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Auckland Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Auckland
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Auckland Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Auckland - Auckland is situated on a narrow strip of land,
flanked by two magnificent harbours to the east and west. The
shallow Manukau Harbour opens out to the Tasman Sea to the west,
while the Waitemata Harbour lies at the heart of the city centre
and is Auckland's deepwater port. It has a vibrant waterfront that
has flourished with the successful hosting of the 2002/2003
America's Cup, the international yachting event of the year, and
the trendy restaurants and waterside cafes are a constant hive of
activity.
Known as the 'City of Sails', with a
larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth, it is a
paradise for sailing enthusiasts and every weekend the waters of
the Hauraki Gulf come alive with a flotilla of colourful sails. The
best way to experience the city is from the water, sailing around
the attractive harbour or on a ferry cruise to one of the many
stunning islands dotted about the Gulf. Auckland
is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand and a
major gateway to the rest of the country. Yet it is also one of the
least densely populated in the world, covering an area twice the
size of London but with barely a million inhabitants. It has a
friendly small-town atmosphere and a deliberate pace of
life. Beyond the bustling downtown area,
dominated by the southern hemisphere's tallest building, the Sky
Tower, the city sprawls outwards, with low-slung buildings and
wooden houses among leafy parks and walking tracks. The suburbs
wind their way around picturesque bays and harbours and between
volcanic hills that provide panoramic views over the city and
mountains, encompassing numerous green urban parklands that are
dotted with sheep.
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Auckland
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Auckland Museum
Domain Drive, The Domain, Parnell
www.aucklandmuseum.com |
What is it? Situated on The Domain, an extensive central
city parkland on one of Auckland's extinct volcanic hills, the
Auckland Museum overlooks the city and the attractive Waitemata
Harbour. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city
housing a remarkable collection of Maori and Pacific Island
artefacts and cultural displays. Originally built as a World War I
Memorial in 1929, the building was dedicated to the memory of New
Zealand victims in both World War I and II. The 'New Zealand at
War' exhibition has since been joined by extensive displays about
the people and the country, its cultures, art and natural history.
There is a Children's Discovery Centre on the middle floor. For
many, a highlight of a visit to the museum, is the three times
daily Maori cultural performance of song and dance, providing an
entertaining insight into Maori mythology and
history.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 10am to 5pm
Phone:(0)9 309 0443 |
2. Hauraki Gulf Islands
www.gotothegulf.com |
What is it? The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous
islands such as Rangitoto, Waiheke and Great Barrier Island and
those close to the mainland make a good day trip. Some are
recreation retreats, and others are conservation islands with
restricted access, reserves for the protection of rare bird, animal
and plant life. Waiheke is the most popular of the gulf islands,
with picturesque bays and white sandy beaches, rolling farmlands
and hills cloaked with vineyards and fine wineries. The town enjoys
the slow and relaxed pace of island life, along with chic little
restaurants and cafes, and is home to many art galleries and craft
shops. The nearest island to the city is the uninhabited Rangitoto,
a large volcanic cone with an unusual landscape of black distorted
lava shapes that governs the view over the harbour. It is possible
to hike up to the crater rim and explore the lava caves on the
slopes. Each island has a different character with different things
to do, whether it is to explore natural geological features or to
enjoy the isolation, relax on white beaches or wander about the
galleries and cafes. Some visitors prefer simply to sail around the
islands on a yacht or ferry cruise and enjoy the scenery from on
board.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Sky Tower
Sky City Complex, Victoria and Federal Streets
www.skycity.co.nz |
What is it? The Sky Tower, at 1,076ft (328m), is the
tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable
views over the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. It is part
of the Sky City Entertainment Complex, with a casino, theatre,
hotel and conference centre. Visitors to the tower can splash out
on dinner in the revolving restaurant, or admire the view from one
of the four circular observation decks, reached by a glass lift.
There is an outdoor deck, glass floor panels, an audio visual guide
and touch computer screens providing geographical information. The
Sky Deck is the highest viewing level with spectacular 360-degree
views.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 8.30am to 11pm (12pm on
weekends)
Phone:(0)9 363 6000 |
Auckland
holidays - Top Events
1. Pasifika Festival
From 2007-03-09
To 2007-03-10
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What is it? Auckland boasts the world's largest
Polynesian population, and celebrates the art, culture and
lifestyle of this vibrant native community with the annual Pasifika
Festival. The festival opens on Friday evening with a concert
showcasing talented Polynesian music artists. On Saturday the
entertainment continues with local church music and dance groups
while visitors can sample traditional food, view art and
handcrafts, browse at more than 300 stalls and wander through the
series of 'Pacific Island villages' for a total cultural
experience.
Where is it? Western Springs Lakeside and Stadium, Great North
Road |
2. Hero Festival
From 2007-02-02
To 2007-02-25
|
What is it? A feast of culture, arts, music, dance, drama
and drinking makes up the packed programme for Auckland's Hero
Festival, aimed at spreading 'Gay Pride' across the Pacific
islands. Chief among the numerous events taking place during the
annual two-week festival is the 'Big Gay Out' at Coyle Park, which
is filled with food stalls, bars and trade and display tents for
the occasion. Another highlight of the Festival is the Hero
Party.
Where is it? Various |
3. New Zealand Fashion Week
From 2007-09-18
To 2007-09-21
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What is it? International fashion buyers and writers
descend on Auckland during October each year to celebrate in grand
style the unique indigenous-inspired collections of New Zealand's
talented designers. About 50 designers show their collections at
this major event. Some shows are open to the general public, but on
the final day of the week everyone can join in the fashion
extravaganza when Aotea Square becomes a hive of fashion, music,
markets, and interactive and educational activity for
all.
Where is it? 135 Halsey Street, Auckland's Viaduct Harbour |
4. Auckland Anniversary Regatta
From 2007-01-29
To 2007-01-29
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What is it? Being known as the 'City of Sails,' Auckland
is recognised as a yachtsman's paradise, so it is no surprise to
discover that its annual official Regatta is the biggest one-day
Regatta in the world. This historic event was first held in
September 1840 and has sailed on through turbulent years and
changing social trends to become a family outing full of fun and
excitement. Numerous events take place in the harbour and
surrounding waterfront to complement the actual yacht
regatta.
Where is it? Auckland Harbour |
5. Waiheke Island Wine Festival
From 2007-02-10
To 2007-02-10
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What is it? Waiheke Island, just a short boat trip from
Auckland, is a favourite weekend get-away for city residents. Not
only is the beautiful island dotted with the luxury homes of
privileged Aucklanders, but it is also covered with the lush
vineyards of more than 30 wineries, which produce high quality red
and white wines. Each year the wine producers showcase the cream of
their exclusive crop with a festival, which combines the fruit of
the vine with gourmet cuisine, café society and live music at about
eight venues across the island.
Where is it? Waiheke Island |
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