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Auckland
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Nestled between two harbors, Auckland is surrounded by more sandy beaches and attractive islands than any other city in the world. It's bordered by terraced volcanic hills where Maoris once lived in fortified villages. West of Auckland are vineyards, surf beaches and rainforest with reservoirs, waterfalls and hiking trails.
Calling itself "the City of Sails", Auckland is one of the best places in the world to go yachting. In fact, it's ground zero for all kinds of outdoor activities, from bushwalking to bungy jumping. It's also the largest and most multicultural of New Zealand's cities, with a vibrant dining scene and fabulous wines. From America's Cup sailing to experiencing the wilderness on Auckland's doorstep, you'll discover Auckland is an awesome destination.
Best of Auckland: Top 3 Must-Do Experiences
Best of Auckland: Suggested Itineraries
There's a wealth of things to see and do in Auckland, whether your passion is sedate harbor cruises, shopping and dining or taking the ultimate bungy jump. Away from extreme sports, multicultural restaurants and cutting-edge culture, Auckland delights with its staggering harborside beauty and other natural delights. Our suggested itineraries will help you discover why Auckland is New Zealand's 'true' capital city.
The best way to get to know this lovely city is on an Auckland Great Day Out - a huge day of sailing, views, wildlife and shopping. Go your own way on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, with stops at Auckland's 14 must-see attractions, or focus on the Must-Do Four highlights: views from Auckland's Sky Tower, an encounter with Antarctic penguins, sharks and unique New Zealand wildlife, and a harbor cruise. And if you've only got time for one must-do activity, then it has to be sailing on Auckland's harbor. There are coffee cruises and lunch cruises to choose from, but the top-drawer experience is the dinner sail aboard a 50-foot yacht.
Need proof that New Zealand is the world's adrenaline capital? Look no further. Auckland is the base for America's Cup sailing on the harbor and Excitor jet-boat cruises to Cape Brett. Learn to surf and bodyboard on a fun, safe day at the beach, or go whale-watching and dolphin-spotting in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. Bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, so take the plunge on a breathtaking harbor bridge bungy jump over Waitamata Harbour. Still got energy to burn? Then hit New Zealand's coast and rainforest on a great outdoors eco walking tour.
Islands, geysers, glow-worm caves, snowfields - there's heaps to explore on day trips from Auckland. The Bay of Islands day tour takes you to historic Waitangi and cruising from Paihia. Or perhaps you'd like to explore unspoilt Great Barrier Island by light plane from Auckland. Ride a boat through a magical grotto lit by glow-worms, then spy bubbling geysers on a Waitomo caves and Rotorua day trip. For more underground thrills, the Ruakuri cave experience takes you on a subterranean tour of limestone caves. And if the mountains are capped with snow, take a mid-week break to go skiing on Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand's winter wonderland.
Best of Auckland: Top 3 Restaurants
Auckland is tops in New Zealand for varied and good-quality dining, flavored with plenty of multicultural spice and cosmopolitan pizazz. Lively Asian eateries are a special feature, as is waterfront dining by Princes Wharf.
The best place in town for superb contemporary French fare, served in sophisticated and intimate surrounds.
Slick and sexy, harborside Euro highlights local seafood and is one of Auckland's best exponents of Mod NZ cuisine.
East of the city center in Parnell, Oh Calcutta is Auckland's best-known and most highly rated Indian restaurant. Expect Indian-style fine dining from tiffin through to dinner.
Relax as you cruise the tranquil and sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands on the newly launched Ipiriri, a state-of-the art vessel with just 30 state rooms. Departures from Auckland or Paihia.
- Plan Auckland vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Auckland hotels, New Zealand from PlanetWare
- Auckland hotels from HotelsCombined.com
- Auckland trip planner & travel guide from NileGuide
- Local news from Newstalk ZB
