Auckland Attractions Overview
Auckland has many unique attractions that deliver maximum satisfaction in a short
amount of time. Some are active, others are passive - but all of them are totally
entertaining. Put time aside to do the things that can only be done in Auckland.
Start your Auckland experience at the top of the Sky Tower. At 328 metres,
it's the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from a stunning
view, the Sky Tower now offers you Sky Jump - the world's highest tower-based
jump. It's a leap beyond description...3?4 The Auckland Harbour Bridge is another
icon that can show you an exciting time. Bridge climbing is one of the latest
things to do - and it doesn't require a high level of fitness or daring. You'll
be carefully guided along the spans before proceeding to the highest point
for a knockout view of the city and harbour.
For different view of Southern Hemisphere life, make a point of visiting Antarctica
while you're in Auckland. At Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater
World you can meet King and Gentoo Penguins in a world of real snow and ice.
You'll also walk through enormous perspex tubes while sharks, fish and stingrays
of every description swim around you. Auckland Zoo's Sealion and Penguin Shores
gives you a similar close encounter, except this time it's sealions whistling
past your nose.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum has the world's finest collection of Maori
treasures. A cultural performance is held three times a day, introducing you
to the legends, song and dance of the Maori people. Feed your mind in the highly
informative Natural History Galleries - Origins, Land, Oceans and Human Impact.
You'll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes to conquer the summit of Rangitoto.
When you get to the top, there's a stunning 360 degree view over the Hauraki
Gulf and Auckland cityscape. For most people the hiking track from Rangitoto
Wharf is the route of choice, but there is an easier way... you can get most
of the way to the top on a 4WD Safari called the Fullers Volcanic Explorer.
As the 'City of Sails', Auckland almost demands you get out on the harbour.
Yachts and launches are available for charter, or you can team up with a local
cruise company and watch someone else do all the hard work. The water that
separates the bigger islands is home to pods of dolphins, families of blue
penguins and the occasional sub-pod of orca.
Wine tasting on Waiheke, with an art trail on the side, is an experience that
constantly gets high marks from visitors to Auckland. The famed wine estates
welcome guests. Many offer tastings and some have restaurants that you'll never
want to leave. While you're travelling around the island, you'll notice signs
that invite you to visit artists' studios. Waiheke is home to a thriving creative
population - potters, painters, writers and sculptors.
High in the Waitakere Ranges you can discover the ultimate wild ride. Canyoning
is a blast! You'll abseil under waterfalls, water slide into hidden pools and
float through mysterious water sculptured gorges. A different kind of adrenalin-packed
day begins with the grunty 4-wheel drive farm bikes of 4-Track Adventures.
After a little training, you'll be let loose for an exciting episode of puddle
punching, pine tree dodging and surf chasing on fabulous Muriwai beach.
Auckland's leisure-driven lifestyle has been voted amongst the best in the
world. With 23 regional parks, 2 marine reserves, 100km of coastline, more
than 500km of walking tracks and 48 volcanic cones, Auckland is a fascinating
recreational landscape. Some of the best things in Auckland are free. The Auckland
Domain, which is within walking distance of the CBD, is a natural masterpiece
with many special places. Walking trails will take you to historic statues
and beautiful conservatories.
North Head, next to Devonport village, offers free exploration of an underground
tunnel network that was built for military purposes during WWII. Highlights
include an original disappearing gun. You can hug a giant kauri tree on any
day of the week in the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. Discover the displays
at the Arataki Visitor Centre and enjoy a free film about Auckland's forest
life.
Auckland Art Gallery
The largest and most comprehensive collection of New Zealand and International
art in the country. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is where New Zealand
stories are told through the visual arts. The Gallery has the largest and
most comprehensive collection of New Zealand and International art in the
country, consisting of over 12,000 works of art including colonial landscape
paintings and early images of Maori by Charles Goldie (1870-1947) and Gottfried
Lindauer (1839-1926).
Situated in the heart of the city and occupying two buildings, AucklandArtGallery
is within walking distance of central city hotels. Visit the Gallery and enjoy
its diverse Public Programme, or take a free tour of the Gallery's collection
every day at 2pm with one of the Gallery's trained guides. Opening hours:
10am - 5pm, 7 days.
