Green Travel in Auckland

Description:

This delightful Bed and Breakfast is situated on the western side of an extinct volcano in the heart of Mt Eden;one of Aucklands more traditional,picturesque suburbs, situated only 5 minutes from the central business district of Auckland City. The area is comprised of Heritage homes , antique shops , fine restaurants and excellent walking tours. The property offers 4 guest rooms with ensuites available. Your hosts, Marlene and Anthony McAnulty believe that you will arrive as a guest.... and leave as a friend!

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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).

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Our Local Expert Says:

The best place to get a good overview of Auckland

Description:

The Sky Tower, Auckland's most visible landmark, was completed in 1995. As it's the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, you can get a great view up there. If you're brave, you can even jump off it while attached to a line, faced-down. The other option is a walk along the "balcony" that encircles the top floor viewing platform. Inside the main building is Sky City where you can book the jump or walk, gamble your life away in the casino, or eat in the restaurants. There is also a posh hotel.

This is the location of the biggest tourist information, 'i Site', so think of it as a good place to begin your exploration of Auckland.

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Description:

Just a short walk east from the city centre, Auckland Domain is New Zealand's oldest municipal park. Founded in 1840 by Governor Hobson, the Domain features the Auckland War Memorial Museum, an outdoor fernery and botanic Wintergardens, a band rotunda (watch for free concerts on summer weekends), sculptures, lawn bowls, kiosk and more. The Domain is the location of the huge concerts such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park when 300,000 people jam in for a night of music and fireworks.

Description:

Tanuki brings an authentic slice of Japan to Queen Street. Featuring a traditional wooden interior, traditional sake boxes and baskets provide an atmospheric backdrop to the well-designed tables and stools. It draws a mix of Japanese businesspeople and students as well as visitors and local diners. You could almost imagine yourself in a hideaway in Kyoto or Ginza at Tanuki. The handsome bar is well stocked with a wide variety of sake labels. A full selection of delectable sushi and sashimi provide an excellent counterbalance to the wine.

Description:

This is the company for a function with a nautical theme. They can cater for parties, weddings, birthdays, Christmas functions, dinner cruises, and casino cruises. There are four boats, from the 18 metre Pacific Cat to the 44 metre Lady Wakehurst, so it should be no trouble to suit your particular needs. Prices are available on application. They also operate a fast (30 minutes) ferry service to Waiheke Island and are ideally located on the Auckland waterfront.

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Description:

The Ferry Building, in Edwardian Baroque style, was first opened in 1912 on land reclaimed from the harbour. Construction is of sandstone and brick with a Coromandel granite base. In recent years it has been elegantly refurbished for retail, restaurant (Harbourside and Cin Cin can be found here) and office use, but still maintains its original function as the terminal for ferries to the North Shore and the Hauraki Gulf islands. Admission is free.

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Description:

Waiheke Island is the 2nd largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and is 17.7 kilometers from Auckland's CBD. it features many wineries (a new one every month it seems) and has one of New Zealand's best beaches, Onetangi. The easiest way for a visitor to get to Waiheke is by ferry. Ferries leave just about every hour on the hour (check the schedule as it varies on the weekend) and return until around 11 PM (earlier on Sunday). When you arrive at the Matiatia wharf, you can then select from the option of a taxi, public bus or hire car. There are many famous wineries and almost all of them have a restaurant on the premises to sample the wines and nibble some local delicacies. Two of the more popular wineries are Stonyridge and Mudbrick, but there really is no bad one. If you can pull yourself away from the vino, head to Onetangi beach for a walk or a swim. With views heading straight out to the Coromandel and one of the country's best white sand beaches, it is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Auckland.

Description:

Euro is consistently rated amongst the best restaurants in_x000D_ Auckland. Looking out from the edge of Prince's Wharf over the_x000D_ Waitemata harbor, the dining room is crisp, minimalist and very_x000D_ trendy. Nearly all the produce used at Euro is organic. Try the_x000D_ salt and pepper squid with roasted garlic mayo, charred lime and_x000D_ virgin olive oil, followed by the restaurant's signature_x000D_ dish-rotisserie chicken, rubbed, spiced and lightly blackened,_x000D_ served with creamy mash and celeriac slaw. Euro has a very good_x000D_ wine list.

Description:

This delightful Bed and Breakfast is situated on the western side of an extinct volcano in the heart of Mt Eden;one of Aucklands more traditional,picturesque suburbs, situated only 5 minutes from the central business district of Auckland City. The area is comprised of Heritage homes , antique shops , fine restaurants and excellent walking tours. The property offers 4 guest rooms with ensuites available. Your hosts, Marlene and Anthony McAnulty believe that you will arrive as a guest.... and leave as a friend!

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Description:

Waitomo is famous for the glow worm cave, first explored by Tane Tinorau, a local Maori Chief. Millions of glow worms sparkle above as visitors float through the cave on boats. Aranui cave is more of an adventure, with spectacular cave formations and huge chambers. The final cave, Ruakuri, is for adventurers on guided black water rafting trips and other rugged tours. To the north is the Otorohanga Kiwi House where you can see the elusive national icon in artificial darkness.

