Piha Beach, on the wild Tasman coast, is famous for the Lion Rock vistas, black sand beaches, great surf and deadly rips. If you venture into the water, do so only between the lifeguard flags. Changing rooms, a shop and campground are available. If coming in summer, bring plenty of sunscreens and a hat as it can be blistering hot on the black sand. The beach is also spectacular on a wild, windy day. From north Piha, there are walking tracks to more secluded beaches.
Completamente rodeada por agua, la Isla Waiheke es famosa por ser la segunda isla más grande del Golfo de Hauraki. Con un sinfín de cuevas, la isla se abre en varias penínsulas y su costa se rompe en una serie de bahías. Las playas de esta isla son absolutamente impolutas y unas de las favoritas para picnics en familia. También es posible recorrer la isla mediante la serie de senderos y caminos que cruzan las colinas y llegan a los acantilados. Waiheke es el hogar de muchas galerías de arte y espacios deportivos, además de un cine, un teatro y varias bodegas. Entre las principales atracciones de la Isla Waiheke se encuentran el Parque Regional Whakanewha, la Galería de Arte Comunitaria de Waiheke, la Bahía Oneroa, la Playa Onetangi, las cascadas Cascades y la Reserva Pohutukawa.
Located in the heart of Piha's tropical forests is Kitekite Falls, a beautiful tri-level 40 meter (131 feet) waterfall that that flows into a pristine pool. After a comfortable trek through lush forests, visitors are rewarded with the sight of gorgeous white ribbons of cascading water bordered by tall towering trees and Nikau Palms. Take along a picnic and enjoy it on the banks of the pool after a refreshing swim. The adventurous can swim under the falls to emerge behind the sheet of tumbling water. This place is great for a casual hike or a picnic with family and friends and should not be missed.
Con una altura de 260 metros, Rangitoto es uno de los volcanes más grandes y jóvenes de Auckland. La última vez que entró en erupción fue hace 600 años y en la actualidad está cubierto por un bosque en regeneración y caminos muertos trazados por la lava. Con buen clima, la vista desde la cima es absolutamente increíble y alcanza la Isla Kawau hacia el norte y las Barreras Grande y Pequeña al noreste. Se puede llegar en ferry, y para alcanzar la cima deberán caminar unos 45 minutos por un sendero muy bien cuidado. Si hacen las reservas correspondientes, también podrán acceder a la cima en tractor.
A tan solo pasos del centro de la ciudad hacia el este se encuentra Auckland Domain, el parque municipal más viejo de Nueva Zelanda. Fundado en 1840 por el gobernador Hobson, el Parque Domain es el hogar del Museo Conmemorativo de la Guerra de Auckland, un jardín de helechos a cielo abierto y los Wintergardens, una glorieta, esculturas, campos de bowling sobre césped, kioskos y mucho más. En el Domain se organizan conciertos enormes como la Navidad de Coca-Cola en el Parque, donde el público se reúne para vivir una noche de música y fuegos artificiales.
Fo Guang Shan Temple is a beautiful example of Asian temple architecture and is a place of true peace and serenity. The temple welcomes visitors and features fantastic and awe-inspiring statues of Buddha, well-maintained grounds, a small eatery that serves delicious meals, and a souvenir shop. Prayer services are frequently conducted for the religious. A visit to the Fo Guang Shan Temple is definitely a must when in the city.
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is an expansive water reserve that is home to thousands of wildlife and plant species. Covering an area of almost 1.2 million hectares, this amazing park covers almost 50 islands and offers you an array of exciting experiences to engage in. One of the most popular activities here is island hopping where you can get a front seat to all the beauty this massive marine park has to offer. Engage in a hiking trail, go bird watching, or simply take a walk on the beach and unwind with your loved ones.
The New Zealand Tsi Ming Temple is entered through a large, elegant gateway of traditional design. There is a fine statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in the garden. The temple itself is in finely decorated traditional Chinese-palace style. The doors are finely carved with symbolic wheels. You can light incense and make offerings. A large statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by two other Bodhisattvas, stand inside the temple. Contact the abbess, Master Chang Shuen, for service times. Visitors are welcome. Most services are in Chinese (Mandarin), and there is also an English session. Services are generally followed by a free vegetarian lunch.
If you are a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien, Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit, and Middle-Earth is not a land of fantasy for you, then Red Carpet Tours is a must in your New Zealand itinerary. This tour company is among the best in the country for their comprehensive Lord of The Rings tour. Founded in 2002, their passionate staff and guides will make your journey as good as a pilgrimage and quest. Explore the places in the movies such as the Trollshaw Forest, Pelennor Fields and Hobbiton. Get to see places that are restricted to the public, breathtaking scenery and more where you get to travel like the characters did. Enthralling, exciting and absolutely worth a lifetime, the Red Carpet Tours offers a 14-day, 10-day and 2-3 days tours.
The Government House in Auckland, New Zealand was gifted to the Crown in 1962 by Sir Frank Mappin, the last Mappin baronet, where Sir Frank and his wife had lived for 45 years. Originally, the land was built upon in the late 19th Century and on coming into Sir Frank's possession in 1921, its landscape was developed and the residence was built upon it and was named Birchlands. The house is smaller in size when compared to the Wellington House, suitable only as a family residence. The reigning British monarch is resident in the House during any visits. The garden of the House has been designated as a "Garden of National Significance", a status awarded by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. The house is open to public in the month of December and special tour is available by prior appointment.
New Zealand Warbirds Association is a museum solely dedicated to all the aircrafts that were used for some of the most crucial battles that were fought. The museum commemorates the contribution that was given by these aircrafts in winning battles. Here you will get to see the real workings of these aircrafts and an in depth knowledge on their types and kinds. The New Zealand Warbirds Association museum is a great place to visit if you are truly interested in learning more about the guardians of the skies.
Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve is important strategically, as it stands at the entrance to the inner harbor and looks out over the Hauraki Gulf. It is covered with military remains dating from pre-European times to the World War II era. Tunnels link many of the gun emplacements built during World War II. A few big guns still remain. Allow a couple of hours to walk from the Devonport ferry landing to the top of North Head and enjoy the panoramic vista.