Auckland Must-Dos
 

Hi,

We will be in Auckland for 2 days in the last week of November (at the end of a 3 week vacation) and wanted recommendations on what the must-do and must-see things are in Auckland.

Traveling out of Auckland to Rotorua or other towns is not an option, because of time limitations. Further, we will not have a car and will be limited to public transportation and taxis.

Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks all.

Carl,

it would help if we knew what your interests were: i.e., sightseeing, wine tasting, shopping, sailing, adventure,eco-tourism......

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Dinner at the Skytower Revolving Restaurant - great views, food, & service! Not cheap but for mine one of the "must-do's" in AKL. Cheers.

We are mostly interested in sightseeing, some eco tourism and soft adventure - no bungy jumping for us ;-) ! and we love nature and scenery.

Any tips and recommendations ?

I would suggest taking the ferry to Rangitoto Island, then taking the short hike to the summit of the volcano on the island, where there are spectacular views of Auckland and surrounds.

If you are bird watchers, you might also want to consider taking the ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, and walking the forest trails, where you are sure to see several of NZ's native birds.

Kelly Tarleton's Undersea World is a great aquarium.

The Auckland Museum is quite comprehensive, and has a wonderful Maori and Natural History wing.

Carl,

As you've mentioned scenery and eco-tourism, my suggestion to you would be to pick up the Wilderness experience with Bush & Beach - they'll even pick you up in AKL. Go to www.bushandbeach.co.nz and see what you think!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

There is a hop on/hop off bus that we did for a day - we enjoyed it. Some of the stops are just so-so, but the buses come around pretty frequently if you get off and find there's not much to see.

It's a double decker bus, but the top level is entirely enclosed. There is also a running commentary (taped) as the bus rides around.

I believe there are two lines that intersect at different points, so you can get off one line and hop on the other.

The things I enjoyed the most in Auckland was Kelly Tarleton's, doing a winery tour and going sky diving.