DIRECTORY
Auckland
Why go here? The evocative magic of ancient forests, immense beaches and two harbours steeped in history.
Start with a city where everyone lives within
half an hour of beaches and forest. Add a mix of cultures, world-class
shopping and nightlife, you're beginning to get a taste of
Auckland. Need to know ...Main Centres Auckland is comprised of four cities. Getting There By Air Auckland International Airport is serviced
by 20 international carriers with direct flights from over 31 cities.
The airport is a 30- to 50-minute drive south of the central city. The
Airbus operates between airport and city throughout the day. Getting AroundBuses are frequent and easy to use. The Link is a regular service around central suburbs. Ferry services depart from the waterfront to Devonport, Waiheke Island and other destinations. Contact Maxx (t 0800 103 080) for information about public transport. Eating OutExclusive White (Princes Wharf, 147 Quay St, t +64 9 978 2000)
? located in the Hilton Hotel with harbour views, this is rated as one
of the best restaurants in Auckland. Casual Wagamama (Level 2, Metropolis Bldg, 1 Courthouse Ln,
t +64 9 359 9266) noodle bar offering fresh, tasty Japanese food served
on long communal tables. |
Sights Day or night, catch a ferry across to Devonport and enjoy the views
back across the boat-studded harbour to the city sparkling in the background. Action Jump off the Sky Tower! Sky Jump offers thrill-seekers a controlled
jump from the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. RelaxPack a picnic and relax on a white-sand beach fringed with Pohutukawa
trees that are covered with spectacular red flowers in the summer months. THE experienceThere are many ways to spend a day in the city, but for a good mix of Auckland's treasures, spend a morning browsing the array of boutiques in Auckland City, Parnell, Ponsonby or Newmarket. Restore your energy at a sophisticated cafe then wander in the green oasis of the Auckland Domain and explore the excellent Auckland Museum |
Where to Drink
Stylish Bar
Bellini (Hilton, Princes Wharf, t +64 9 978 2025) great
views, lavish surroundings and full cocktail service.
Chic (Princes Wharf, 201 Quay St) nothing short of opulent,
with an interior drawing on North African and Middle Eastern influences.
Match Lounge Bar (Level 1, Cnr Pitt & Hopetoun St, Newton,
t +64 9 379 0110) sophisticated and relaxed, with ambient music.
Cosy Pub
The Paddington (117 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, t +64 9 309
3586) relaxed, Sydney-inspired pub with big-screen TVs. Set in industrial
no-man?s-land between Parnell and city, it draws a varied group, especially
when the rugby's on.
The Occidental (6-8 Vulcan Ln, t +64 9 300 6226) located
in an original hotel building. No visit is complete without a pint and a pot
of mussels.
Foxes Ale House and Winery (85 Custom?s St W, Viaduct Basin,
t +64 9 358 2767) friendly pub with roaring fires. Relax with a pint or play
pool.
The Northern Steamship Company (122 Quay St, t +64 9 374 3952)
set in the historic Britomart precinct, the bar retains much of the building?s
historic charm. Two split river-stone fireplaces create a warm ambience and
the bar contains many seating options, with leather couches and long tables.
There are nine Macs beers on tap and the menu dabbles with New Zealand indigenous
herbs.
Coffee Fix
Strawberry Alarm Clock (119 Parnell Rd, t +64 9 377 6959)
? tiny dining area but a great little courtyard out the back if weather suits.
Lunch-style menu at the bottom of Parnell's shopping district.
Puppy (41 Pitt St, t +64 9 309 2196) groovy cafe in the inner
city. Fresh salads and tempting treats in the display case as well as a blackboard
menu.
Nourished (1 Queen St, Ground Floor, HSBC Building, t +64 9
623 5930) upmarket caf頯ffering an innovative and healthy menu and amazing
coffee. A favourite with inner city office workers.
Dizengoff (256 Ponsonby Rd, t +64 9 360 0108) minimalist
in design, this cafe specialises in breakfast. For lunch there?s a diverse menu
of char-grilled vegetables, bagels and salads.
Rosehip (82 Gladstone Rd, Parnell, t +64 9 369 1182) trendy
breakfast and lunch cafe serving Allpress Espresso coffee. Located opposite
the popular Parnell Rose Gardens.
Something to Take Home
Aotea Square Market (Aotea Sq, Queen St) browse for some
of the best examples of Pacific arts and crafts, traditional Maori carvings,
handmade pottery and contemporary jewellery, as well as fresh and funky New
Zealand fashion and delicious ethnic cuisine.
Auckland Fish Market (Cnr Daldy & Madden St, Freemans Bay,
t +64 9 379 1490) fish auction, cooking school and market. Greengrocer, deli,
gourmet food.
Chocolate Boutique (323 Parnell Rd, t +64 9 377 8550) gourmet
chocolates, truffles and pralines.
Fingers Contemporary New Zealand Jewellery (2 Kitchener St,
t +64 9 373 3974) operating since 1974 and still the city?s favourite jewellery
design store.
Pauanesia (35 High St, t +64 9 366 7282) unique handcrafted
gifts from the Pacific: Paua shells, hand-made paper, kete (flax-woven baskets)
and more.
Did you know?
Notable Culture
Auckland?s Maori name is Tamaki-Makau-Rau the maiden with a hundred lovers' a name referring to the fact that the region was historically sought-after by many Maori tribes.
Moment in History
In the mid-1800s, Kawau Island was home to Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand's first governors. An eccentric character, Sir George filled the island with exotic animals, including wallabies, zebras and monkeys. The monkeys and zebras are gone, but there are still wallabies and birds to see, and Mansion House is now an intriguing museum. Catch a ferry from Sandspit one hour's drive north of Auckland City.
Note This!
Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand, with approximately
1.2 million people living in the region.
Websites to Check Out
www.aucklandnz.com
Auckland Travel Information
www.aucklandcitygovt.nz
Auckland City Information
www.manukau.govt.nz
Manukau City Information
www.northshore.govt.nz
North Shore City Information
www.maxx.co.nz
Auckland Transport Information