Address: Cnr Wellesley and Kitchener Streets, Auckland
Postal Address: PO Box 5449, Auckland, New Zealand
24hr Information Line: 64 9 379 1349
Phone: 64 9 307 700
Fax: 64 9 302 1096
Auckland Bridge Climb
Join professional Climb Leaders for a fun 2 1/2 hr adventure. Join professional
Climb Leaders for a fun 2 1/2 hr adventure. Suitable for all levels of ability
ages 10 and above.The 360? views from the summit, 65m above the water make
Auckland Bridge Climb an Auckland •must do'.
Address: 70 Nelson Street, Auckland
Postal Address: PO Box 106388, Downtown, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 0800 000 808 (within NZ only) or book online
Fax: 64 9 377 6544
www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz
Auckland Museum
Overlooking Waitemata harbour and occupying one of New Zealand's finest heritage
buildings. First establised in 1852, the Museum tells the story of our nation's
evolution, from Pacific migration and early nationhood, to our natural and
military history. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Admission by donation ($5 is suggested),
children are free.
Address: The Domain, Auckland, New Zealand
Postal Address: Private Bag 92018, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 64 9 309 0443
Fax: 64 9 379 9956
www.aucklandmuseum.com
Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens
These gardens are for both education and enjoyment. Open from 9am to dusk daily.
Located adjacent to the southern motorway, access via the Manurewa off-ramp,
eastward along Hill Road. Extensive displays of native and introduced
plants have raised international interest. Guided rambles held on first Sunday
every month.
Address: Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland.
Phone: 64 9 303 1530
www.arc.govt.nz
Auckland Zoo
Home to New Zealand's largest collection of native and exotic animals. Explore
the Tropical Rainforest, Hippo River, Pridelands (African savannah) & Primate
Trail. Discover Wilderness New Zealand. Experience Sealion and PenguinShores
where Sealions can be seen through an amazing underwater viewing window.
Open daily (except Christmas Day), Hours: 9.30am
- 5.30pm (last admission 4.15pm).
Address: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Postal Address: Private Bag, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
Info Line: 64 9 360 3819
Phone: 64 9 360 3800
Fax: 64 9 360 3818
www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
Eden Garden
Once a quarry, now an award winning garden of international status. BeautifulEdenGarden,
once a quarry, is now an award winning garden of international status only
5 minutes from downtown. The Caf, in unique surroundings, serves delectable
home baked treats (Open 9am-4.30pm, Caf 10am-4pm).
Address: 23 Omana Ave, Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 64 9 638 8395
Fax: 64 9 638 7685
www.edengarden.co.nz
Hunua Ranges
Explore a little-known natural playground less than an hour from Auckland.
The ranges, a large area of native bush, provide part of Auckland's water
supply though the Cossey and Mangatangi Dams. Go mountain biking, tramp the
remote tracks, picnic by HunuaFalls, or take the walk to Cossey's Dam. Phone:
64 9 303 1530
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
Get up close and personal with sea creatures... See colonies of King and
Gentoo Penguins, watch them swim and plunge beneath the ice cap, then travel
deep
beneath the ocean and come face to face with the awesome predators of the
deep Ŕ SHARKS Ŕ only centimetres away.
Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland
Postal Address: PO Box 42 021, Orakei, Auckland
Phone: 64 9 528 0603
Fax: 64 9 528 5175
www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Kiwi Valley
The home of Old MacDonald's Travelling Farmyard, nestled in the tranquil Waitakere
foothills. Kiwi Valley's 18-acre property enables visitors to enjoy a hands-on
rural experience. Get close to your favourite animals, ride a horse, explore
the maze and refuel at the Last Straw licensed cafe. Open 10am - 4pm daily
during school holidays, Wednesday - Sunday all other times.
Address: 308 Henderson Valley Road, WaitakereCity, Auckland
Phone: 64 9 837 2952
Fax: 64 9 837 2932
www.kiwivalley.co.nz
LIONZONE
LIONZONE - The Lion Beer Experience. Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand's largest
brewery invites you on an innovative, entertaining and interactive beer experience
where visitors have the opportunity to see, touch, smell and taste the essence
that is beer. Home of NZ's biggest beer brands - Lion Red and Steinlager.
Address: LIONZONE, Lion Brewery (copper kettle entrance), 380
Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland.
