Cercada pela água, a Ilha Waiheke é conhecida por ser a segunda maior ilha do Golfo Hauraki. Com abundância de cavernas, a ilha se ramifica em várias penínsulas, dividindo a costa em uma série de baías. As praias da ilha são impecáveis, sendo uma escolha popular para piqueniques em família. Os visitantes também podem passear pela ilha pelas várias trilhas que percorrem as suas falésias e encostas. Waiheke abriga muitas galerias de arte e instalações esportivas, bem como um cinema, um teatro e várias vinícolas. As principais atrações da Ilha Waiheke incluem o Parque Regional de Whakanewha, a Galeria de Arte da Comunidade de Waiheke, a Baía de Oneroa, a Praia de Onetangi, a Cachoeira Cascades e a Reserva Pohutukawa.
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.
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.
Com 260 metros (850 pés), Rangitoto é o maior e mais jovem vulcão de Auckland. Ele entrou em erupção pela última vez há 600 anos e é coberto por florestas em regeneração e fluxos de lava estéreis. As vistas do cume são incríveis em um dia claro, com vistas da Ilha Kawau ao norte e da Grande Barreira e Pequena Barreira ao nordeste. O acesso é feito por balsa e uma caminhada de 45 minutos pela trilha bem conservada até o cume. Um trator e um trailer, reservados em conjunto com a balsa, também vão até o cume.
Perfurando o céu, a Sky Tower é conhecida por ser uma das estruturas feitas pelo homem mais altas da Nova Zelândia e faz parte do complexo de cassinos SkyCity Auckland. Para melhor experimentar a vista do topo, os visitantes não têm um, mas dois decks de observação que oferecem vistas deslumbrantes do horizonte da cidade. O primeiro está a uma altura de 186 metros (610 pés), enquanto o Skydeck fica no 60º andar, exatamente abaixo da antena principal, oferecendo vistas irrestritas de Auckland. A Sky Tower também possui restaurantes, bares e atividades emocionantes, como Sky Walk e Sky Jump. O Sky Walk envolve um passeio em uma plataforma que circunda a torre a uma altura de 192 metros (629 pés), enquanto o Sky Jump é para verdadeiros aventureiros, oferecendo aos visitantes a chance de pular da Sky Tower enquanto estão suspensos com segurança por um fio.
Os degraus do Auckland War Memorial Museum oferecem vistas esplêndidas sobre o pátio do Cenotáfio até o Domínio, a cidade e o Porto de Waitemata além. O museu abriga a maior coleção da Nova Zelândia de Maori e da Ilha do Pacífico taonga (tesouros). Ele também tem fantásticos centros de descoberta interativa para crianças pequenas e velhas, bem como a exposição Scars on the Heart da história da guerra da Nova Zelândia. Uma apresentação cultural maori de 20 minutos com músicas, danças poi, jogos de pau, uma exibição de armas e haka também acontece aqui. O museu também tem uma loja de presentes e livros e um café. Para um dia cheio de entretenimento, dirija-se ao Auckland War Memorial Museum.
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.
Situated in the heart of the city, Cornwall Park Playground features lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. This park comprises various play equipment including swings, slides, climbing structures and monkey bars, that will keep children of all ages entertained for several hours. Children can also indulge in fun activities at the sensory garden, climb the mini-mountains and create music by using sound sculptors. This is a great place to spend a fun day with your family or to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.