Auckland 5-Day Exploration: Natural Scenery & Modern Charm
1 cities |
16 attraction(s) |
total distance 225
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day1: Auckland
4 attraction(s) ·
38 km
1
Located in the heart of Auckland city, the historic Auckland Central Park is a delightful place to visit. The entire park is covered in lush green grass, filled with fragrant flowers, and crisscrossed with walking paths. One of the main highlights of the park is the duck pond, where you can often see mother ducks leading their little ones to play by the pond. Please do not feed the ducks, but you can provide food for them when they are on the grass. Additionally, the Auckland Museum is situated at the highest point of the park, housing many precious artifacts. Every day, the museum also showcases performances of Maori culture, which is highly recommended to visit. Only a 5-minute drive from the city center, Auckland Central Park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
15
km
4
Sky Tower, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, was built in 1996. It stands at 328 meters tall and boasts multiple observation decks which offer a 360-degree view of Auckland. High-powered binoculars aid visitors in enjoying the view. Broadcast services in various languages and interactive technology can be found throughout the tower. There are also audio-visual exhibits to help visitors learn more about Auckland. Visitors with tickets can access the main observation deck at 186 meters and the Sky Deck at 220 meters. If you are not afraid of heights, you can opt for the glass elevator ride, which allows you to admire outside views as you ascend. There are two observation decks on the tower, both surrounded by glass floors. You can stand on them and look up at the blue sky or feel the thrill of the high altitude beneath your feet. The SkyWalk and SkyJump are two extreme sports offered on the tower that require courage and daring to attempt. Several restaurants can be found on the tower, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food. At night, the view from the tower is breathtaking, with many considering it even more spectacular than during the day. Visit the Sky Tower and enjoy an unparalleled experience, while taking in the beautiful sights of Auckland.
Day2: Auckland
3 attraction(s) ·
76 km
1
Waiheke Island is an island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, about 17.7 kilometers from Auckland. It is the most populous island in the archipelago and has the highest population density in New Zealand. The ferry takes about 40 minutes to reach and is known as the "wine island" with vineyards of all sizes where visitors can tour and taste wine. Other tourist attractions on the island include alpaca farms, beaches, hiking trails, boutique shops, archery, kayaking, and high-flying zip lines. Cars and circular island buses are available for rent on the island, and a $10 all-day bus pass allows unlimited rides on the island's public transportation on the same day. The famous Chinese poet Gu Cheng also lived on the island and left behind well-known poems.
61
km
2
The famous black sand beach is located on the west coast of Auckland, about a half-hour's drive from the city center. Many surfing enthusiasts come here to enjoy the ocean. It is also the habitat of the shags, which locals call "bird island." From August to March each year, about 1200 pairs of shags come here to nest and rest, which is very spectacular. Sometimes there are also seals sunbathing on the beach, making it feel even more mysterious.
15
km
3
Day3: Auckland
4 attraction(s) ·
23 km
1
Mount Eden, located in Auckland, is one of the hills formed by volcanic ejecta around a volcanic vent, and it is also the highest point of natural beauty in Auckland, which is stunning. The bottom of the volcanic cone is now a lush green space, which looks like a big cone-shaped bowl from afar, and the unique landscape is unforgettable. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a perfect panoramic view of Auckland, including the beautiful Sky Tower, the spectacular One Tree Hill, and the mysterious Rangitoto Island volcano. In addition to being able to enjoy these wonderful views for free, it is also very suitable for taking photos, capturing panoramic views of the surrounding area, especially when shooting the Sky Tower, it is incomparable.
8
km
2
Mission Bay, located near downtown Auckland, is one of the locals' favorite beaches. Visitors can experience the locals' way of life there. When the weather is good, people go to the beach to sunbathe and sometimes get food stolen by seagulls. The highly recommended Movenpick ice cream here, especially the freshly baked Waffle Cone, is delicious according to the author.
