First Day Auckland

Description:

There is plenty of room here to relax while browsing through the enormous number of free brochures available. Information covers accommodation, local public transport, travel arrangements further afield and all manner of activities including sightseeing and tours. Information is available for the whole of New Zealand. The friendly staff can help you with information and reservations. A small range of souvenirs is available.

Description:

The Harbour bridge is an iconic Auckland sight stretching slightly over a kilometer of the Waitemata Harbour and connecting the CBD to the North Shore. While it is likely that you will travel over it on your stay, you should at least catch a glimpse of the 8 lane structure. At the apex, there are flag poles on each side that proudly fly the New Zealand flag for all to see. If you are travelling over it, as always pay attention to the road. However, when you can pull your eyes off the road going southbound, check out the beautiful visage of Auckland City and especially Westhaven Marina where there are more than 1,900 berths making it one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Royal Yacht Squadran, one time home of the America's Cup, is also situated below you on your drive. As you move northbound, check out the pink building on your left, the historic Chelsea Sugar Refinery. There is more to do on the Harbour Bridge than just drive over it. For the adventure lover's you can choose to Bungy jump from a purpose built platform or join in on one of the Auckland Bridge Climb excursions. This isn't just any walk. It's a 1 ½ hour escorted tour over, under and through the bridge.

Description:

In a formerly run-down area of the Auckland waterfront, a village was created to capture the spirit of Auckland's first America's Cup defense. Where once there were old car auction yards, now there is Auckland's most vibrant bar, restaurant and entertainment area. Whether you want to sit back, sip a cold beverage and watch the boats (people too) or you want to join in the adventure by getting on a boat, the Viaduct Harbour has something for you. This is the first point of entry for many as the cruise ships dock just around the corner. The area features numerous bars (try Danny Doolans for the atmosphere or O'Hagan's for the view), fantastic restaurants (Soul and Euro to name the two best) and some water based entertainment you cannot get anywhere else. If you have ever wondered what an America's Cup yacht truly feels like, get down to Sail NZ's booth and book your trip on the America's Cup yachts. Everyone that wants a turn can get behind the wheel and steer it on the Harbour that twice contested the race. If you are more of a spectator, opt for the Dolphin and Whale Safari. A fantastic day out in the Hauraki Gulf watching the dolphins (rules generally limit your ability to be in the... read more

Description:

Originally named for Queen Victoria (circa 1840), Queen Street is the major commercial street in Auckland's CBD. it starts at Queen's Wharf on the water and extends for more than 3 kilometers up to Karangahape Road (you know it as K Road). It was the first street in New Zealand to be asphalted and also the first one with a Tram. Queen Street houses branches (multiple) of every major bank as well as scores of stores ranging from stationery to the old glamour of Auckland department store Smith & Caughey. If you are looking for chain restaurants, this is also the place with all the major represented. It also houses the best bookstores in town (Whitcoull's, Border's, and Dymock's). If it is Christmas time when you visit, be sure to check out the giant Santa above the entrance to Whitcoull's. In keeping with its stature as an important street, parades and demonstrations are held here (including the infamous Bikes N Boobs).

Description:

Officially opened in 1911, this Italian renaissance revival-style building not only serves as the Council Chamber and city mayoral offices, it has two performance venues, the Great Hall and the Concert Chamber, as well as several function spaces. The wedge-shaped building underwent a NZD32.8 million restoration in 1997 to maintain its heritage features and Edwardian elegance. The Great Hall is regarded as one of the finest concert halls (acoustically) in the world, and has hosted circus acts, formal government dinners, weddings, music awards and rock concerts. It seats 1700 people, while the Concert Chamber caters for up to 400 people.

Description:

High up green space in the city that is popular with university students, family and businesspeople having lunch in the sun. There are a few war memorials dotted about, a rotunda and a fountain that is the main feature. In the summer there are often events going on the biggest of which is the Lantern Festival.

Description:

Don't be confused by the long name, no one uses it. To the locals it is simply "K Road", an eclectic street that is often thought of as a Red Light district, but is much more than that. The street now stands primarily for cafes, boutiques, galleries and night clubs. It is a place where Auckland's gay community intersects with its straight, and everybody parties together under the same pursuit of happiness theme. This is a 24/7 street and home to many of the city's most creative people. By day, there are great places for a coffee or to check out some shops. As night falls, there are some interesting bars to be had and then when the evening gets really late, there is plenty of dancing and drinking to be had. In addition, there are always cultural groups, artists and others organizing events in the many locations on the street.

Our Local Expert Says:

Also known as "Maungawhau" - the "mountain of the whau tree. Mt Eden provides some of the best views across the city, however, tour buses are no longer allowed to drive to the top, and instead must stop halfway, in order to prevent degradation of the mountain.

Description:

A trip to Auckland should always start with a journey to the top of Mt. Eden known in Maori as Maungawhau (mountain of the Whau tree). It is the highest natural point in Auckland and allows you to begin to understand its geography. Make your way to the top and marvel at the view. You will soon appreciate the fact that Auckland is an isthmus, as you see water in just about every direction. Before you get too carried away with the view, look into the crater. You will notice that the land is still slightly stepped as it used to be a Maori Pa for many years, providing the food for the local tribe. You can then easily get a feel for your directions. Find the Sky Tower and the CBD and you will establish north. Look further out into Devonport and Mt. Victoria. As you look west, you'll see the Waitakere ranges. To the South is legendary Eden Park, arguably the most famous rugby ground in the world (they play a bit of cricket there as well, but to much less fanfare). Look East and you see the beaches of Mission Bay and onto the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Once you've taken in the scenery and got your bearings you're set to continue your Auckland experience.