Things you Must See and Do in Auckland

Things you MUST See

• Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Dr, Parnell. ☎ +64 9 309-0443, Web. 10AM-5PM. Despite the name, this is not even primarily a war museum - it is a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand. You will find inside a lovely sampling of Maori and other Polynesian peoples' arts and crafts. It stands in an imposing position in the Auckland Domain, a large park on an extinct volcano. Suggested donation $5 adult. Student discount for anyone with a college ID.

• New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Corner Quay and Hobson Sts, Viaduct Harbour. ☎ +64 9 373-0800, Web. Interesting exhibits chronicle New Zealand's maritime history. $16, $7 children, $11 senior citizens.

• Sky Tower, Corner Victoria and Federal St, Web. At 328 m, this is the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering views of up to 80 km away and fine dining in the Orbit revolving restaurant Web.

• Auckland Art Gallery, Corner Wellesley and Lorne Sts, Web 10AM-5PM. The largest collection of national and international art in New Zealand. It is split across two buildings, the main gallery, which reopens on 3 September 2011 after an extensive heritage restoration and expansion, and the new gallery.

• Auckland Zoo, Motions Rd, Western Springs, ☎ +64 9 360-3800, Web. 1 Sept- 30 April 9:30AM-5:30PM (last admissions at 4:15PM), 1 May - 31 Aug 9:30AM-5PM, closed 25 Dec. Has 120 animal species, over 750 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah). Adults (15 years+) $22, children 4-14 $11, seniors and students with ID $18, family rates available.

• The StarDome Observatory, Web. Located on the slopes of One Tree Hill. The park also contains Maori archaeological sites, a kid's playgrounds and a working farm.

• Kelly Tarlton's, Web. Located on Auckland’s scenic Tamaki Drive and the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It's an aquarium which includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish and sharks swim all around you, and tanks of rays with feeding-time talks. Bus routes 740-769.

• Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, Web. Located in Manurewa (South Auckland) has over 10,000 different plant types spread over 65 hectares with both natives and exotics

• MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology), Great North Rd, Western Springs, Web. Situated near the Zoo in Western Springs. $14, $7 Children & Senior citizens. Children under 5 free. It's an interactive museum with over 300,000 items. Look out for the WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Solent Flying Boat in the Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection.

• Otara Flea Market. Sa 6AM-noon at the Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara has a large Polynesian and Maori population and the market reflects the culture of the area. Well worth a wander around. For other markets see local city council websites.

Things you MUST Do

• Visit the Waitakere Ranges Web, replete with impressive waterfalls and rugged but beautiful beaches. Around 45 minutes drive from central Auckland.

• Drive or walk up one of Auckland's many volcanic cones such as One Tree Hill or Mount Eden to experience panoramic views of the city, and to see sheep and cows in a major metropolitan area!

• Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

• Do the Sky Jump Web, a cable controlled base jump from a height of 192m on the Sky Tower Web. Or try the Sky Walk Web, a walk around a 1.2m walkway with no hand rails.

• Rainbow's End Wen is New Zealand's premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions. Bus routes 471, 472, 474, 487, 497.

• Take a ferry from downtown to the volcanic island of Rangitoto that stands prominently near the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour. Climb to the summit for fantastic views of the harbour and Auckland city. Take a picnic or have a swim.

• Rent skates in Okahu Bay and take a scenic skate along Tamaki Drive.

• Spend a day exploring the beauty of contemporary Maori culture in Auckland's city centre and urban bush sites.

• Mangere Town Centre, Mangere. Just like Otara Flea Market on Saturdays open from 07:00-12:00. A good place to buy Polynesian food

• Explore NZ, Viaduct Harbour Basin, ☎ +64 9 359-5987 (info@explorenz.co.nz, fax: +64 9 358-3137), Web. Waitemata Harbour sailboat cruises on a boat from the Pride of Auckland fleet. Also offer a 2 hr Sailing Experience on an original America's Cup yacht or an excursion on a power catamaran to see whales and dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Other activities are available.

• Auckland Sea Kayaks, ☎ 0800 999 089 or (+64) 21 1924939 (info@aucklandseakayaks.co.nz), Web. Sea kayak to one of Auckland's amazing volcanic islands like Rangitoto island day or night.

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