Auckland Vacations, Auckland Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Auckland Vacation Guide

We all know New Zealand’s reputation, but what you might not expect is the beauty that greets you in its capital. True to the rest of the country, Auckland is steeped in natural beauty, surrounded by volcanoes and soaring hills that welcome adventurers, and spread across vast swathes of land that allow natural beauty to poke it's head through sporadically, just to remind you where you are.

Despite it’s natural beauty, the city of sails is surprisingly ill conceived. Architectural fans had best not leave the trendy Victorian and Edwardian corners of the city's heart, though not to go stare out over the harbor at least once during your trip would be a major loss. Despite it’s architectural problems, Auckland is an enjoyably cosmopolitan and lively city. Check out the clunky Skytower, or take a stroll along the mammoth harbor bridge, finishing it off with that most modern of Kiwi traditions: a bungee jump off the side.

Whale and dolphin tours take you out into one of the most diverse marine national parks in the world, where you can watch the sleek mammals flit around the bows of your cruiser. If you can’t get enough of the chilly waters, surf school, a cruise through the offshore ‘hole in the rock’ and a look at the rural scenes outside the city from the deck of a ship will draw you in, too.

Be sure to visit Parnell Village, Auckland’s oldest suburb, and peruse the characteristic cafes. Soak up the gentle shape of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and then climb to the heights of Mt. Eden for a striking view over the whole hilly expanse of the city.

Geysers, overland train tours and spectacular mountain climbs are all within a quick day trip of the capital, while you can spend your evenings exploring the multi-cultural restaurant scene, throwing down some chips at the casino or enjoying a local wine overlooking the harbor. Auckland is arguably more in tune with its natural surroundings than any other major city on earth, and gives a seductive taste of what the full on New Zealand experience has to offer.