AUCKLAND
Welcome to Auckland
A
uckland is an excellent base for road tripping adventures but is, of course, a destination in itself. The arts, cultural and civic heart of Auckland is Aotea Arts Quarter and it’s where you’ll find an incredible mix of artistic diversity, including the grand Civic Theatre and nearby Auckland Art Gallery. The latest, and flashiest, addition to Auckland downtown is Commercial Bay, a three-storey emporium packed with over 100 retailers and a 700-seater food market, but don’t let its glitz distract you from other pockets of beauty
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such as Wynyard Quarter and Britomart. Outside of the CBD, every neighbourhood has something to delight, from seaside villages to bustling inner suburbs and the west coast’s wild surf beaches. Experience global cuisine, colourful markets and take a sip of wine, beer and wellbrewed coffee. Auckland is also a haven for walkers with its volcanoes and 27 regional parks to explore. Among them are Ambury, complete with farm park, beautiful beaches at Tāwharanui and the Waitākere Ranges, just 28km from the CBD and flush with rainforest and waterfalls.
M U S T D O ’ S • A UCK LA N D
ABOVE: Sailing on the Haparanda © Chris McLennan TOP: Surf at Medlands Beach, Great Barrier Island RIGHT: Sculptureum, Matakana BOTH IMAGES: © ATEED
