| Auckland: The city of sails and 100
lovers makes for a good holiday In the Maori language, the Auckland is
called Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers. According to Aucklanders,
this is because it is a place that is desired by all and has been conquered
by many. This can be highlighted by the fact that it is one of the most
regularly visited destinations in the country.
Auckland was legally considered to be the capital of New Zealand for the
first 25 years of the country’s history, only to have the crown passed to
Wellington because of its proximity to the South Island. It is still
commonly mistaken to be New Zealand’s capital city and continues to play
host of a plethora of major events on the international calendar.
This can be seen in the city’s busy sporting calendar that involves a
whole range of sports, but most importantly, water sports. Sandwiched
between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland’s close proximity to
bodies of water makes it a perfect place for water sports such as sailing,
yachting and boating. Events such as the International Boat Show, the
Auckland Match Racing Cup and the Auckland Powerboat Championship make it
easy to understand why the city is commonly referred to as the ‘City of
Sails’.
Because of this maritime influence, many of the city’s tourist
attractions are based around water life. Dolphin and whale watching, riding
in a glass bottomed boat, sailing classes and fishing safaris are just some
activities that may excite any visitor to Auckland, but a especially unique
experience can be found at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and
Underwater World. It is a quirky aquarium that does not only lead visitors
through a tunnel of sharks and stingrays, but it also has an ‘Antarctic
encounter’ with a Snow Cat ride that shunts riders through a bustling
penguin town.
This is just one of the many water-based attractions that are available
for exploration by tourists of the city, but it does not mean that all that
there is to see is water, water and more water. There is one non-water-based
attraction that challenges both heights and records – the Sky Tower. In
fact, the Sky Tower is exactly the opposite of all the other maritime
attractions dotted throughout the city with its record of being the tallest
structure in the southern hemisphere. It has a lift that shoots visitors up
to the observation deck in 40 seconds where they can see ant-like humans
scurrying across Auckland’s centre.
Auckland Must Do Four - Afternoon Tour
This is a fantastic afternoon trip of top attractions that are unique to
Auckland and great if you are short for time. Visit Kelly Tarlton's
Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World; an exclusive Native New
Zealand Encounter Show at Auckland Zoo, featuring a kiwi bird; a cruise
aboard a Pride of Auckland yacht; and Sky Tower - the tallest building
in the Southern Hemisphere.
Click here for more information and Booking Details » |
Another exciting sight to see when in Auckland is volcanoes. As a part of
a Volcanic Field, the city straddles about 50 volcanic vents in the field
with North Head being one of the oldest volcanic cones in the area. It was
once a site of a Maori pa (fortified village) and is an interesting cultural
experience of New Zealand to be had.
There are so many other things to see in this historically rich expanse
of a city. Adventure sports, stunning natural views, fine wine-ing and
dining, educational museums and park, breath-taking gardens, exciting night
life and, of course, excellent shopping all can be seen, done, tasted and
breathed in Auckland. It really is a city that has everything to love. |