7 minute read
Must-Do's in Central Auckland
> Queen Street - Central Auckland’s famous city centre street jostles with shops, theatres, a cinema complex and colourful nightlife.
> Te Komititanga Square - This new, beautifully designed pedestrian plaza outside Commercial Bay is a great place to relax, mid shopping.
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> Te Wānanga - Between the Ferry Building and Princes Wharf, this public space is a fabulous enhancement to the Auckland waterfront.
> All Blacks Experience - Stand in the middle of a virtual pitch, come face-to-face with a life-size (albeit digital) All Blacks’ haka and test your ball skills at this interactive thrill, at SkyCity.
> The Wintergardens - A free-to-visit Victorian-style glasshouse in the Auckland Domain. Established in the early 1900s, it is a peaceful enclave replete with rare plants.
> Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki - Located on the edge of Albert Park, the striking gallery houses an impressive permanent collection and hosts temporary exhibitions of international quality. General admission is free for New Zealand residents.
> Auckland War Memorial Museum - Explore the world’s largest collection of Māori taonga and delve into ancient wonders. The South Atrium, Te Ao Mārama is the museum’s newest space, while the new Tāmaki Herenga Waka gallery is hugely hands-on. Free entry for New Zealand visitors.
Auckland War Memorial Museum © Auckland Unlimited Inc.
> Auckland Sky Tower - Take a lift to various viewing platforms, a revolving restaurant and café, or treat yourself to cocktails at the Sugar Club. The adventurous can tiptoe around the tower’s rim on a SkyWalk experience or leap off with SkyJump.
> Aucky Walky Tours - For instant companionship, join an Aucky Walky Tours’ small walking group. Tours specialise in intimate, environmentally friendly tours of secret Auckland spots.
> Aotea Arts Quarter - The cultural and civic heart of Auckland and home to heritage buildings such as The Civic, the Auckland Town Hall and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
> Venues at Aotea Arts Quarter - The Classic Comedy Club hosts live cabaret-style comedy shows; the Basement Theatre is small, personal and showcases home-grown talent and Q Theatre is well-known for its thought-provoking performances.
> Britomart - In lanes and open spaces adjacent to Auckland’s main transport hub you’ll find designer stores by day and secret speakeasies by night.
> Commercial Bay - A world-class hub of international shopping and worldwide dining spread over several stylish floors at the foot of Queen Street.
> The Lighthouse at Queens Wharf - This art work by Michael Parekowhai invites you to peek inside a mysterious white house sitting at the end of the pier.
> Giapo - Buying an ice cream creation from Giapo, on Gore Street, is as much of an experience as it is a dessert.
> Auckland Explorer Bus - Enjoy this Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour and visit Auckland’s top attractions. Buses run every 30 minutes.
> Spa Experiences -Try the renovated spa at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour or relax at Chuan Spa at the Cordis hotel, The Spa at Park Hyatt Auckland or East Day Spa at SkyCity Auckland.
> Comvita Wellness Lab - Discover the art of honey making with a guided, multi-sensory experience (yes, that includes tastings!). Located in the Viaduct.
> The New Zealand Maritime Museum - Home to New Zealand’s largest maritime collection. Learn about Team New Zealand at the Blue Water Black Magic Gallery and book an America’s Cup Tour.
> In Their Words - Local creatives have each written a few words about central Auckland; the results are in the Queen Street area – keep a look out.
> Power to the Pedal - Take an electric bike on a fully guided cycling tour of Auckland. There are various routes and group sizes are small.
> SailFit Wellness Cruises - Spend an entire day on an ocean retreat. Cruise the Hauraki Gulf while luxuriating in wellness activities like yoga, meditation and water sports
> Commercial Bay Bars - Public Bar has the air of a British pub, Ghost Donkey is a Mexican-influenced tequila bar and Liquorette is a glitzy cocktail room.
> Academy Arthouse Cinema - A crazy-cool underground cinema burrowed below Auckland City Library. With two screens and a bar, enjoy $5 Wednesday tickets (with full price fees still a steal at $16).
> Albert Park in the heart of the city - A favourite Auckland park in the heart of the city bordering Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland University and the city centre. Enjoy a spot of lunch on the grass, between vibrant flower beds and focal fountain.
> Aotea Square - A large, paved public space in the heart of Aotea Art Quarter. Enjoy an assortment of free festivities throughout the year such a pop-up ice-rinks and adjoining Ice Bar over winter.
> Britomart Sunday Market - The weekly Britomart Market in Takutai Square is open from 8am every Saturday, come rain or shine. Load up on global taste sensations and sit in the square to sample your pickings.
> Civic on Queen Street - This timeless theatre has been standing stoically on Queen Street since 1929. If you think the grand exterior is impressive, wait until you see the Asian-inspired foyer and twinkling auditorium. When there isn’t a show on, The Civic often runs engaging behind-the-scenes tours which include salacious tales from days gone by.
> Coast to Coast Walkway - Auckland is full of fantastic walks. Embark on the 16km Coast to Coast Walkway leading from one harbour to another. Start from the CBD and finish in Onehunga (or vice versa) 4-5-hours later.
> Miann Dessert Bars - The glass counter at Miann Britomart beams with glazed tarts and decadent desserts, almost too pretty to eat. You can enjoy a high tea that errs dangerously on the sweet side at its sister venue on Fort Street and both outposts serve molten hot chocolate.
> Myers Park playground - Immerse yourself in this central city oasis that connects the diverse and colourful Karangahape Road with Aotea Square and Queen Street. There is a big and bright playground that always delights children.
> Odyssey Sensory Maze - Journey through several rooms crammed with weird and wonderful effects including balloons, ball pits, mirrors and neon lights. Located inside the Sky Worl Entertainment Centre.
> Skydive Auckland - For the ultimate thrill, Skydive Auckland offer the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand: 20,000ft. Jump with a qualified instructor for a bird’s-eye view of Auckland and beyond.
> Te Ara I Whiti/The Lightpath - Also known as the Pink Path (because it is!).This was once a motorway off-ramp but has since been transformed into a shared walking and cycling pathway snaking its way from Upper Queen Street to Victoria Street West. LED lights make it even jazzier at night.
> Victoria Park - A popular large flat field in the inner city, often speckled with cricketers. A looped path encircles the rim and there’s also a playground, skate park and basketball court.
> Weta Workshop Unleashed - Film-buffs should make a beeline for Weta Workshop Unleashed, a labyrinth of props, film sets and hands-on workshops from Wellington’s Academy award-winning Weta Workshop. Take an immersive 90-minute journey through cinematic wizardry.
VOLCANIC AUCKLAND
View of Rangitoto
© Chris McLennan
There are 48 dormant volcanoes in Auckland and no visit to the region is complete without scaling at least one. Hop on the ferry to Rangitoto Island, climb to the summit of Maungawhau (Mt Eden), catch the sun setting from Mt Albert or discover Cornwall Park at Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill).
