers as the crew to raise the sails, tack and jibe the yachts, and get behind the wheel. It’s both great fun and a learning experience.
Shopping in Queen’s Arcade
Main shopping strip Queen Street isn’t all that inspiring, but the handsomely Georgian Queen’s Arcade springing off it is home to plenty of specialists. Some sell distinctively Kiwi products – whether greenstone jewellery, possum knitwear or wood carvings. And Marbeck’s is a fantastic record shop that unapologetically throws its weight behind local artists.
More New Zealand North Island travel
Other New Zealand North Island stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Napier is New Zealand’s art deco secret.
- Pedal-powered monorail: Riding the Shweeb in Rotorua.
- Kayaking to the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo.
- The best places to go jetboating in New Zealand.
- Tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand’s best day walk.
