Auckland Things to Do Tips by worldkiwi

A day trip to Rangitoto Island.
Rangitoto Island is an extinct volcano at the entrance to Auckland's harbour. The island is a reserve, and is covered in 'bush' (the Kiwi term for forest or woods). The island is only about 257 metres tall, so it is a pleasant walk to the summit where you can get a fantastic view of the beautiful Hauraki Gulf and its many islands, as well as of Auckland city. Try counting some of the sixty or so small volcanoes in the Auckland area that you can see from here.
If you aren't into walking, or you don't have the time, there is a nifty little 'train' (it is really some carriage type things pulled by a tractor), that will take you up. Many tourists purchase a ferry ticket from Auckland that includes this in the price.
Take your lunch as there are no shops and take plenty of drink. Also, please make sure you carry your rubbish off the island with you.
By the way, this was the last of Auckland's volcanoes to erupt - about 700 years ago. Rangitoto means 'bleeding skies' and it is the tallest and largest of Auckland's volcanoes.

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Directions: In the Hauraki Gulf, only about 30 mins (max) by ferry from downtown Auckland.
Other Contact: Fullers Ferries

The Viaduct Basin is a small harbour area on the west side of the Auckland CBD. It's just a short stroll from most of the major hotels in the city. In 2003 and the end of 2002, it was the home to the America's Cup Village. The America's Cup is probably the most prestigous race in the yachting world. There were syndicates from Italy, the USA, Sweden, France, Great Britain, Switzerland (yes that's right - landlocked Switzerland), and of course NZ competing.
The Viaduct Basin used to be a rundown area of the waterfront where the fishing boats would dock. Now it's all apartments and trendy eateries. It has a great atmosphere on a warm sunny day. You can take $20, 45 minute watertaxi trips around the basin and see the syndicate bases and get a commentary on the place and its history. Often there are free concerts in the area too, especially in summer. Stroll around and have a look at the superyachts belonging to the "other half". The Maritime Museum is on Hobson wharf at the east end of the basin.

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Address: Central Auckland.
Directions: An easy short walk from most inner city hotels and backpackers. Plenty of parking in the nearby Downtown Centre Parking Building.

The Auckland War Memorial Musuem stands on the top of one of Auckland's oldest volcanoes. The Domain is a low hill that probably won't first strike you as being a volcano, but when you look closer you will see the crater and there's even a large scoria cone in the centre.
The museum itself has become an icon of Auckland. The building dates back to the 1920s when it was planned as a memorial place to the fallen soldiers of World War I. Now, added to this function is that of perhaps New Zealand's most stately and well presented museum. This is a museum in the grand old sense of the word, yet it exhibits contemporary and interesting displays as well. For the kids, there is the consession of the discovery centre on the second floor, which was actually quite entertaining for all the adults that were there too, on the day I visited! It was interesting seeing a fully operational beehive and trying to find the queen. The cockroach display was pretty disgusting though. On the top floor you will find the moving "Scars on the Heart" permanent exhibition about New Zealand's military history, as well as the memorial rooms. Make sure you give the museum a full day. You also might want to time your visit to catch the Maori cultural performance at 11am.
$5 entry "donation".

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Phone: 09 306 - 7067
Address: Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland.
Website: http://www.akmuseum.org.nz

Mount Eden is Auckland's largest mainland volcanic cone. The hill (it's nowhere near mountainous), is located quite centrally and it is a popular stop for coach tours, so the carpark at the top gets pretty crowded. If you feel like a bit of exercise, walk up to the summit. The Maori name for Mt Eden is Maungawhau and the views are excellent - rivalling those of the Skytower, which you can easily spot from the volcano. One is not supposed to climb down into the crater, but lots of people do. The experience of looking back up from the natural ampitheatre is quite peculiar.

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Directions: Public buses run every 20 minutes along Mt Eden Road from the downtown terminal, stopping at the base and you can walk up the summit road.

The Warbirds Association of New Zealand is an aero-club of devoted aeroplane enthusiasts. They operate a range of restored and much loved planes from bygone eras including Harvards, Mustangs, Spitfires, and a DC3. The DC3 Dakota they have is 60 years old, and operates scenic flights from the Warbirds base in Ardmore, South Auckland (Manukau). For NZ$65, you get a twenty-five to thirty minute flight over the city at a wonderful viewing height of between 250 and 300 metres. The plane is kitted out with a modern aircraft interior with only aircon missing (it can be pretty warm in summer inside). I can thoroughly recommend this trip for anyone wanting to see Auckland from a different perspective. The take-off and landing of this old plane is like nothing you'll expereince on a modern jet. It is extremely smooth and you feel like you are gliding into the air rather more naturally than it seems on a 747 or the like. Everyone gets a few seconds in the cockpit to see the operational side of things too.
The DC3 can be chartered as well.

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Phone: 298-9208 or 479-1378
Directions: Ardmore Aerodrome, Manukau City.
Take the Takanini exit on the Southern Motorway and then this route: Manuroa Rd, right into Porchester Rd, left into Airfield Rd, right into Mills Rd, left into Hamlin, left into Harvard Rd.
Website: www.nzwarbirds.org.nz

The Chinese Lantern Festival has become an annual event in Auckland. 2004 was my first experience of this festival. It was also a record year for attendance, with 70 000 people estimated to have visited the festival on its opening night this year. This proves it is popular and probably here to stay. I certainly hope to check it out again in 2005.
The festival is held on the weekend following the first full moon after the Chinese New Year. In 2004 it was on the nights of Feb 6-8; coinciding with our national holiday - Waitangi Day. The festival happens in Albert Park, just a short walk up-hill from Queen Street and right in front of the university. The whole park is adorned with fantastic lanterns which are alight until 2230. There are stalls selling all sorts of curios and food stalls along Princes Street.
Have a look at my Chinese Lantern Festival 2004 travelogue for more pics.

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Directions: Albert Park is east of Queen Street, the CBD's main thoroughfare.

The Town Hall presides over Aotea Square at the upper end of Queen Street. It is a beautiful old building and the square is often the site of some event or another.

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Devonport is a historic suburb of Auckland, located on the city's North Shore. If you are staying in the central city, you can take one of the regular ferries to Devonport from the Ferry Building on Quay Street. The trip across the Waitemata Harbour takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Check the Fullers Ferries website for up-to-date fares (www.fullers.co.nz).
Devonport's streets are dominated by venerable and ornate wooden houses, commonly referred to as 'villas'. These date back to the late 1800s. Devonport also has a number of attractive little churches and a nice supply of street front cafes.
Make one of your first stops in Devonport at the I-site information centre next to the Esplanade Hotel on Victoria Road (the high street). Grab a coffee at a cafe on this street and then set off to explore Devonport on foot (there is a free brochure containing a walking tour guide available at the I-site).
If you are fit and healthy, climb Mt Victoria, for superb views of Devonport, the North Shore, inner Hauraki Gulf, the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland's central city and eastern beaches. I think the view from Mt Victoria is one of the most photogenic in Auckland. You can also climb North Head and explore the old tunnels and gun emplacements there.

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Address: North Shore of the City.
Directions: Across harbour bridge or by ferry.