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Description:

Matamata is a stately provincial town famous for racehorses, dairy farming and the scenic Firth Tower. Settled by Europeans in the 1860s after the Land Wars, Matamata today is the heart of a rich agricultural region nestled between the Kaimai Ranges and the Waikato. Firth Tower, built as a defensive work some 130 years ago, has a small local history museum and a café. At Okauia Hot Springs you can soak away the rigours of a hard day's touring. Camping is available at Okauia.

Description:

If you seek an adventure tour that plays with your senses and provides an unforgettable thrill then this tour is for you. Choose between the Black Abyss or the Labyrinth and let the fun begin!

The Black Abyss
Designed for people with a moderate level of fitness, the five-hour invigorating journey includes a minimum of two hours exhilarating underground adventure. Abseil (Rappel) into the awesome limestone tomb to experience the adrenaline rush as you clamber and slide through squeezes, zip into the black water filled abyss and scramble up waterfalls in your pursuit of daylight.

Inside the cave naturally occurring decorations such as stalactites and stalagmites will amaze while the resident glowworms promise to provide a spectacular visual exhibition as you traverse through the subterraneous playground.

Includes: Abseiling training, abseiling 37 metres, caving and walking, cave tubing (black water rafting), glow worms, jumps, flying fox, climbing

The Labyrinth
This popular tour involves a combination of walking and floating on an inner tube through a unique underground river system. As you prepare for your adventure your professional guide will ensure you are properly equipped and teach you some fun techniques before you climb down into nature's underground network for an enjoyable cave tubing experience of a lifetime! Streams spill, twist, turn and join to build a river canyon. Glide with the water as it drops down the hidden waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest.

Prepare to be amazed at the naturally occurring decorations within the cave including stalactites and stalagmites. This exhilarating journey also provides a spectacular visual display of glowworms.

Includes: caving and walking, cave tubing (black water rafting), glow worms, small waterfall jump

At the end of your experience enjoy a hot shower, hearty soup and bagel before visiting the Waitomo Cave Museum using the free ticket provided with your tour.

Description:

Situated inside the refitted Hotel De Brett, Kitchen is a blend of styles in its décor and its food. The presentation is formal, but the room is light and airy (amazing what an atrium will do). All the wine on the menu is avialable in either a glass or a bottle giving you a chance to really experiment with the tasty food.

Description:

This delightful Bed and Breakfast is situated on the western side of an extinct volcano in the heart of Mt Eden;one of Aucklands more traditional,picturesque suburbs, situated only 5 minutes from the central business district of Auckland City. The area is comprised of Heritage homes , antique shops , fine restaurants and excellent walking tours. The property offers 4 guest rooms with ensuites available. Your hosts, Marlene and Anthony McAnulty believe that you will arrive as a guest.... and leave as a friend!

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Our Local Expert Says:

How many chances do you get to walk around on a volcano? It's truly amazing! See if you can find the lava caves.

Description:

Rangitoto is the largest (260 meters tall, 2300+ hectares) and youngest of the North Island volcanoes. It last erupted as recently as 600 years ago. It is iconic on the Auckland landscape and serves as a landmark in the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto is a great day trip and ferries leave daily at regularly scheduled intervals. It is home to the largest forest of Pohutukawa trees in the world and has no permanent residents today. In fact, overnight stays have been banned on the island since the 1930's. To appreciate the natural beauty of the island, you need to be prepared for a day in the sun and have your own drinks and snacks.

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Description:

Oneroa Beach is within walking distance of Oneroa, the main shopping, arts, eating and drinking district of Waiheke Island. With white sand, gentle waves and warm water, Oneroa Beach is the perfect place to while away an afternoon on Waiheke. Oneroa is accessible by bus from the main ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay. Little Oneroa Beach is just a short walk away and offers great tidal pool watching and a children's playground.

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Description:

Situated in the cat bird seat of the Viaduct Harbour, Soul is a wildly popular spot for both drinking and eating. The views from its west-facing deck feature the boats of the Viaduct as well as some of Auckland's most beautiful people. The cuisine is focused on seafood, but has something for just about everyone (I'm not 100% on the vegan thing so you guys may need to call ahead). If you are interested in a cold beverage, walk right on in. If you are looking to indulge in some of their award winning food, be sure to call for reservations (+64 9 356-7249). As you peruse the menu, remember two things: the chowder is always good and the Macaroni and Cheese is divine (who would have guessed?).

Description:

This delightful Bed and Breakfast is situated on the western side of an extinct volcano in the heart of Mt Eden;one of Aucklands more traditional,picturesque suburbs, situated only 5 minutes from the central business district of Auckland City. The area is comprised of Heritage homes , antique shops , fine restaurants and excellent walking tours. The property offers 4 guest rooms with ensuites available. Your hosts, Marlene and Anthony McAnulty believe that you will arrive as a guest.... and leave as a friend!

