Plan Your Travel To Auckland
Places To Visit In Auckland
Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum has ensured the upholding and the glorification of the Māori culture - the traditional culture of the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand. To keep the heritage alive in people’s memories, the museum tells many stories of the historical Māori life in New Zealand through talks, tours, exhibitions and programmes.
Many items and souvenirs resembling the Māori culture are sold online in the museum shop. Exclusive guest experiences are provided through award-winning Māori cultural performances, private tours and exclusive exhibition viewings. The Neoclassical style of architecture of the museum has been critically acclaimed and has received esteemed awards like the NZIA Gold Medal and the ACENZ Innovate NZ Gold Award.The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also known as the Auckland Museum, plays a significant role and provides a deep insight into the city's history and the country as a whole. Its numerous exhibitions and collections cover many areas of interest, such as the World Wars, historical battles, arts and craft works, and the Pacific region's treasures. Not just this, the museum contains an exhibit of photographs. Also, it showcases the natural history of New Zealand, displaying over 1.5 million specimens. In front of the museum is the War Memorial. Complete with the Cenotaph and consecrated grounds, it was built mainly to remember those who lost their lives during the World Wars. However, many sections inside the museum also serve as parts of the memorial.
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Auckland Zoo
Opened in December 1922, the Auckland Zoo is now in its 96th year of operation. It is one of New Zealand’s premier zoological parks. Spread over 40 acres of land, located 6 km from central Auckland. The Auckland Zoo is home to nearly 1400 animals of 138 different species. Divided into regions specific to where the various animals are from, the Auckland Zoo has recently begun work on developing a South-East Asian wing for the endemic flora and fauna of the region.
This 40-acre zoological garden is home to some 120 species of native and exotic animals. The zoo has evolved immensely since it first opened in 1922, acquiring various new animals and expanding in size. It has many different enclosures and exhibits for the other animals, such as the hippo river, the orangutan trail, and the tiger territory. It even has a kids' play area with animals like chickens, guinea pigs and frogs displayed. In addition, the Auckland Zoo houses the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, the first such institution globally.
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Awhitu Peninsula
Awhitu is a beautiful peninsula stretching towards the North Island of New Zealand. The Peninsula is an elongated mass of land extending towards the north of the mouth of the Waikato River. The Peninsula is filled with adventure and action-packed activities and is a perfect summer escape with tranquil beaches and scenic views.
The Peninsula is 50 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide, with not more than a population of 2500, which doubles during the peak season. Awhitu is one of the most famous peninsulas of New Zealand due to the magnificent Manukau lighthouse, which provides breathtaking views from the top. The Peninsula is also home to exotic wildlife. Some endemic species include seabirds, hawks, wild deers etc.
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Bethell's Beach
Located 30 km away from central Auckland, Bethell's Beach is a small seaside settlement in northern Auckland, on New Zealand's North Island. The beach was renamed in 1976 from Bethell's Beach to Te Henga, meaning 'sand' in Maori, to better reflect the Maori heritage of the beach.
The valley surrounding Bethell's Beach is historically significant as it shows clear signs of human habitation reaching more than a millennium into the past. These signs of the human settlement include archaeologically essential artefacts such as walkways and canoe landings, amongst others. With the advent of the first European settlers, Bethell's Beach underwent drastic changes in its nature and physical makeup of the beach. The land was cleared to make way for timber felling and farmland, and the further addition of a dam on the Waikatere River ensured that the riverbed's elevation had changed, changing the river's outflow to the sea. The beach was known as Bethell's Beach until 1976 in recognition of John Bethell, who negotiated with the city council and convinced them to sell the land to the public domain.
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City Works Depot
The City Works Depot is home to a unique blend of eating, drinking, independent retail, health & beauty and creative businesses. Located at the heart of Auckland city centre, the City Works Depot has a rich history of over 50 years, and it continues to grow within the area.
The City Works Depot focuses on supporting a successful city centre economy. Spend an entire day at the City Works Depot for a fun shopping session for the latest fashion trends and experience culinary delights at various restaurants. You could also visit the place with family or friends for a relaxed evening over conversations and concoctions.
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Coast to Coast Walkway
Ranging from Waitemata Harbour to Manukau, the Coast to Coast Walk is a 16 km hike through Auckland. The walk gives one a glimpse of Maori culture and the breathtaking natural beauty of Auckland. The Coast to Coast walk gives you glimpses of hills, gardens, spectacular architecture and rich heritage enveloped in a mind-boggling topography. This walkway shows you the best that Auckland offers, from museums to colleges, sports clubs, volcanic sites, the iconic Cornwall Park and the One Tree Hill.
