Some top tips for choosing this North Island hotspot
New Zealand has grown in stature as a holiday destination in recent decades. Thanks in part to the availability of cheap flights, it’s rapidly developing its status on the world stage as a unique travel destination.
With the help of Lord of the Rings movies, comedy exports Flight of the Concords as well as the successes of the All Blacks Rugby team, the Pacific country has an international cultural standing. And whilst all visitors will be drawn to the national parks and stunning landscapes, there are cities worth checking out too.
We’ve picked five great reasons for making Auckland, on the North Island, a key stop on your Kiwi adventure…
- Sailing, islands, cruises
There are so many opportunities to take sailing course – or hire a boat yourself from Auckland. There’s plenty to explore: take a cruise to the Bay of Islands (go overnight for a treat to a gorgeous sunset) and make the most of the stunning marine wildlife and coastal geography surrounding this South Island city – be sure to stop at Waitangi and Paihia.
- Whales and dolphins
Another key water-based Auckland activity, in just a few hours you can take in orcas, schools of dolphins and stunning views of the Pacific. Being another coastal city surrounded by stunning islands (see above…) you can do these trips in a morning or half-day.
- High culture
Visit the Edge, a series of performance venues, where you can catch a bevy of cultural institutions – from the Auckland Symphony Orchestra to the Auckland Philharmonic. If that’s a bit snooty, try Galatos for edgy cinema, video art and DJs.
- Hipsters
Auckland is promoting itself as New Zealand’s hippest city, and the Kingsland and Ponsonby Road areas are where it’s at for galleries, cafes and thoughtful shops.
- Food
Rivalling North Island’s Wellington, Auckland’s got a lot going on in terms of culinary taste. With great outdoor shopping opportunities such as the Fish Market, you can pick up stuff to cook at home – or get homey at cafes like Café Melba and Agnes Curran.
I only need two reasons to visit NZ: Bret and Jemaine! Flight of the Conchords are the best talents of New Zealand.
Yeah they are pretty good. Thanks for stopping by.
Auckland is a bit of an underrated destination. Speaking as a Kiwi myself, most NZers hate the place but I always argue that while it is a big city it’s also quintessential New Zealand and not like other “big” cities abroad.
For as long as I’ve been a Kiwi, Auckland is a North Island city, nowhere near the South Island. A serious editing error on this page, otherwise the ideas for visiting Auckland are only a few of the endless beautiful opportunities.
Thanks Annie, This was an advetorial post and not one I wrote but I guess I need to edit the ones I accept a little bit more carefully. That’s onr reason I don’t allow too many. Thanks for the heads up it has been corrected.
I’m going! Already booked for May! 🙂
Look forward to hearing all about it.