Auckland Travel Blog

by Amanda Truss/clash on Flickr New Zealand is a great family destination and Auckland has some good places to settle your tribe down for the night. Many people opt to take the campervan route and pack family members and their gear into one big vehicle for the duration of the New Zealand holiday. But...

Barbecue season has begun! From now until autumn, most New Zealand socialising will take place outdoors and much of this will include that summer staple known as “The Kiwi Barbecue”. It is, in actual fact, an art form…a ballet, if you will. Someone will clean the barbecue and load...

Wondering where everyone is? You will be if you stay in the city between Christmas and New Year’s. This is our big summer holiday and Aucklanders participate in a mass exodus to the beaches, mountains and families houses. Kiwis value their non-working hours and really do make the best of them....

You might think there is nothing to it but, ohhhhh you’d be wrong! We’re talking about eating the famous New Zealand pies here, which is a very important cultural experience you absolutely must have whilst you are visiting. Hot pies straight from the pie warmer have their appeal in convenience...

You don’t really need this list, do you? You do? Well, OK then. Here are the top five reasons you really should be in Auckland for the holiday season. #5 Barbecues on the beach- Forget hours spent in a crowded kitchen cooking turkey and get thyself down to the beach. Wouldn’t you much rather...

OK, let’s face it. New Zealand is not alone in having cheap and cheesy souvenirs made in China that only kitch lovers would appreciate. But there is some good stuff too. If you are visiting New Zealand and want to get some souvenirs to take back for Christmas or Chanukah presents for Auntie Jill...

Rangitoto as viewed from Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island There are many wonderful vineyards on Waiheke Island, but a romantic dinner at Mudbrick allows you this beautiful view of Rangitoto, a dormant volcano, at sunset. Book a table in the morning (or even the day before in the busy summer season)...

Auckland Supercity from Mt. Eden by Marie Szamborski A few quirky facts about Auckland to keep you entertained and to impress your friends with. 1. Big fact: Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world. 2. Interesting fact: The Maori name for Auckland is Tamaki Makaurau. 3. Historical fact:...

One of the things that people consistantly remark on when they come to New Zealand is how many public toilets we have. It’s true and they are almost always clean and stocked with toilet paper. Even at beaches we have basic but fully functional facilities that often include showers so you can wash...

In case you missed it, here is a video of Prime Minister John Key on the David Letterman show last year delivering the Top 10 Reasons to Visit New Zealand. I think it says a lot about New Zealand that our Prime Minister can find time to go on a late night TV show in the United States. You also get to...