The lively city of Auckland is a multicultural hub of art, culture, music and cuisine. Located in the North Island, Auckland comprises of two distinct areas – the city proper and the surrounding countryside. This modern multi-ethnic city which is home to over 1.45 million people, has numerous stellar attractions. A visit to Auckland Zoo, Cornwall Park and Auckland War Memorial Museum are some of the interesting places to explore in New Zealand. To discover more about the interesting things you can do in this sparkling city, read on.
Here Are 6 Interesting Things To Do In Auckland:
1. Enjoy Spectacular Views From Sky Tower
The iconic, 328 meter tall Sky Tower enjoys the unique distinction of being the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The chief attraction of the Sky Tower – an observation and telecommunication tower -is the Sky Walk. Suspended 192 meters above the city of Auckland, this narrow walkway allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding regions. The Orbit 360 Degree Dining, a revolving restaurant, which is located atop the sky tower, allows visitors to view the beautiful Auckland Skyline like never before.
2. Tour Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum, one of the pre-eminent museums in the southern hemisphere, is famed for its stellar collection of Pacific and Maori treasures. This museum which functions out of a grand, historic building is located in Auckland Domain. The Auckland War Memorial Museum also houses one of the best heritage libraries in New Zealand. Some of the top collections at this museum include the social and military history collections, collections which are related to natural history resources as well as Pacific and Maori collections.
3. Visit Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo, a sprawling 40 acre zoological park, houses one of the largest collections of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. One of the most progressive zoo’s in the world, the Auckland Zoo works tirelessly to educate people about the importance of conservation. Over 875 different mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, invertebrates and amphibians can be found at this zoo. The Asian elephant, African lion, golden lion tamarin and ring tailed lemur are some of the top animal exhibits at Auckland zoo.
4. Relax At Cornwall Park
The stunningly landscaped Cornwall Park which is situated in the heart of Auckland is the ideal place to enjoy rural tranquility. This parkland is wrapped around One Tree Hill, a volcanic cone. The park has facilities for enjoying different kinds of adrenaline inducing sports. The Cornwall Park also has a verdant nature reserve. The park also has numerous well laid out jogging tracks and walking trails.
5. Discover Tiritiri Matangi Island
Escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland city by taking a day trip to the stunning Tiritiri Matangi Island. This open wildlife sanctuary and nature lover’s paradise is located 30 kilometers north east of Auckland city center. A visit to this island is the best way to observe the endemic flora and fauna of New Zealand. Nearly 11 extremely rare species of birds can be found on this island. Visitors to this island should look out for the tiny stitch birds, the flightless takahe birds and the melodious bell birds.
6. Explore Waitomo Caves
The spectacular Waitomo Caves is one of the best natural attractions of Auckland, New Zealand. This beautiful cave system was opened to the general public in 1889. The larva of a special kind of fungus gnat which is endemic to New Zealand gives some of these caves an ethereal glow. A visit to these caves is incomplete without visiting the Glowworm Grotto. Besides touring the cavernous interiors of the Waitomo Caves on foot, visitors can also take a short boat ride to explore some of the inaccessible area of the cave system.