Description:

Providing views out over the Hauraki Gulf, the Coromandel Peninsula and Great and Little Barrier Islands, Moirs Hill (358 metres) is reached via a two hour return tramp along the Moirs Hill Walkway, directly off State Highway One, a few kilometres before Warkworth. From the car park the track ascends through magnificent stands of northern rata and mamaku, ponga and wheki tree ferns. Due to the moist nature of the forest, the track can be muddy but this is compensated by the abundance of ferns, vines and mosses.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Not your usual tourist activity! Riding horses on New Zealand beaches has got to be one of the most offbeat ways to experience the good life here.

Description:

Points for originality, this operation offers horse rides from 1/2 an hour right up to 7 day treks with accommodation in nice cabins and home cooked meals. You'll get a rundown of "the rules" for having a great time on a horse on their website to study beforehand so you can feel confident and they provide any safety equipment needed. One of their most popular rides is the "Pub to Pub" which is a three-day ride that takes in a Maori Pa site and a couple of fine drinking establishments. I just hope the horses don't drink!
The farm is located near Matakana, which is know by foodies all over New Zealand. So, it would be easy to combine a ride and a stay over in Matakana if that takes your fancy.

Description:

This vineyard and winery is more than just that. It not only offers group wine-tasting (by appointment), there is also the The Hunting Lodge Restaurant and accommodation in vineyard cottages. For the family's day out, this place offers beautiful picnic areas, gardens, a children's playground, and courts for croquet and petanque. The wine shop is full of fine Matua Valley Wines, some of New Zealand's finest, available for tasting and purchase.

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Description:

There are many things to admire about the Gannet Colony at Muriwai beach. First, it's the breathtaking scenery. As you look down the black sand beach with the surf smashing into the rocks and spilling over on to the beach, you think it goes on forever. It actually extends 60 kilometers to the North. Moving toward the colony, you will see an almost 90 degree angle of an island. When you get used to the scenery, it's the bird's themselves. They arrive there amidst the chaos. There are estimated to be 1,200 of the birds weighing in at 2.5 kg's each fighting for space on the island. They nest just centimeters apart and lay one egg. The Parents take turns on the nest adding to the chaos (each has a wingspan of almost 2 meters). The chicks hatch and begin the process of getting feathers on their wings. They are destined for a one-shot take off (miss it and you fall into the ocean) that will lead them on an adventure that will see them cross the Tasman to Australia. The survivors will return a few years later to the site and repeat the process. The colony is an hour's drive from Auckland. It is well signposted (head to Muriwai Beach) and provides parking. Once parked, you follow the walking track around to the viewing areas. There are some great insights on the signs so go ahead and take the time to read about your fellow winged travelers.

Description:

This delightful Bed and Breakfast is situated on the western side of an extinct volcano in the heart of Mt Eden;one of Aucklands more traditional,picturesque suburbs, situated only 5 minutes from the central business district of Auckland City. The area is comprised of Heritage homes , antique shops , fine restaurants and excellent walking tours. The property offers 4 guest rooms with ensuites available. Your hosts, Marlene and Anthony McAnulty believe that you will arrive as a guest.... and leave as a friend!

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Description:

Great Barrier Island, named by Captain Cook in 1769, lies about 90 kilometres north-east of Auckland and is accessible by both ferry, car ferry and air. Take the bus along the island, meeting up with the ferry for the return trip to Auckland. That way you get to view the beautiful white sand beaches of the eastern coast. Great tramping tracks criss-cross the island--rental cars and bikes are available. There is limited accommodation, so prior bookings are essential.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Check out the "Ark in the Park" project at the Cascade Kauri Park, where endangered bird species have recently been reintroduced.

Description:

The Waitakere Ranges provide Auckland's western backdrop. Formed by volcanic eruptions 20 million years ago, the ranges were once clothed in giant kauri trees. Now covered with regenerating native bush, the area is important as a catchment for Auckland's water supply and as a major recreational area for the city. The 68-kilometre Scenic Drive is the main vehicle route. The Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive, is a great starting place. Walking the Cascade Kauri Track and to the Waitakere Dam are highlights. There are only a few cafes, so a picnic is a good option.

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Description:

Just down the waterfront road east of Auckland central is an opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. Former Olympic rowing gold medallist Ian Ferguson has established a kayaking rental and instruction centre on the waterfront. The people at Ferg's are as friendly and helpful as can be. The kayak selection is phenomenal and the possibilities for kayaking are fantastic! The cost is very reasonable too. They also have a café.

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Description:

Situated upstairs, away from the throng on Viaduct Quay, Kermadec has an air of serenity and sophistication. Marine artwork decorates the white oak floor. Large folding windows open out to the view of the boats moored below and the setting sun beyond. The owner's fishing fleet brings in fresh seafood daily. Crayfish, scallops, prawns and mussels feature on the menu. Stunningly presented sushi and sashimi will tempt diners. Kermadec offers one of Auckland's top fine-dining experiences. Try the Seafood Platter, for a minimum of two people. Equally good beef and lamb dishes are also available.