Piercing the sky like a needle, the Sky Tower is known to be one of the tallest man-made structures in New Zealand and is a part of the SkyCity Auckland casino complex. To best experience the view from the top, visitors are provided with not one, but two observation decks that offer sweeping views of the city skyline. The first is at a height of 186 meters (610 feet) while the Skydeck is perched on the 60th floor, exactly below the main antenna, offering unrestricted views of Auckland's ever-expanding cityscape. The Sky Tower also features restaurants, bars and thrilling activities such as Sky Walk and Sky Jump. The Sky Walk involves a strolling a platform that encircles the tower at a height of 192 meters (629 feet) whereas the Sky Jump is for true adventurers, offering visitors a chance to leap off the Sky Tower while safely suspended by a wire that runs the length of the Sky Tower.
Saint Andrews Church is a handsome architectural work built of sturdy gray stone with an interesting neo-classical façade. The porch is flanked by large columns capped by Corinthian capitals, and the spire-topped tower is very elegant. St. Andrews celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1997. As well as being the First Presbyterian Church in Auckland, St. Andrews is a focal point for the Auckland Indonesian community of all denominations.
Just a short walk east from the city center, Auckland Domain is New Zealand's oldest municipal park. Founded in 1840 by Governor Hobson, the Domain features the Auckland War Memorial Museum, an outdoor fernery and botanic The Wintergardens, a band rotunda (watch for free concerts on summer weekends), sculptures, lawn bowls, kiosks and more. The Domain is the location of the huge concerts such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park when 300,000 people jam in for a night of music and fireworks.
Auckland Zoo heeft zichzelf gecommitteerd aan de verbetering van de leefruimtes van Nieuw-Zeelands grootste collectie aan inheemse en exotische dierensoorten. U zult het gevoel hebben alsof u tussen de zeldzame witte neushoorn op de Pridelands loopt, alsof u met de apen door het McDonald´s Regenwoud zwaait en alsof u aan het zwemmen bent met de bewoners van Hippo River. Er zijn picknick faciliteiten en een café. De dierentuin heeft vele educatieve en stimuleringsprogramma´s voor zowel toeristen als lokale bezoekers. Ook is de dierentuin beschikbaar voor zakelijke en private gelegenheden.
Presented to the city by Mayor Sir Logan Campbell in 1901 to be maintained as "a place of public resort for the recreation and enjoyment of the people of New Zealand", Cornwall Park retains the rural character of early Auckland with grazing cattle and sheep. Cornwall Park features a popular tea house located in the restored Huia Lodge Visitor Centre and Acacia Cottage, Auckland's oldest house (1841), moved to the Park in 1920. The Auckland Observatory is located near the Manukau Road entrance to the Park.
Alberton dates from 1863. Starting life as a farmhouse, it was expanded to 18 rooms with exotic towers and verandas on several levels. The estate once comprised extensive farmland, gardens and orchards making it self-sufficient. In its heyday Alberton was famous for balls, garden parties, music and hunting. The grand house contrasts with the attic servant quarters. Original furniture and antique household items remain and the garden contains fine mature trees and a fountain. Alberton is available for cocktail and garden parties, weddings and marquee functions.
Set in the magnificent Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a popular destination for those wanting to "get away from it all". It is only a 35 minute ferry trip from the city. This information center has all you need to know about the island, what to do, and how to get there. Bookings for activities, accommodation, and transport can be organized. The island is known for its artists, its vineyards, and its "back to nature" way of life. You can hire a bicycle from the center, a great, if energetic, way to explore this beautiful island. A selection of souvenirs is also available.
Surrounded by the water, Waiheke Island is known to be the second-largest island of the Hauraki Gulf. Freckled with an abundance of caves, the island branches into several peninsulas, breaking up the coast into a series of tranquil bays. The island's beaches are spotless and a popular choice for family picnics. Visitors may also wander around the island along the various trails that riddle its cliffs and slopes. Waiheke houses many art galleries and sports facilities, as well as a cinema, a theater and various wineries. Waiheke Island's prime attractions include the Whakanewha Regional Park, the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, the Oneroa Bay, Onetangi Beach, the Cascades Waterfall and Pohutukawa Reserve.