Major Tourist Attractions In Auckland

Gorgeous Beaches

When the sun comes out, Aucklanders head to the beach. With seas both to the west and the east, few people in the city live more than a 15-minute drive from the coast. The west coast's black-sand beaches are best for surfing, whereas the safest swimming is on the east coast. Beaches that have a reputation for large waves and rips are patrolled in the summer, so play it safe and swim between the flags. The only other danger is from the sun itself. The ozone layer is weak above New Zealand, so slap on the sunscreen and resist the temptation to bake.

Boating & Sailing

Auckland is dubbed "City of Sails," and for good reason. The population is crazy about boating and any other recreation associated with the sea. A variety of ferries and high-speed catamarans operate on Waitemata Harbour. Even better, go for a leisurely sail on the Pride of Auckland, or experience a genuine match race on America's Cup yachts with Sail NZ.

Cuisine & Café Culture

Some of the finest restaurants in the country reside in Auckland -- and not just fine dining. The restaurant scene thrives from top-end down to bistro-cum-bars. In typical New Zealand fashion, many chefs gain a few years' OE (overseas experience), bringing home world-class skills and putting them to work on the excellent local produce. Neighborhoods such as Ponsonby are crammed with vibrant eateries and cafés, their tables spilling onto the pavement, turning out fine fare for the discerning locals.

Golf Year-Round

Frank Nobilo's hometown, Auckland has more than 20 golf courses catering to all levels of ability, from informal and easygoing to challenging championship courses designed by the likes of Sir Bob Charles and Alister MacKenzie. Most have beautiful scenery, some with views of the Hauraki Gulf. Golf is played year-round here, and the greens fees are among the cheapest anywhere.

Volcano Views

Auckland is built on and around 48 volcanoes, and the tops of many of them provide sweeping views of the city. One Tree Hill, the largest of Auckland's extinct volcanoes, was the site of an early Maori settlement. Mt. Eden, the highest volcano on the Auckland isthmus, is probably the most popular, and several bus tours include this central site. Rangitoto Island has an even better vista. This volcano emerged from the sea just 600 years ago, no doubt much to the wonder of the Maori people living next door on Motutapu Island. Take a ferry to the island; then either a short ride or an hour's walk to the top will give you a 360-degree view of the city and the Hauraki Gulf islands.

It is thought that Maori settled on the volcanoes beginning in the 14th century, taking advantage of the fertile soils. There's evidence that in the 16th century, the Maori used the cones as defensive pa (fortified villages). Evidence of complex earthworks can be seen on Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill where Maori cleared volcanic stone to develop garden plots and form the terraces that are features of pa.