Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and the port of entry for nearly all visitors. It’s a mecca of things to do, but there are also plenty of fascinating places outside the city worth a visit. Day trips from Auckland range from glowworms to geysers, from beaches to caves, and from Māori culture to hobbit …
Muriwai Beach: Discover Black Sand & Gannets in NZ
Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s rugged west coast is one of my favourite local spots to take visitors. It is less than 45 minutes from Auckland’s city centre, yet a world apart. The transition takes us from the calm, family friendly beaches of the North Shore to the wild, windswept west coast, where we find black …
Explore the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf – Auckland NZ
Imagine over a million hectares of sparkling blue water dotted with over 50 lush islands and you have the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. They offer exploration, hiking, and relaxation, a simple get-away from the hustle of the nearby big city, Auckland New Zealand. Several of the islands are sanctuaries and require a permit for entry, but …
12 Best Auckland Parks Show Us a Clean Green NZ
Auckland may be New Zealand’s largest city, but its urban feel is complimented with city parks scattered everywhere. The country’s clean green reputation is amplified in Auckland parks and gardens. While each park offers something unique, they all provide a welcome escape from the city life that surrounds them. Below are what I consider to …
Enjoy Yacht Racing in Auckland New Zealand
Yacht racing and Auckland seem to go together. New Zealand’s largest city, it is nicknamed the “City of Sails” and, looking out to sea on any summer day, it is easy to see why. Recreational racing or watching the professionals, yacht racing in Auckland is always a thrill. My preferred view is from the water, …
One Tree Hill an Auckland Icon, but Where’s the Tree?
As you reach the top of Maungakiekie, more commonly known as One Tree Hill, the first and most obvious question is, “Where is the tree?” That won’t be your question for long, as newly planted trees are continuing to grow. Interesting History of One Tree Hill (and the missing tree) Located adjacent to beautiful Cornwall …
Arataki Visitor Centre: Gateway to Auckland’s Subtropical Rainforest
A world apart from city life, the Arataki Visitor Centre is the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges. This lush green subtropical rainforest is just a 30-minute drive from Auckland’s city centre. Here, we found ourselves surrounded by the rugged natural beauty one expects to see in New Zealand. Greeted by an eleven-meter tall Maori pou (post) at the …
Hidden History and Quirky Facts about Auckland’s Queen Street
Every major city has a street that does it all; in Auckland, this is Queen Street. This main thoroughfare was once a dirty canal leading out to sea. Today, Queen Street is the heart of the central business district (CBD), a shopper’s paradise, and tourist destination. And, unbeknownst to many, the canal still runs deep …
Wondering Why It’s Called Pink Beach? (Auckland, New Zealand)
Pink Beach is a remote destination on the east side of Shakespear Park, my favourite Auckland New Zealand regional park. The park offers hours of hiking trails and has three popular beaches with nearby carparks. In contrast to the others, Pink Beach requires a hike along the Tiritiri Track, is accessible only at low tide via …
75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand
Auckland is my playground. I live here and thrive on the vast number of inexpensive and free things to do in Auckland. It’s an ideal city for those seeking relaxation, entertainment, culinary excellence, cultural experiences, or adrenaline rush activities. Reflecting the natural beauty one expects to find in New Zealand, it is nestled between two major …
20 Unique Restaurants in Auckland New Zealand
New Zealand cuisine is often difficult to define. A melting pot of flavours and cultures, there are thousands of places to eat in Auckland. While most focus on traditional dining or a specific ethnicity, my favourites tend to be the more unique restaurants in Auckland. Lamb, whitebait, kiwi fruits, and feijoas came to mind when I …
Giapo: Best Ice Cream in Auckland, Maybe the World
Giapo, Auckland. If you have been to New Zealand, your taste buds probably just came alive from hearing the name. There is no doubt in my mind that Giapo serves the best ice cream in Auckland, possibly the world. Each creation is a work of art. In his usual artistic and creative flare, Giapo has …
Shakespear Park: Our Favourite of the Auckland Regional Parks
Shakespear Regional Park encompasses the lush rolling hills at the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula. It’s an open bird sanctuary, with three main beaches, hours of hiking trails, a waterfall, a popular campground, and a lookout tower with 360-degree views. Open to the public, Shakespear Park is a gathering spot for families and whanau alike. Hiking …
30 Fun Things to Do in Auckland at Night
Nightlife in Auckland may not live up to the reputation of other big cities around the world. However, if you know where to look in New Zealand’s largest city, you will easily find plenty of fun things to do in Auckland at night. Whether you are seeking a family-friendly early evening, a night out on …
Things to do in West Auckland: Rainforest, Black Sand & Surf Beaches
Subtropical rainforest hikes, swimming, surfing and viewing birds, black sand and waterfalls are among the many things to do in West Auckland New Zealand. Just one hour from the city centre and you have entered a different world. A temperate rainforest separates Auckland city centre from its western coast. Hikers head to hundreds of kilometres …
