Famously often called the ‘Metropolis of Sails’, Auckland is a world stuffed with pleasure! With a lot to see and do in Auckland, our native Stray staff 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 inside baby – 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 seashore bums! Uncover the wild west and go to a few of the nation’s most wonderful seashores. Discover Karekare seashore, made well-known by the Oscar-winning film The Piano. Excellent for a soothing 15-minute stroll alongside the black sand all the way in which to the spectacular Karekare falls, considered one of 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 Seashore. 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 soothing stroll across the shoreline, you’ll be able to fly a kite, take in 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 seashore, you may 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 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 shocking lagoon. There’s a brief 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 accomplished, try the Brothers Beer Brewery and chill out with considered one of 18 recent drinks on faucet and a mouth-watering chew 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 common attraction named after New Zealand’s first Labour Prime Minister gives wonderful panoramic views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island. It additionally options an obelisk, sunken pool and fantastically landscaped gardens – the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
3. La Cigale French Markets and Auckland Battle Memorial Museum
Voted as Auckland’s Greatest 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 strategy to kick-start your Saturday or Sunday. There’s loads to get your fingers 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 means of the market you’ll be blown away by the scrumptious scent of roast rooster and freshly cooked paella.
When you’ve completed your procuring, take pleasure in a espresso and a tasty scorching chocolate croissant – our favorite combo! You possibly can then head over to the Auckland Battle Memorial Museum to get your historical past repair. Find out about New Zealand and its folks by means of Maori and Pacific collections, ornamental artwork galleries, army historical past collections and extra.
4. Brunch on the Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing facility
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 common Chelsea Sugar Manufacturing facility. 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 unbelievable workings of the manufacturing unit and learn the way 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 practice trip by means of 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 perfect 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 take pleasure in 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 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 gorgeous park. When you’re sport sufficient, do one of many trails walks on the far finish of the seashore by means 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 means of this gorgeous paradise.
Tiritiri Matangi, one of the vital profitable conservation initiatives on the earth, has many guided and unguided walks by means of the encircling tracks and seashores the place you’ll be able to spot the cutest little blue penguins! Take pleasure in 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 encircling points of interest, try this information to town – from a neighborhood who is aware of all the perfect locations to hang around.
Like we stated, there’s one thing for everybody in Auckland! We’ve picked out our favorite 6 issues so that you can discover, however we’ve got additionally created this free Auckland information with much more issues to do and see. Test ‘em out and tell us what you thought.