Things to do in Auckland
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Zambesi
The most famous fashion label to come out of NZ, and much sought after by local and international celebs.
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Zambesi Newmarket
The most famous fashion label to come out of NZ, and much sought after by local and international celebs.
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Vector Arena
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Albert Park & Auckland University
Hugging the hill on the city’s eastern flank, Albert Park is a charming Victorian formal garden overrun by students during term time, the more radical of whom have been known to deface the statues of Governor Grey and Queen Victoria. Auckland University's campus stretches over several streets and incorporates a row of stately Victorian merchant houses (Princes St) and Old Government House (Waterloo Quadrant). The latter was the colony’s seat of power from 1856 until 1865, when Wellington became the capital.
The University Clock Tower is Auckland’s architectural triumph. The stately ‘ivory tower' (1926) tips its hat towards art nouveau (the incorporation of NZ flora and…
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SkyCity Theatre
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Mt Smart Stadium
Hosts soccer, rugby league (Warriors) and really big-name concerts.
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Maidment Theatre
The University's theatre often stages Auckland Theatre Company (www.atc.co.nz) productions.
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Civic Theatre
This restored grand dame of a theatre is used by major touring productions, including opera, musicals and live theatre, as well as by the Auckland International Film Festival.
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Hotel de Brett
Grab a beer in the cornerbar, a cocktail in the chic art deco housebar or nab a spot by the fire in the atrium, an interesting covered space fashioned from the alleyway between the old buildings.
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Viaduct Harbour
Once a busy commercial port, the Viaduct Harbour was given a major makeover leading up to the 1999/2000 and 2003 America’s Cup tournaments. It’s now a fancy dining and boozing precinct for the boat-shoes brigade, and guaranteed to have at least a slight buzz any night of the week. Historical plaques, interesting sculpture and the chance to gawk at millionaires’ yachts make it a pleasant place for a stroll.
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Bastion Point
Politics, harbour views and lush lawns combine on this pretty headland with a chequered history. An elaborate cliff-top garden mausoleum honours Michael Joseph Savage (1872–1940), the country’s first Labour prime minister, whose socialist reforms left him adored by the populace. Follow the lawn to a WWII gun embankment – one of many that line the harbour.
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Wine Trail Tours
Small-group tours around West Auckland wineries and the Waitakere Ranges (half/full day $115/245); further afield to Matakana ($255); or a combo of the two ($255).
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Tamaki Hikoi
Ngati Whatua guides lead these Maori cultural tours, including an hour's walk around the Domain; a three-hour tour including a walk and a cultural performance; and a three-hour walking tour from Mt Eden (Maungawhau) to the Domain (transfers from the city included).
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Potiki Tours
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Ports of Auckland Tours
Free hour-long boat tours around the ports; bookings essential.
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New Zealand Surf'n'Snow Tours
Runs day-long surfing courses that include transport, gear and two two-hour lessons ($120). Day tours usually head to Piha (year-round; with/without own gear $50/99), while five- and twelve-day tours include accommodation in Ahipara (October to May only).
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NZ Skydive
Offers tandem skydives from Mercer airfield, 55km south of Auckland; capture your excitement/terror on DVD for $165.
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Great Taste Tours
Food, wine and art tours in either Matakana or Kumeu.
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Gray Line
Three-hour bus tour taking in the Harbour Bridge, Wynyard Quarter, Queen St, university, museum, Domain and Tamaki Dr.
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Fine Wine Tours
Tours of Kumeu, Matakana and Waiheke wineries including four-hour Kumeu tour ($169), with cheese ($189); six-hour tour including Muriwai Beach ($245); food-and-wine tour with stops at city providores ($245).
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Explorer Bus
This hop-on, hop-off service departs from the Ferry Building every hour from 10am to 3pm (more frequently in summer), heading to 14 tourist sites around the central city.
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Bush & Beach
Guided walks in the Waitakere Ranges and along west coast beaches (half/full day $140/225, including transfers); half-day city minibus tours ($140); and food, wine and art tours in either Matakana or Kumeu (half-/full-day $179/295).
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Balloon Safaris
Allow four hours for these early-morning flights (including one hour in the air), which include snacks and sparkling wine.
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Balloon Expeditions
Offers hour-long flights in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, including breakfast and a bottle of bubbles.
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Auckland Ghost Tours
Stories of Auckland’s scary side – and we don’t just mean the architecture – shared on a two-hour walking tour of the central city.
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