Walking the Hillary Trail © ATEED
Auckland Harbour Bridge lit during Vector Lights © Shannon Kemp
GREEN SPACES OUTWEIGH THE URBAN
Auckland covers over 1000 square kilometres, but this is no concrete jungle. Green spaces seep into every nook, even in the very centre; Albert, Victoria and Myers parks are all minutes, on foot, from the Sky Tower. In total there are 48 dormant volcanoes and 27 regional parks to delve into, as well as a traditional Japanese garden at Western Springs Lakeside Park (Fukuoka Garden), a seldom busy boardwalk skimming the watery edges of Ōrakei Basin and the colossal Cornwall Park with lawns, free barbecues and farm animals. Further afield (but only by 40 minutes in the car) Te Henga (Bethells Beach) boasts a gigantic, explorable cave and the lush Waitākere Ranges Regional Park swells with rainforest and waterfalls. Cornwall Park, Central Auckland © Getty Images
GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IS EASY
Simply take to the water – we’re surrounded by it! Enjoy a guided kayaking sunset tour to Rangitoto Island, the enormous domed volcano that defines our horizon, or go full throttle and tackle Te Ara Moana. This self-guided, five-day kayaking journey covers Auckland’s southeastern coastline, with nightly stopovers at remote regional parks. For familyfriendly kayaking, explore Ōkura Marine Reserve at night. Just 20 minutes' drive out of central Auckland, the water glows neon blue due to bioluminescence.
SUMMER AUCKLAND – FREE OFFICIAL GUIDE
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