Auckland encounter
4 to 7 days
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Auckland encounter
4 to 7 days
Some say Auckland is just Sydney for beginners. We think not. Sydney doesn’t have access to TWO oceans, nor does it have the amazing melange of Polynesian culture on offer in the ‘City of Sails’. Enjoy the big-smoke, then explore some local highlights with this 450-900km itinerary.
Bounce around Auckland’s stellar bars and restaurants, museums, islands and beaches – multicultural NZ at its most engaging.
Check out the Maori gallery at the Auckland Museum, then cross the Domain to K Rd for lunch. Take our architectural walking tour, stopping at Auckland Art Gallery and the impossible-to-miss Sky Tower. Ponsonby awaits for dinner and drinks.
Ferry over to Rangitoto Island, then to Devonport for a meal. Check out Cheltenham Beach, then dine at the Engine Room. Explore the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Karekare and Piha, then hit the Kingsland restaurants. Have breakfast in Mt Eden, climb Maungawhau then ferry-hop to Waiheke Island for some wineries and beaches.
Not far from Auckland, you can snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve, explore the legendary Bay of Islands, ocean-gaze at Cape Reinga and Matai Bay, explore the Waitomo Caves, surf at Raglan and beach yourself at Whitianga.
by Charles Rawlings-Way, Lonely Planet author
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