Famously referred to as the ‘Metropolis of Sails’, Auckland is a world filled with pleasure! With a lot to see and do in Auckland, our native Stray group 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 seashore bums, the humanities and tradition lovers, the foodies and even your internal baby – there’s one thing for everybody. Listed here 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 few of the nation’s most superb seashores. Discover Karekare seashore, made well-known by the Oscar-winning film The Piano. Excellent 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 seashore, a well-liked surf seashore surrounded by rugged cliffs. Have a scrumptious picnic on the seashore wanting over on the Lion Rock, a small island in the midst 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, 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 seashore, you could possibly 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 highway – a pleasant refreshing stroll that’s straightforward on the legs!
2. Orakei basin, the Brothers Beer Brewery and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Positioned in a volcanic crater, the Orakei basin is a surprising 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 achieved, try the Brothers Beer Brewery and loosen up with one among 18 recent drinks on faucet and a mouth-watering chunk while wanting 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 gives 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 Struggle 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 solution to kick-start your Saturday or Sunday. There’s a lot 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 way of the market you’ll be blown away by the scrumptious scent of roast hen and freshly cooked paella.
When you’ve completed your purchasing, get pleasure from a espresso and a tasty scorching chocolate croissant – our favorite combo! You possibly can then head over to the Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum to get your historical past repair. Find out about New Zealand and its folks by way of Maori and Pacific collections, ornamental artwork galleries, navy historical past collections and extra.
4. Brunch on the Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing unit
This one is for the foodies! Head over the spectacular harbour bridge, in direction of North Shore and revel in a scrumptious brunch on the well-liked Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing unit. 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 unimaginable workings of the manufacturing facility and learn how the sugar is made and refined in a 1-hour tour for $25. Style the various kinds of sugars and syrups, stroll up and down 80 steps, hop on a prepare journey by way 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 best place to go to for recent, sustainable and native artisan items. There’s a lot for everybody, from award-winning espresso to freshly made bites like scorching mussel fritters and maple syrup crepes, which you’ll 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 identical time – excellent!
After the markets, try 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 happen to’re sport sufficient, do one of many trails walks on the far finish of the seashore by way of farmland and plush 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 way of this gorgeous paradise.
Tiritiri Matangi, some of the profitable conservation tasks on the earth, has many guided and unguided walks by way 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 to your go to to downtown Auckland and the encompassing points of interest, try this information to the town – from a neighborhood who is aware of all the most effective 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 we’ve additionally created this free Auckland information with much more issues to do and see. Examine ‘em out and tell us what you thought.