Top Things to See
Auckland offers myriad visually pleasing sights of both natural and manmade origins. The city was built amid an extinct volcanic range and is hence blessed with some amazing lava rock formations, with Mount Eden and the awesome Rangitoto Island among the most impressive. The city’s colonists helped to construct a variety of attractive buildings, with those in the suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby offering good examples of period architecture. Famous landmarks such as the Sky Tower and One Tree Hill get top spots on most visitors sightseeing itineraries.
American Express Viaduct Harbour
Created to serve the needs of those watching and taking part in the America's Cup events of 1999 and 2002, Viaduct Harbour is now something of a focal point for maritime events held in the city. The harbour area includes a complete village comprising hotels, apartment blocks, shops, markets, restaurants and bars which were used by over 2,000 people during the two competitions. Visitors should keep their eye on local listings to see if there are any regattas or other similar events taking place here during their stay.
 Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill
Sir John Logan Campbell presented the land which was to become Cornwall Park to the government in 1901. Logan died in 1912 and was buried at the top of One Tree Hill, a mound which he was responsible for naming. Aside from the park’s historic interest, it is a lovely place to spend time with its spacious parkland areas and grassy slopes offering great opportunities for leisurely walks. One Tree Hill is low enough to be climbed on foot, but it is also possible to drive to the summit. From the top are some great views over the city as well as a large obelisk that was erected as a tribute to the Maori people in 1940. Phone: +64 9 630 8485; website: www.cornwallpark.co.nz/index.php?s=2.
Devonport
Located on Auckland’s northern shores, Devonport is the gateway to east coast and North Shore city areas. A picturesque destination offering a charming seaside town ambience, the town is home to some great beaches, fantastic restaurants and cafés, art galleries and a wealth of shopping options. Devonport was one of the first locations in the region to see European colonists and is consequently awash with old colonial buildings including late 19th and early 20th century residences. The country’s navy operations are based in Devonport and there is a small museum detailing the organisation’s history and ongoing responsibilities.
 Mount Eden
Lying just over a mile south of Auckland city centre, Mount Eden is reachable by bus or a moderately strenuous walk up Mount Eden road. The mountain is one of the 50 now inactive volcanoes that make up the volcanic field on which the city was built. Historians estimate that Mount Eden formed somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. As the highest of the volcanic mounds, it’s a popular spot with visitors and offers some fantastic panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Parnell
Hailed as the oldest suburban development in the country, Parnell is also well known for its unique atmosphere which is based on its small-town charm, chic little boutiques, excellent restaurants, scenic parks, historic buildings and art galleries. It’s here that you’ll find attractions such as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, St Mary's in Holy Trinity Cathedral and the famous Parnell Rose Gardens. Schedule a trip for November and you can experience the beauty of the annual Rose Festival.
Ponsonby
Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s character-rich suburbs. Like other suburbs, it’s home to its own unique selection of visual delights. Of interest in this small town are old buildings such as Allendale, a Victorian house that belonged originally to the saddler George Allen, and the old Post Office, which features a tower that dates back to the Edwardian era. The Post Office was designed by John Campbell, who was also responsible for the design of the Auckland Chief Post Office, Ferry Building and Town Hall. Be sure to take a walk to Franklin road, a scenic tree-lined thoroughfare that’s home to fine stately homes and Art Deco buildings.
 Sky Tower
Claiming the title of the tallest tower of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Sky Tower stands a lofty 1,000 feet high and can be seen from anywhere within the city centre. Take the glass-fronted lift to the tower’s observation deck for fantastic views of the city. The deck has three public levels, with the top level offering the most stunning sights. Audio guides, interactive displays and binoculars that allow you to see even further into the horizon are available. Phone: +64 9 363 6400; website: www.skycityauckland.co.nz/skycity/auckland/ sky-tower/sky-tower_home.cfm.
 Stardome Observatory
Located south of the volcanic cone known as One Tree Hill, Auckland’s Stardome Observatory is a fascinating centre dedicated to providing information on the solar system. A multimedia presentation offers a simulation of the night sky and comes complete with digital surround sound. If the sky is clear enough, you may be able to view some of the other planets in the system or see the moon’s craters via one of the ultra-powerful telescopes available. A planetarium room in the centre offers regularly changing programmes. Phone: +64 9 624 1246; website: www.stardome.org.nz/.
Top Things to Do
 Explore Piha Canyon. Local tour operators offer the opportunity to explore the Piha Canyon, situated in the Waitakere Park ranges. From the city centre, it takes 40 minutes to reach the canyon, where visitors are then supervised as they participate in the physically demanding pursuits necessary to overcome the canyon’s various obstacles. Visitors should be prepared for caving, abseiling, climbing, jumping and sliding as well as some strenuous walking. Participants are rewarded for their efforts with a relaxing lunch on Piha Beach.
 Get exercise along Tamaki drive. Tamaki drive is an esplanade that stretches from the city’s container wharf area all the way to St Heliers Bay. Covering a distance of six miles, it’s an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely walk, vigorous bike ride or fun rollerblading session while taking in the fantastic views en route. There are designated track for cyclists and rollerbladers, and a number of cafés and restaurants that can be stopped at for a bite to eat or some refreshments along the way.
Go sailing in the Viaduct Basin. Visitors are offered the chance to go sailing in a racing boat that actually participated in the America’s Cup. The experience is intended to give you a true sense of what those who raced might have experienced at the mercy of the elements. This is a real adrenalin-fuelled experience.
Kayak to Brown’s Island. Kayaks can be rented along Tamaki drive for the relatively easy journey to Brown’s Island, located in Waitemata Harbour. Once on the island, it’s possible to walk to the summit of this now inactive volcanic mountain and get some great views of the harbour, Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf.
 Make a daytrip to Rangitoto Island. The product of a series of eruptions that occurred between six and seven centuries ago, Rangitoto Island is one of the most impressive natural structures of the volcanic field which surrounds the city. Located at Auckland’s harbour entrance, the island is in fact a nature reserve which supports a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a ferry trip to the island and enjoy the easy and pleasant walk required to reach the summit of the volcano.
Take on the Auckland Bridge Climb. Modelled on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, this is a similarly heart-thumping experience. Participants are obliged to wear overalls and a harness plus a radio headset so they can keep in frequent contact with the climb supervisors. There are specially designed walkways created to assist climbers. The awesome views from the top and the option to bungee jump down are what attract so many climbers. Phone: +64 9 377 6543.
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