Auckland Things to Do Tips by Dodo22

If you get a chance, charter a yacht and go cruising around the Hauraki Gulf. we are blessed with so many islands you are guaranteed to find shelter close by in most winds. The choice is endless and there are heaps of opportunities to go fishing, diving, or like here, just enjoying the sunset.

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Directions: Hauraki Gulf

If you are tired of shopping and want a wander around the water front, extend your walk around Viaduct Basin, past the restaurants and cafes and move on towards Halsey Street. Halsey Street once hosted the bases for the America's Cup yachts, but is now slowly being turned into waterside apartments. You will see remnants of some of the old bases as well as new apartments.

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Address: Halsey Street, Auckland Central
Directions: If you are in a car - Head along Fanshawe Street and turn into Halsey Street. If you are walking from the City walk around the waterfront area from The Loaded Hog in the Viaduct Basin.

If you are into things nautical, and even if you're not, there is plenty to see and to keep you amused at the NZ Maritime Museum. As well as internal exhibits and displays there are also several boats and yachts on display outside.

A worthwhile visit on a rainy day or after Sunday brunch in Viaduct Basin.

Open 7-days except Christmas Day
Hours:
9am to 5pm (6pm from October 1st)

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Address: Hobson Wharf
Directions: At the bottom of Queen Street at the entrance to Viaduct Basin and almost right besides the Auckland Informaton Centre.

If you get a chance you must go sailing on the Auckland Harbour.

The Pride of Auckland Company operates its fleet of large purpose-built sailboats on Auckland Harbour and its trade mark Blue and White sails are a frequent site.

A must do activity whilst in the City of Sails - for international, national, and locals visitors alike.

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Phone: 373 4557
Address: Princes Wharf, Downtown Auckland
Directions: They can be found at the NZ Ntional Maritime Museum, Cnr Quay and Hobson Streets
Website: www.prideofauckland.com

If you love the water and happen to be in Auckland over the summer, you should hire a kayak and go to Brown's Island. It not too far and has an easy walk up to the summit which will afford you wonderful views of Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf

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Address: Kayaks can be hired from Ferg's Kayaks
Directions: Tamaki Drive, near Okahu Bay
Auckland

At the other end of Parnell you will find Judges Bay. The Bay has now been cut off from the water by the road, creating a salt water "lake" which is still used for swiming on a regular basis. Just opposite the Parnell Rose Gardens is another Reserve with this lovely church which is affiliated to the main Anglican Cathedral just up the road.

There is plenty of open space to picnic on (great during the summer) without crowding too close to the church

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Address: Judges Bay Road
Directions: Suburb of Auckland, near the inner city. Judges Bay Road is just off Gladstone Road, Parnell

Most people go to Ponsonby for the cafes and the shopping and its easy to pass this place by. It is a haven of peace right on the main road.

Western Park is one of Auckland City's oldest parks. It's historical origins date back to the 1800's along with other distinguished parks such as The Auckland Domain and Albert Park.

The distinctive sculptures on the Ponsonby Road frontage created by sculptor John Radford, are a set of three works representing buildings that once stood in Auckland

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Address: Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Directions: 5 mins from central Auckland

If you love colour then this is the place to go.

They are just around the corner from Parnell and as well as roses there are many mature trees. The roses are mainly modern with over 4500 rose bushes. From late Spring to early Autumn the rose bushes will be at their best so that is the time to go.

Admission is Free and the gardens are open dawn till dusk daily.

You can also walk from the Rose Gardens down into Judges Bay (best when the tide is in.

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Directions: 85 Gladstone Rd, Parnell

If you've come to Auckland and feel like a little exercise, there is nothing better than Tamaki Drive. Starting just outside of the City and extending all the way to St Heliers, there is a walking, cycling and roller blading track from one end to the other. Tamaki Drive gives wonderful views over the water to Devonport and out to Rangitoto Island, and you can make detours and walk up to the top of Bastion Point for even better views. Ferg's Kayaks hires out roller blades (and kayaks if you want to take the watery route.

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Address: Tamaki Drive, Auckland
Directions: Starts around by Mechanics Bay where Quay Street meets The Strand, and extends all the way to St Heliers

Animals are a particular favourite of mine and as well as travelling through Africa I make a point of visiting zoos in cities that I visit. When in Auckland its hard to go past the Auckland Zoo. Over the years they have been rebuilding the enclosures so that its more like the animals surroundings and for the viewing public, less like looking at caged animals.

If you are going in the weekend its best to go early before the place fills up. The cooler temperatures also ensure that alot of the animals are more active. It pays to check on the notice board at the entrance and take a note of animal activities and feeding times.

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Phone: 09 - 360 3819
Address: Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland.
Website: http://aucklandzoo.co.nz