11
km
3
Auckland Zoo, located 10 minutes' drive from the city center of Auckland, is the home of the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. In addition to common animals such as lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, seals, and peacocks, there are also unique animals such as kiwis, flamingos, little blue penguins, stoats, ostriches, and New Zealand giant lizards, which are overwhelming for visitors. The most interesting thing is the opportunity to observe and interact with the animals up close, such as feeding giraffes or parrots. Guide maps are available for purchase for NZD 2 or can be downloaded as an electronic version online. It is a great destination for families with young children and provides an unforgettable animal experience. The Western Springs Park (commonly known as Duck Lake) next to the zoo is free and open to the public, where you can see black swans, wild ducks, and seagulls.
6
km
4
The Auckland Museum is located in Auckland Domain Park and is a comprehensive museum of Gothic architecture, with a rich collection of historical and cultural relics. The museum has three floors. The first floor mainly displays Maori culture, including Maori handicrafts, meeting places, and daily items, as well as Pacific Islander art. The second floor exhibits various animal and plant specimens, with the most eye-catching being the remains of the moa bird. The third floor displays the history of the two world wars, including the weapons used and the soldiers who died for their country. The marble walls of the Hall of Memories are inscribed with the list of heroes of World War II, while World War I has only the dead. The museum also has a magnificent memorial to fallen soldiers, where a solemn mourning ceremony is held every April 25th. The museum also has the most comprehensive collection of Maori culture and New Zealand history, as well as three daily Maori performances. The museum's exterior is magnificent, with exhibits mainly featuring traditional art and culture of Pacific Islander indigenous peoples, including Maori totem sculptures and architecture, as well as various treasures. The museum offers views of Auckland's iconic landmarks such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, and container port, and is one of Auckland's must-see attractions.
Day4: Auckland
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day5: Auckland
4 attraction(s) ·
27 km
1
Devonport is located on a peninsula on the southeast coast of the North Shore area. It is a historic and charming seaside village, and also a wealthy area. It only takes 12 minutes to get there by boat from the city center. In Devonport, you can immerse yourself in beautiful beaches, unique boutiques, art galleries, and various Victorian buildings. Victoria Mount is one of the best viewing spots in Devonport, where you can overlook the magnificent views of Auckland city center and harbor. At the top of the mountain, you can also see the red exhaust port, which is a unique sight. In addition, the North Head is a very important seaside fortress managed by the Department of Conservation. It hides various military tunnels and artillery positions, most of which are open to the public. If you have some free time, you can enjoy an authentic Victorian afternoon tea at the Peace and Plenty Inn. However, not only is there delicious afternoon tea here, but there also is a series of Victorian hats for guests to choose from. You can wear them while tasting tea, which will surely be fun.
4
km
2
Museum exploring the country's seafaring history through exhibits & sailing trips on replica ships.
1
km
3
The Viaduct Harbour in the waterfront area of central Auckland is a lively spot that gathers various bars, restaurants, hotels, and apartments. Beautiful yachts moored in the harbor become perfect places for photos. Choosing a waterfront restaurant here, enjoying the beautiful sea view and food is one of the most delightful experiences. You can also visit the Maritime Museum of New Zealand to appreciate the essence of maritime history. On the east side of the Viaduct Harbor, there is a white cloud-shaped building originally built for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and now a popular venue for exhibitions, celebrations, and fashion shows. On the west side of the Viaduct Harbour is the Wynyard Quarter waterfront new area, which is connected to the Viaduct Harbour by a suspension bridge. The famous Auckland Fish Market is located there, selling various fresh seasonal seafood such as lobsters, oysters, mussels, and fish and shrimp, among which the Blue Cod fish (known as bamboo shell in the local Chinese community) is particularly delicious. Heading west from Wynyard Quarter, you will arrive at the Westhaven Marina, where countless yachts and sailboats are moored, fully demonstrating Auckland's reputation as the "City of Sails".
23
km
4
This place has more than 10,000 beautiful plants and is a paradise for garden enthusiasts. At the award-winning visitor center, visitors can plan their route through the plant area while enjoying a cup of coffee.
