"Auckland: ‘volcanoes’ and ‘sails’" Auckland by vtveen

Auckland Travel Guide: 1,035 reviews and 2,290 photos

Auckland's skyline seen from Devonport - Auckland
Auckland's skyline seen from Devonport

Auckland is by far the biggest city in New Zealand with more than 1 million inhabitants. They all are living in one of the many suburbs surrounding the inner-city on all sides.
These suburbs stretch out for miles and miles, because it seems every 'Kiwi' wants to have a home with a at least a garden.

The commercial heart of the city lies along the waterfront and goes up Queen Street with lots of commercial buildings, shops and restaurants.
Other important shopping areas are Parnell Road and Ponsonby and Jervois Rds.

Don’t expect the ‘normal’ Auckland tips like Sky Tower and Kelly Tarlton's on my page, but I will try to add more or less 'off the beaten path tips'.

Volcanoes
downtown Auckland from Mt. Eden - Auckland

downtown Auckland from Mt. Eden

Auckland has been built on an isthmus between the Abel Tasman Sea and the Hauraki Gulf. This isthmus came into being on about 50 volcanoes.
It is said they all are dead, or at least dormant (everybody hopes so !!). The youngest - Rangitoto - erupted about 800 years ago.

Nowadays all these volcanic cones are excellent look outs for a view of the city and the harbours with the islands. It does not matter which one you take - One Tree Hill, Mt. Eden or Mt. Wellington - you have to visit at least one.

Sails
sails before downtown Auckland - Auckland

sails before downtown Auckland

Auckland is called 'city of sails'. And when you are driving around you do understand why. Everywhere along the waterfront you will find harbours with lots of sailing boats.

Thanks to America's Cup the Waterfront area has been transformed into a modern trendy neighbourhood with lots of restaurants, cafe's and vibrant (water)activities.

We saw both the America's Cup Regatta's in 2000 and 2002 in Auckland. Was a great experience to see this event, so important for most of the 'Kiwi's'. We still do have our own "red socks".

  • Last visit to Auckland: Jan 2006
  • Intro Updated Oct 19, 2006
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Reviews (7)

Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera manicata) - Auckland home to 10.000 plants ... Off The Beaten Path (7)

The Auckland Botanic Gardens are located more or less outside the city of Aucland, next to the Southern Motorway to... more travel advice

Cheltenham Beach - Auckland different Devonport Off The Beaten Path (7)

Off course Devonport is a ‘must see activity’ during your stay in Auckland. Easy accessible with the ferry from downtown... more travel advice

view from Mt. Wellington - Auckland Mount Wellington Off The Beaten Path (7)

Mt. Wellington is situated in the Mt. Wellington Domain. It is one of Aucklands volcano’s, but not so ‘overcrowded’ with... more travel advice

Eden Garden: green oasis - Auckland Eden Garden: green oasis Off The Beaten Path (7)

Eden Garden is the work of volunteers, who started in 1964. They transformed an abandoned quarry on the slopes of Mt.... more travel advice

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“"The beauty lies in the travelling, not in the destination" (The Convent Inn, Val Marie SK, Canada)”

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