2 days in Auckland
 

I have two days in Auckland before a cruise in early November. Can you help me prioritize my short time in Auckland?

Thanks

PROF PLUM

What are your interests?

Lee Ann

Hi Lee Ann

Fair question. I'm from Canada and have never been to Auckland. I really don't have any specific "must-do's" to "check-off". During my relatively short stay, I'd just like to explore the city; see the major places of interest; and try to soak in some of the Kiwi culture and atmosphere.

Hope that you can help out with some suggestions from a "local".

Thanks
Prof Plum

I wish I was a local, but I'm an American.

Our time in Auckland was fairly brief. We spent an afternoon in Devonport (took the ferry, which was fun) and the next morning at the Auckland Museum, which has an excellent exhibit on the Pacific Islands.

Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions.

Lee Ann

Thanks for sharing your experience. We'll probably pass on the ferry since we're hoping for some pretty spectacular views as the ship departs Auckland but we will definitely checkout the museum.

Thanks for the help.

Prof Plum

I'm an American too but spent 5 days in the Auckland area and really enjoyed it.

Some ideas without knowing your interests:

- Hang out in the waterfront area, people watch, and drop in the excellent National Maritime Museum
- Go to the Domain for the Auckland Museum as well as the beautiful gardens
- Check out the cafes and shops in Ponsonby
- Take a ferry to one of the islands (both Rangitoto and Waiheke are easy to reach)
- Go the Mount Eden or One Tree Hill

Thanks for the great suggestions. Is Kelly Tarton's worth a visit?

Kelly Tarlton's is worthwhile to see the penguins, IMO, especially if you haven't see the larger species (e.g. king) elsewhere. While the other exhibits are good, the aquarium is not different than what is available around the world.

Haven't seen the penguins so we'll put Kelly Tarlton's on the to do list. Thanks for the info. Any recommendations for cafes in Ponsonby (or elsewhere)?

Not a fan of Auckland in general, but we did enjoy our afternoon at the Sky Tower.

I am a local and all the above are good suggestions. Auckland does have it's charms even if most people rush through it to more exciting places! As the largest city with the most jobs that's where most of us live and there are some good things about the place.
Any overseas visitors to my house I would first up take them on a trip to Waiheke Island. I think you are missing out somewhat by not taking any ferry trips. Think of them as a way to get somewhere amazing not just sailing out of the harbour on a huge cruise ship.
Waiheke is beautiful with lovely beaches, amazing food and wine and a different view around every bend.
Rangitoto is a young sprightly volcano (600 years old) and well worth a walk to the top. There is nothing in the way of facilities there so take your own food and drink.
Tiritiri Matangi is a bit further out and a wildlife reserve. It's a great place for native birds and the takahe are very friendly.
Piha Beach with it's black sand and the bush walks of the Waitakere rainforest are also worth a look. Take an organized day trip out there as public transport out west is pretty hopeless.
As for Ponsonby cafes - sorry I never go there as the parking is terrible. For somewhere with more choice and charm head down to the Viaduct area by the harbour, or Silo Park ( a bit further along) or Britomart (by the train station)lots and lots of restaurants and cafes there.
Kelly Tarlton's is good and the penguins would be the highlight. You can get so close as to just about touch them and they are the size of small children. Cheaper than going to Antarctica to see them.
Love your name -do you play a lot of Cluedo?

Thanks so much for the fascinating information on the Gulf Islands. You've been very helpful. So much to see and so little time! I'll have to make an efficient plan to best utilize my short time in Auckland.

Glad you picked up on the reference to CLUE!

Happy to help PP.
If you are staying in the city (which you are from your other post) it's not that far to the ferry terminal.
Auckland is not that big and November is pretty quiet so you could do 2 things in one day like the Museum and Kelly Tarltons.
We have daylight saving then so you could go over to Waiheke mid afternoon and have dinner there and get the ferry back at 9.30 pm, 11 pm or 12.30 am. The 'big boys' of Waiheke wine land Mudbrick and Cable Bay are down the western end of Waiheke and have views of the city.
Wish I was as Miss Scarlett but probably more of a Mrs Peacock by now. Enjoy your holiday here.

Sorry for the delay in responding but I've been away. Just wanted to say thank you to Miss Scarlet et al for all the very helpful advice. Looking forward to November!