Cityscape in Auckland, New Zealand

In a previous article we wrote about the “Green Pastures of New Zealand.” We talked and toured the mountains, lakes, beaches, and sand dunes. These are all breathtaking scenes and a place worth traveling and seeing.

But there is more to the country than the scenery. With the hard work and determination of the people, parts of the country are now urbanized and highly developed. These cities constantly welcome tourists from all parts of the world. One city that is worth visiting is Auckland.

Auckland, New Zealand(central business district) (1)

AUCKLAND

A panoramic view of Auckland City (2)

Auckland is a bustling city on North Island with a perfect backdrop of the mountain tops. Here one gets to enjoy the mixture of urban life with nature. It is a place for shopping, eating, and admiring nature including hiking and beaches; it is a place for everyone. With all the wonderful things to see and experience, one could truly have a great time.

PLACES TO SEE

Here are a few things and places that should not be missed when in Auckland.

HAURAKI GULF

Auckland has been dubbed as the “City of Sail.” The name is pretty apt since the Hauraki Gulf is a popular place to see and ride sailboats. This is an important landmark when entering the city of Auckland.

The picturesque scene welcomes tourists to the city. There are different activities and things to do such as visiting Waiheke Island, Motuihe Island, Kawau Island, Tiritiri Matangi and the Great Barrier Island.

Sunset at Hauraki Gulf

SKY TOWER

For those wanting a 360 degree view of the city, seeking adventures and high rise activities, visit Sky Tower or sometimes referred to as Auckland Tower. It is a 328 meter tall tower that is popular for activities such as Sky walk and Sky Jump.

One could enjoy the tower either day or night; during the day one could get a clear view of the whole city including the bay and islands, and during the night one could admire the brightly lit city.

Just below the Sky Tower is the casino. The casino offers entertainment and a different dining experience.

Waitamata Harbor with ferry dock and Skytower at the back (3)

ECOZIP ADVENTURES

Another popular attraction for thrill seekers is EcoZip Adventures. The facility could be found in Waiheke Island and features ziplines and eco-immersive forest walk.

AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Auckland War Memorial Museum features art works and collections like rare Maori artifacts. The museum also showcases the history of the country, natural history, and military history. There are also daily cultural presentations.

Auckland War Memorial Museum (4)

AUCKLAND DOMAIN

The oldest park and one of the largest in Auckland is Auckland Domain. The park is actually explosion crater of Pukekwa volcano. Within the vicinity one could find the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland City Hospital, and Wintergardens.

Cherry grove in Auckland Domain

A bird of prey sculpture in Auckland Domain with Auckland War Memorial Museum behind

AUCKLAND ZOO

Auckland is the home to a number of wildlife and species which are featured in Auckland Zoo. There are more than 100 species living in the 16.35 hectare zoo. Exhibits include Elephant Clearing, Aussie Walkabout – features wallabies, kangaroos and emus, Hippo River, Orangutan Trail, The Rainforest – mimics the surroundings, environment and animals living in the rainforest, The Tropics – features South Americal animal species, KidZone – a children’s zoo and play area, Pridelands – features African animals, and many more.

Entrance to Auckland Zoo

KELLY TARLTON’S ANTARCTIC ENCOUNTER & UNDERWATER WORLD

Another place to see Antarctic animals like sharks, stingrays, and penguins is at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World which is now known as Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. It is a public aquarium in the city that allows guests to see marine life up close.

Tunnel inside Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

SYLVIA PARK

No place would be complete without a shopping area. Here in Auckland one of the most popular and largest business park and center is Sylvia Park. Sylvia Park includes cinemas, bookstores, supermarkets, and other retail stores. The said shopping center is one of the best in the country.

But of course these are just a few of the things that could be done and visited here in Auckland. There are so much more that one could do here. So get ready to go on an epic adventure in Auckland, New Zealand.

http://laurenceourac.com/cityscape-in-auckland-new-zealand/

REFERENCES:
http://www.newzealand.com/int/auckland/
http://www.portaloceania.com/nz-region-auckland-ing.htm
http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/australasia/new-zealand/auckland-around/
http://www.aucklandnz.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attractions-g255106-Activities-Auckland_North_Island.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland

IMAGES:
1. Partyzane. Auckland, New Zealand CBD. July 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
2. Mehlfuhrer, Christian. A panoramic view of Auckland City. February 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
3. Royan, Jorge. Waitemata Harbour, the ferry dock and Skytower at the back. 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.
4. Antilived. Auckland War Memorial Museum. January 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 21, 2015.