Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. One of the best cities in the world to dwell. But sad to say, Auckland does get a tough rap from tourists. In the past ten years, I have seen many travellers and even some of my friends avoid Auckland or see only has a gateway to enter New Zealand or stay for a night before heading to beautiful Kiwi pastures -- Rotorua for thermal pools and the smell of Sulphur, the beaches of Bay of Island, wine and dine at Marlborough and sky diving and mesmerising landscape at Queenstown.
As some of the travel bloggers have mentioned, Auckland is heartless and soulless. Let me tell you Auckland is not that bad
Here is the list of best things I love about Auckland.
1. Walkable CBD
If you are living in Auckland, you don't need your own car to get around the city centre and nearby suburbs of Ponsonby, Parnell, Newmarket, Mt. Eden, One Tree Hill and Remuera. These localities are well-connected to CBD by public transport. If you want to go from one end of the city (Britomart) to another end of the city (K'rd) you can simply take a ride on Citylink the big red bus. It's free if you are transferring from the train, ferry or any bus coming to CBD or just pay $1. And if you don't want to use CityLink you can simply WALK!
2. There are plenty of activities you can do in CBD
If you think Auckland CBD is the boring business district, YOU ARE WRONG!
You will be surprised by the different activities you can do in CBD itself.
- Eat and Drink, there are plenty of cafes, ethnic restaurants, takeaways, quick service, eateries. I am sure you will never go hungry in Auckland
Some of the food places you can visit:
- North Wharf, the far end of the CBD
- Viaduct Harbour
- Chancery Street
- O'Connell Street
- Corner of Lorne Street and Wellesley Street.
- 350 Queen Street
- Aotea Square 291-297 Queen St - movies, arcade games and food court
- A walk towards toward Upward Queen Street
- CBD's close proximity to the coast. Auckland CBD is truly blessed to be next to the sea coast. According to health experts, living close proximity to the ocean can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. From my own experience of living by the coast for most of my life, it is one of the best feelings, evening near the coast does have a positive impact on your work and in your studies if you are a student.
- Garden BackyardYes, CBD has its own backyard, Albert Park and if you are looking for a bigger walk, Auckland Domain is just a few minutes away from the city centre. Longing for an even bigger walk, head to Mt. Eden Domain, it is the tallest natural mountain in Auckland and has the most impressive crater and great views of the city, and if you are sunset lover, go in the evening you will see the beautiful sunset and the golden glow over the city.
- Clubs/DJ'sDo I really need to mention this?
CBD is full of clubs and DJs. Weekend nights are full on.
3. A quick getaway from urban life. Long weekend?
Low on Budget?
You don't need to go far away
There are plentiful getaway spots around Auckland.
- One Tree Hill, and yes that is the name of the place. It's worth a visit for a walk or a picnic with friends. There are coin-operated public BBQs. This is the closest place in Auckland where you can see sheep-filled paddocks and cows. Please do not disturb the cattle.
- The wild west coast, the Waitakere Ranges for walking in the bush or spend time on the fine black sand beaches.
Warning: For your own safety swim only between the orange flags to be in the visibility of lifeguards. - North Shore for white sandy beachfront.
- Ferry to Rangitoto (the youngest volcano) Motutapu or Waiheke Island.
4. Volcanic City
Auckland city is built on an active volcano field. Though most of the volcanos in Auckland are dormant and will not erupt in the future there are chances of the new volcano to erupt somewhere in the city. But you don't need to panic, Auckland as has advance early warning system installed and geologist and closing studying the seismic activity in the region.
5. Flavours of Pacific Auckland is the largest Pacific city in the world. For the taste of the Pacific island cultures, head to Otara Flea Market in South Auckland on a Saturday morning to soak up to the island music, exotic fruits and vegetables. You can also buy colourful authentic pacific style clothes (sarongs), shirts and crafts including bright colourful mats and huge tapa cloths.
