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 workforce have chosen their prime 6 methods to spend a day or two in Auckland.
Auckland is a metropolis that caters to everybody: journey seekers, seaside bums, artwork and tradition fans, foodies and even your inside little one – there’s one thing for everybody. Listed below are 6 issues to not miss.
1. West Coast – seashores of Karekare, Piha and Muriwai
This one is for all of the seaside lovers! Uncover the wild west and go to a number of the most stunning seashores within the nation. Discover Karekare Seashore, made well-known by the Oscar-winning film The piano. Good for a calming 15 minute stroll alongside the black sand to the spectacular Karekare Falls, one of many should see waterfalls in New Zealand.
Subsequent, drive to Piha Seashore, a preferred browsing seaside surrounded by rugged cliffs. Take pleasure in a scrumptious picnic on the seaside overlooking the Lion Rock, a small island in the course of this majestic seaside.
If two seashores aren’t sufficient, head to Muriwai Seashore. An intriguing coastal seaside surrounded by rugged cliff paths, streams and rivers. For the adventurous, you possibly can discover the seaside on a rented bicycle or blokart, very good!
For these of you preferring a calming stroll alongside the shoreline, you possibly can fly a kite, benefit from the nice views and watch 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 take a brief 1 hour 30 minute stroll, beginning behind the surf tower on the automotive park, which is able to take you thru the golden sand dunes to Muriwai seaside after which again alongside the coast away – 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 phenomenal lagoon. There’s a brief 2.9 km stroll that can take you alongside the sting of the basin, with a serene view of the lake surrounded by lush native bush. Once you’re accomplished, head over to the Brothers Beer Brewery and calm down with certainly one of 18 contemporary draft drinks and a tasty chunk whereas gazing out on the spectacular view of the Orakei Basin.
Subsequent, head to Bastion Level, simply off Tamaki Drive to discover the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park. Named after New Zealand’s first Labor Prime Minister, this common attraction is ready in 49 acres of land and gives unbelievable panoramic views of Waitemata Harbor and Rangitoto Island. It additionally options an obelisk, sunken pool and fantastically landscaped gardens – the right escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.
3. La Cigale French Markets and Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum
Voted Auckland’s Greatest Meals Market by Metro Journal for the previous 7 years, the La Cigale French Market to not be missed! This French-inspired market is the right strategy to kickstart your Saturday or Sunday. There may be a lot to get from native and international producers and growers. Look out for contemporary breads and pastries, French cheeses, high quality meats, contemporary vegatables and fruits, and extra. As you stroll by way of the market, you’ll be blown away by the scrumptious odor of roast hen and freshly ready paella.
Once you’re accomplished buying, take pleasure in a cup of espresso and a pleasant sizzling chocolate croissant – our favourite mixture! You possibly can then head to the Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum to clear up your historical past. Find out about New Zealand and its individuals 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! Cross the spectacular harbor bridge in the direction of the North Shore and revel in a scrumptious brunch on the common Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing unit. From candy and savory to fragrant coffees and refreshing smoothies, your style buds will tingle with each chunk.
After brunch, discover the unimaginable workings of the manufacturing unit and uncover how the sugar is made and refined on 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 unit – it is an immersive expertise like no different!
5. Farmers markets in Matakana Village 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 merchandise. There’s a lot for everybody, from award-winning espresso to freshly made bites like sizzling clam fritters and maple syrup pancakes, all of which could be loved in a serene riverside setting.
The markets are zero waste, so pack your luggage, replenish on all of the native goodies and deal with the setting on the identical time – good!
After the markets, head to certainly one of Auckland and the North Island’s greatest stored secrets and techniques, the Tawharanui Regional Park. A paradise for picnic lovers, swimmers and surfers! You may be amazed by the clear blue water and golden sand of this stunning park. In case you’re feeling adventurous sufficient, you possibly can comply with one of many strolling trails on the far finish of the seaside by way of farmland and luxurious native bush, or sit again and benefit from the stunning view of this little paradise.
6. Take a ferry from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi Island
Calling all nature lovers, this one is 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 acres of land. Be careful for stitchbirds, bellbirds and tiny little robins as you stroll by way of this stunning paradise.
Tiritiri Matangi, some of the profitable conservation tasks on this planet, has many guided and unguided walks by way of the encircling trails and seashores the place you possibly can spot the cutest little blue penguins! Take pleasure in a picnic on the customer middle earlier than discovering New Zealand’s oldest working lighthouse.
For extra inspiration on your go to to central Auckland and its surrounding points of interest, take a look at this information to the town – from an area who is aware of all the perfect locations to hang around.
Like we mentioned, there’s one thing for everybody in Auckland! We have picked our 6 favourite issues to discover, however we have made this one too free Auckland guide with much more issues to do and see. Verify them out and tell us what you thought.