Famously often 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 crew 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 seaside bums, the humanities and tradition lovers, the foodies and even your internal youngster – 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 seaside bums! Uncover the wild west and go to a few of the nation’s most wonderful seashores. Discover Karekare seaside, made well-known by the Oscar-winning film The Piano. Good for a soothing 15-minute stroll alongside the black sand all the best way to the spectacular Karekare falls, considered one of New Zealand’s must-see waterfalls.
Then drive over to Piha seaside, a well-liked surf seaside surrounded by rugged cliffs. Have a scrumptious picnic on the seaside wanting 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 Seashore. An intriguing coastal seaside surrounded by rugged cliff-top trails, streams and rivers. For the adventurous, you possibly can discover the seaside on a employed bike or “blokart”, it’s nice enjoyable!
For these of you preferring to take a soothing stroll across the shoreline, you possibly can fly a kite, absorb the wonderful views and take a look at the wonderful gannet colony from one of many many simply accessible viewing platforms. If you wish to spend extra time on this magical seaside, you may 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 seaside after which again alongside the coast street – a pleasant refreshing stroll that’s straightforward 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 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. Whenever you’re finished, take a look at the Brothers Beer Brewery and chill out with considered one of 18 contemporary 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 presents wonderful panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island. It additionally options an obelisk, sunken pool and superbly landscaped gardens – the right 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 right method 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 contemporary bread and pastries, French cheeses, high quality meats, contemporary fruit and greens and extra. As you stroll by the market you’ll be blown away by the scrumptious scent of roast hen and freshly cooked paella.
When you’ve completed your procuring, get pleasure from a espresso and a tasty scorching chocolate croissant – our favorite combo! You may then head over to the Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum to get your historical past repair. Find out 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 Manufacturing unit
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 unit. From candy and savoury to fragrant coffees and refreshing smoothies, you’ll have your style buds tingling with each chunk.
After brunch, you possibly can uncover the unimaginable workings of the manufacturing unit 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 prepare journey by the manufacturing unit – 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 contemporary, 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 baggage with you, top off on all of the native goodies and take care of the atmosphere on the identical time – good!
After the markets, take a look at 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 case you’re recreation sufficient, do one of many trails walks on the far finish of the seaside by 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 this beautiful paradise.
Tiritiri Matangi, probably the most profitable conservation tasks on the earth, has many guided and unguided walks by the encompassing tracks and seashores the place you possibly can 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 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. Test ‘em out and tell us what you thought.
