Nomadic African

 by TraceyLC 

 Auckland is also known as the ‘City of Sails’ due to its location on the magnificent Waitemata Harbour. The cosmopolitan city has much to offer with world class hotels and dining, excellent shopping and a diverse bar and nightclub scene. There are also a good range of activities and attractions to suit all sorts of travellers. Visitors can take advantage of the surrounding beaches and countryside but you don’t need to leave the city to have a great holiday.

See the View from Sky Tower

Boasting views of up to 80 kilometres in all directions, the 328 metre high Sky Tower is the tallest tower in New Zealand. The tower is part of SKYCITY which hosts a collection of restaurants, cafes and bars, two hotels and the SKYCITY Casino. A trip up the tower in the glass fronted elevators to take in the spectacular views at the top is a must do for all visitors to Auckland, but for those looking for a thrill, the SkyJump or SkyWalk will really get your blood pumping. SkyWalk takes you onto a 1.2 metre wide walkway around the perimeter of the tower, 192 metres off the ground. You’ll be securely harnessed and attached to overhead safety lines but the dizzying height will have your heart in your mouth. If that isn’t exhilarating enough for you, the SkyJump can be compared to base jumping but attached to a wire. SkyJumpers launch themselves from the Sky Tower falling fast for around 11 seconds and are then gently lowered back to earth in the Sky City Plaza below.  A tirp to the viewing platform is a must do, with SkyJump and SkyWalk an optional extra for thrill seekers.

Take to the Water

A visit to Auckland isn’t complete without spending a day (or at least an hour)on the picturesque Auckland Harbour. Whether you want to take a ferry ride, go on a dinner cruise or take a jet boat ride, the only way to truly experience the best of Auckland is to spend some time on the harbour. Whale and dolphin watching cruises run regularly out of the harbour and the knowledgeable and experienced staff offer a commentary on the most interesting features of the maritime park. Sailing adventures, fishing tours and the new Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium are some other ways to explore the local waters and sea life. If you are staying in Auckland CBD accommodation your hotel should be able to offer recommendations on tours, transfers and bookings.

Visit Auckland Zoo

The Auckland Zoo is located only minutes from the Auckland CBD and is set on 17 hectares of lush parkland. The zoo is home to the biggest collection of exotic and native animals in New Zealand. Twenty percent of the zoo’s exhibit space is dedicated to New Zealand’s unique animals, plants and culture and encompasses different environments such as the coast, the islands, the night, the high country, the forest and the wetlands in separate displays. Visitors can see a range of rare and endangered birds and animals unique to New Zealand close up and personal. The zoo hosts behind the scenes experiences, safari nights, guided tours and a range of activities for kids.

Walk around the Viaduct

Check out the maxi yachts, grab a meal at one of the world class restaurants, visit the Voyager Maritime Museum and learn about New Zealand’s rich maritime history, or simply take a leisurely walk around the Viaduct and soak up the atmosphere. The Viaduct is a hive of activity during the day with cruises and private boats coming in and out of the marina, and at night it comes alive with sparkling lights, music and people flowing from restaurants and bars. The Viaduct is an iconic part of Auckland’s culture and should be part of every visit to Auckland. There are some great hotels in Auckland close to Viaduct Harbour. 

Explore the Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery has been recently renovated and is home to more than 15,000 artworks and a variety of touring exhibits. The gallery has major holdings of historic, modern and contemporary art by New Zealanders including Maoris and Pacific Islanders along with many international paintings, sculptures and prints. Entry is free along with twice daily guided tours, for those desperate to spend some money, there is a shop selling original art work, copies and a range of branded souvenirs. The Gallery Cafe serves a selection of readymade meals and salads or al-la-carte dishes if you want a full meal, or if you’re just after a cake and a coffee, there’s a range of freshly baked cakes and pastries to choose from. 

The range of accommodation in Auckland is vast with choices including conveniently located international brand Auckland Airport hotels, to inner city backpackers and lodges to suit all budgets and travellers. 

For more information on hotels in Auckland includingAuckland CBD Accommodation and Auckland airport hotels visit Choice Hotels New Zealand online.