Getting Tips for an Auckland Adventure

I am set to travel to Auckland, New Zealand in the middle of this year. Who wouldn’t be excited for an Auckland adventure? I won a travel blog contest from Globe Telecoms and they will be flying me to New Zealand. Instantly, the picture of Lord of the Rings and Hobbits filled my fancy. A visit to Hobbiton is definitely at the top of my list.

I started scouring the net and enlisted the help of other travel bloggers who had been to New Zealand before. I’m mentioning them by their Facebook names and linking their posts about New Zealand for your reference. They gave me the URLs to their posts and after reading through all of them, I have gathered these interesting information, places to see and tips that will help me for my journey. I’ll be staying only for five days so I hope I’ll be able to squeeze in everything and still have fun doing all these things!

1. Take the Airbus Express

It was a good thing that Arnette Arn of Round The World Girl mentioned in her blog that the Airbus Express is the cheapest and fastest  way from the Auckland airport to the downtown area. If my hotel won’t be picking me up from the airport, at least I have an option.

2. Check the Ponsoby Area

Arn posted a photo of the Ponsoby Area and captioned it as “a ‘hood with cool shops, cafes and restaurants.” I’m not really a shopping person when I travel, but I do check out the markets and shops, not just for souvenir items but to see how locals go about with their daily lives. Jen Seligmann of The Trusted Traveller gave a bit more information on Ponsoby.

3. Hop on a ferry to Devonport

Devonport is just 12 minutes by ferry from Auckland according to Seligmann. I particularly highlighted theNorth Head Historical Reserve in her blog. I like that Seligmann provided addresses, costs and other pertinent information, including official websites, on the spots that she visited in Auckland.

4. Take a daytime stroll and a dinner at night at the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter

Another place that was mentioned in Seligmann’s post is the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. It was specially suggested that one should take a day stroll then come back at night for dinner. I believe the harbour offers beautiful scenic landscapes in the morning and at night, so I might as well try them.

5. Walk on Queen Street to the Sky Tower

It is interesting because Simon Heyes  of Simon’s Jamjar also spent five days in Auckland. He detailed some restaurants to visit and places where great views can be seen. Queen Street seems interesting, from his post, and getting to the Sky Tower is quite an adventure. It’s something I’m considering doing during my first days in Auckland.

6. Take an hour drive to Piha

Heyes showed the stunning coastline of Piha, which is accessible an hour away from Auckland. I still have to find out more about Piha and see if it’s commutable as I don’t like the idea of driving on unfamiliar terrain.

7. Explore the Caves of Waitomo

Most of Karen Warren’s post in the WorldWideWriter are areas outside Auckland.  As I am considering a tour in the Hobbiton area, I have also seen tours that included the caves in Waitomo. One particular cave is known for the glow worms. I would love to take photos of this glowing cave.

8. See the hot springs of Rotarua

Another post in Warren’s blog are the hot springs and other attractions of Rotarua. I have to figure out if a trip to Hobbiton, Waitomo and Rotarua can be done in a day. If not, then I’ll check if I’d still be able to visit this place as well. But it would be interesting to see the springs and the Maori Village.

9. Go Historic at Howick Village

Howick Historical Village seems an interesting spot. John Kessels of Bridge the Travel Gap provided great details about this place. The village, though established only in 1980, it recreates the era in the mid-19th century. It would be truly fascinating to explore this village.

10. Climb Mt. Eden

Kessels also mentioned in the same post the wonderful view of the city from Mt. Eden. I also read in Seligmann’s The Trusted Traveller about Auckland’s many dormant volcanoes as well as the crater of Mt. Eden.

11. Head to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is 40 minutes away from Auckland’s pier and there are plenty to see and do in the island. According to Amanda Williams of A Dangerous Business, one can bike around the coast, to the hilly area, and to some vineyards. She was able to enjoy all these from Auckland’s pier to Waiheke, around the island and back to Auckland all for 6 hours. Still, it’s something I have to consider because that is half a day or almost a day in Waiheke.

12. Watch a rugby game at Eden Park

“I’m not really into rugby although it would be interesting to see one, as Williams mentioned it in her other blog post. Though I’m not considering watching a game, I’m still including it in the list for those who might be interested to know what else to do and see in Auckland.

Hmmm, I wonder how my New Zealand trip will unfold but you’ll definitely hear about it and more when the right time comes. For now, I don’t have my own photos to share…just yet. Meanwhile, if you have tips and other suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Kindly leave a tip or two in the comment box below.