Three thousand acres of isthmus land was acquired by New Zealand's first governor, Captain William Hobson, from the Ngati Whatua chiefs in the year 1840. The land has a triangular base stretching 12 km approximately along Waitemata's southern shore with Maungawhau or the Mount Eden at the apex. However, the Maoris continuously fought for land and converted volcanic cones into pa sites (their indigenous residential area). New Zealand’s narrowest stretch of land is the isthmus of Auckland. The isthmus is 9 km from north to south and slightly less than 2 km east to west. The Maoris used this small terrain that connects Waitemata Harbour and the Pacific Ocean to Manukau Harbour and the Tasman Sea for porting canoes. It offers the greatest inland waterway in New Zealand, the Waikato River. The Coast to Coast Walk also passes through Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill Domain.
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Cornwall Park
Spread over 425 acres, the Cornwall Park is symbolic of New Zealand’s history, flora, fauna and farm culture. It’s located in the heart of Auckland and offers many activities. One can go for a casual stroll with loved ones in the lush green surroundings of the trails and then enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal from its eateries, get together with friends and family over barbeque, explore the cattle on the farm and other horticulture activities.
Maungakiekie, or the One Tree Hill, is the epicentre of Cornwall Park. It stands for friendship and unity between Maori and non-Maori settlers, known as the Pakeha in the Maori dialect. Sir John Logan Campbell donated the land that Cornwall Park is built on to a private trust that would ensure the land would only be used for the public's enjoyment. He is buried beneath the obelisk built to signify friendship between the Maori and the European settlers. From visiting the historic Acacia cottage built in the 1800s to playing sports in the clubs - this place is a popular spot for all age groups with varied interests. Exercising, doing yoga while basking in stillness and connecting to Mother Nature with birds chirping in the background is nothing short of eternal bliss.
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Devonport
Dubbed ‘Auckland’s Prettiest Village’, Devonport oozes old-world colonial charm. The refurbished Victorian-era buildings stand as proud as they did when they were first built in this small seaside port. Devonport is known for its rich-chocolate making tradition as well.
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Devonport is situated on the North Shore, across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and is separated from Auckland by a short 12-minute ferry ride away. This small neighbourhood has a population of fewer than 6000 people and is one of the oldest colonial settlements in New Zealand. Devonport is well-known for its quaint, harbourside charm, with many boutiques and antique stores lining the harbour. The main navy base for the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum ensure that the presence of the navy is strongly felt in Devonport.
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Domain Wintergardens
The Domain Wintergardens is a famous landmark in Auckland and has been recognized as one of the Category 1 historic places by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. The venue attracts many tourists because of its unique architecture and the ever-changing display of the flora found there. The Wintergardens are located within the Auckland Domain, on the Wintergarden road, again signifying the historical importance that the place holds.
The Domain Wintergardens is also renowned for being home to the large Amorphophallus Titanium flower, also known as the corpse flower, located within the Tropical House. It was the first place in New Zealand to have this rare kind of flower, which is said to take ten years to grow fully and smells of rotting flesh. A stroll in the fern garden is refreshing, with its scenic beauty and the various kinds of birds seen around the area. Plants like cacao, heliconia, etc., are also seen in glasshouses.
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Goat Island
Located in Leigh, Goat Island is New Zealand's first marine reserve, created in 1975. It is a part of the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, New Zealand's first marine reserve. This marine reserve has transformed into one of the most ecologically rich and diverse hotspots within a decade. This island is a reserve that belongs to Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. Moreover, it is also spiritually crucial to the local Māori tribe, Ngāti Manuhiri, because their ancestral waka (canoe), Moe Karaka, is said to have lived nearby. The best way to experience the beauty of this island is by getting into the water.
Goat Island is best suitable for snorkelers as its channel is between 2 meters and 5 meters. The water here may have slight currents running through them, and when the wind in the water increases, snorkelers may find it difficult to swim against it. Most transparent waters can be seen on this island from January to June. However, it is recommended that you are cautious and only snorkel with proper gear as there are fish and coral in the water, which can hurt you. Goat Island also offers spectacular picnic spots for memorable dates for couples and some family fun with the kids.
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