What to do in Auckland, New Zealand

Haere mai! Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city. It is also known as the City of Sails. Eveybody know that NZ is famous for its greenery and mountainous which is affiliated with Lord Of The Ring. Due to time constraint, i only managed to explore the city best attractions. Once your’re in Auckland, it is hard to miss Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Sky Tower is the 12th tallest tower in the world (taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Sydney’s AMP Tower). Admission fee for basic observation cost NZ$25 per adult.

If you got the guts and balls, walk the 1.2 metre-wide walkway around Auckland’s famous Sky Tower – 192 metres above the ground, no handrails and nothing but air on either side of you! Each skywalk will cost you NZ$145

or jump! yes JUMP. You heard me right! An unforgettable experience for true daredevils, base-jump by wire off the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. You’ll fall very fast (approximately 85kph) for around 11 seconds, and then come to a very smooth landing in the Sky City plaza below. Each skyjump will cost you NZ$225

Famous much Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World is suitable for animal lovers. This aquarium was founded by late Kelly Tarlton and was opened in 1985. Interesting fact is that he proposed to build his aquarium at unused sewage tanks underground on the Auckland waterfront.

Happy fleet! These happy penguins, mainly king and gentoo can be viewed through glass in their temperature controlled habitat. Visitors take a ride on an Antarctic Snowcat, a type of vehicle, through the penguin enclosure.

Marine fishes also can be found there. Yes Clown fish. Besides that, Stingray Bay, is where you can have close encounter with the big stingray. A free shuttle van are available hourly from 9.45am pick up point from Skycity Atrium (Just below skytower) corner of federal and victoria streets.

The NZ Maritime Museum sits right on the waterfront next to the Ferry Building. What’s the point of calling New Zealand the city of sails if you don’t visit this museum! For NZ$17 you can experience New Zealand’s rich and diverse maritime history.There are guided tour too if you have the chance to join one.

This museum is huge! You actually can spend at least 2 hour for the wide variety of exhibition.

Maori boat being displayed.

Re-make of the vessel, most emigrants to NZ during the last century traveled aboard sailing ships in steerage accommodation like this. The journey will from 3 to 4 months and passengers endured both hot and cold weather. Each have their own cubicle to sleep and a common area to do what they want. It does sure look cramp and uncomfortable.

A remake of traditional NZ beach home. These beach house are called “Bach” derived from the word ‘bachelor’ and implies that food is simple, housework minimal and living condition are basic. Seriously, i don’t mind staying near the beach.

Make full use of the time to learn the story of what New Zealand all about. Auckland War Memorial Museum housed in one of the country’s finest heritage buildings. From the great Polynesian voyages which first brought people to Aotearoa, to the the remarkable flora, fauna and geography of our unique islands to the the story of New Zealand’s involvement in wars from the New Zealand Wars to East Timor. The museum is surrounded with greenery and a perfect spot to lay down and relax or even read a book. Each admission only cost NZ$5. There are cultural show from the Maori for a separate admission ticket. It is worth every penny. They will showcase the cultural dance during the war time that is the Maori haka war dance. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment. I’ve always see the NZ rugby team perform the haka before their matches.

Similar to the club. These are some weapons they used during the war.

Well-known to the New Zealanders, the kiwi

Next is my favourite part of the trip. Devonport, the historical maritime village nestled on Auckland’s North Shore. Getting there, catch the Fullers Passenger Ferry from downtown Auckland which takes around 15 mins. You can actually enjoy the view of the city and harbour.

This lovely village has wonderful range of unique specialty shops, cafes & restaurant. I had the chance to have coffee and cakes at one of their cafes. Totally awesome and friendly people!

This store not to be missed especially for chocolates lovers. They sell fine handcrafted confectionary made in Devonport. Free sample to choose from and i did bring back some chocolates from them as souvenirs.

For bookworms, Devonport Library is the right place to be!. This historic building is located on Victoria Road and is available to both the community and visitors.

Mount Victoria, Devonport, located just behind the Devonport shopping centre. Takarunga or as known as Mt.Victoria is situated at the top of Victoria Rd. A 15 minutes climb reveals the best views of the city and the harbour!

Follow the road and walk up takes approx 10 – 20 minutes. Some areas are steep and can be tiring but i really enjoy it! Life is not measured by the moments of breath you take, but by the breath taking moments!

This is what you get after the walk up to Mount Victoria!! Worth every steps you made.  You can even see the Rangitoto, the largest and most recent of Auckland’s volcanoes.(Not in picture)

Fantastic view of the city harbour. I wish i can stay permanently in NZ. Green country and pretty much laid back environment and not forgetting friendly people too. However, there are a lot of Asians settling down and open up business especially at Queens street. Majority of the souvenirs shops are own by the Asian Chinese. I’m not surprised.

Fort Victoria 1885. This battery had been use during the war.

If you are looking for souvenir to bring back home, Victoria Park Market is the place to be. It can be easily spot by the tall chimney. Located in Freemans Bay, it  housed in a former waste depot and incinerator complex. That is the purpose of the 38m tall chimney.

Known for VPM, known for its souvenirs and crafts. The prices is reasonable compared to the one in downtown.

Wide variety of shops along the alley. This concludes my review on Auckland. I’ll definitely come back if there’s a chance. I really do miss their environment.

For more photos of this city, click here

Hotel I stayed during my trip: Oaks Smartstay Apartment on Hobson, Auckland