Postal Address: LIONZONE, PO Box 23, Auckland
Phone: 64 9 358 8366
Fax: 64 9 358 8699
www.lionzone.co.nz
Museum of Transport and Technology - MOTAT
New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum with exciting exhibitions
and a 'hands on' area. New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum
with historic Pumphouse & Village, extensive collections of vehicles, planes,
military vehicles. Daily tram rides available. Exciting exhibitions and •hands
on' area. Caf and Souvenir Shop. Open 7 days 10am-5pm.
Address: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs
Postal Address: PO Box 44114, Point Chevalier, Auckland, New
Zealand
Phone: 64 9 846 0199
Fax: 64 9 846 4242
Infoline: 64 9 846 7020
www.motat.org.nz
NZ National Maritime Museum
New Zealand's leading maritime museum in the heart of Auckland's vibrant waterfront.
New Zealand's leading maritime museum in the heart of Auckland's vibrant waterfront.
Discover New Zealand's seafaring history in over 14 world class galleries.
Sail the harbour aboard a heritage vessel.
Address: Cnr Hobson and Quay Streets, Auckland
Postal Address: PO Box 3141, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 64 9 373 0800
Fax: 64 9 377 6000
www.nzmaritime.org
Pride of Auckland
Come and enjoy our World Famous Sailing & Dining Cruises on Auckland's
WaitemataHarbour. Daily Sailing, Coffee, Lunch & Dinner Cruises along with
a popular Charter service, provides a fantastic time on the water. NZ National
Maritime Museum pass included. Located through the entrance of the NZ National
Maritime Museum on the corner of Quay & Hobson St's, Downtown Auckland.
Address: Cnr Quay and Hobson Streets, Auckland
Postal Address: PO Box 106026, Auckland 1, New Zealand
Phone: 64 9 373 4557
Fax: 64 9 377 0459
www.prideofauckland.com
Sky City Auckland
Winner of the New Zealand Tourism Supreme Award 2001/2002. Free live entertainment
daily, a choice of ten superb restaurants/bars, two casinos, a 4.5 star hotel
and world famous SkyTower all on site makes SkyCity an unmissable entertainment
destination.
Address:Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
Postal Address:PO Box 90643, Auckland
Freephone: 0800 SKY CITY (within NZ only)
Phone: 64 9 363 6000
Fax: 64 9 363 6032
www.skycity.co.nz
The Force Entertainment Centre
Cinema and entertainment complex in the heart of Auckland city. The Force Entertaiment
Centre has all your entertainment needs covered...12 Village Force Hoyts
movie cinemas, great food in the unique environment and atmosphere that is
Planet Hollywood and much more!
Address: 291-297 Queen St, Auckland
Postal Address: PO Box 37-096, Parnell, Auckland
Phone: 64 9 979 2405
Fax: 64 9 303 3346
Victoria Park Market
Victoria Park Market offers a unique shopping experience just minutes from
Downtown Auckland. There is an amazing array of products for sale - many
not available in other parts of New Zealand. Eat at licensed restaurants,
or visit the international food court that offers delicacies from around
the world, accompanied by live entertainment. Open 7 days a week, 9am - 6pm.
Address: 210 Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand
Postal Address: PO Box 91-733, Auckland Mail Centre
Phone: 64 9 309 6911
Fax: 64 9 377 8954
www.victoria-park-market.co.nz
Waiwera Thermal Resort
Soak and play in the Waiwera Naturally Hot Thermal Waterpark Resort. From
the roaring, whirling twister and dual speed slide, to the sheer luxury of
soaking
in the Hibiscus pool watching movies on the large screen, to the relaxation
of a soothing massage, to the intimate seclusion of rising steam, soft music
and cascading waterfalls of the private spas, sauna and Jacuzzi Ŕ Waiwera
Thermal Resort's naturally heated water provides something for everybody Ŕ only
25 mins north of Auckland on State Highway 1.
Address: PO Box 70, 7-11 Waiwera Rd, Waiwera
Phone: 64 9 426 5369 or 64 9 426 4730
Fax: 64 9 426 4730
www.waiwera.co.nz
Wrights Watergardens & Waterfall Cafe
Six acres of Watergardens within an old rock quarry surrounding the historical
Mauku Waterfall. Waterfall Cafe is licensed and offers excellent food and
beverages. Craft shop and nursery. Open daily 10:00am - 4:30pm.
Address: Mauku Road, Patumahoe, Pukekohe 1850, Auckland, New
Zealand
Phone: 64 9 236 3211
Cafe: 64 9 236 3036
Fax: 64 9 236 3007
www.wrightswatergarden.co.nz
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