Auckland, New Zealand 2017

Auckland (April 2017):

Aim of this post:

• To give tips and ideas about nice places to visit in Northern New Zealand with Auckland as a starting point

AUCKLAND REGION (Downtown, Devonport, Waiheke Island, Mount Eden, Piha Beach)

Downtown:

• There are free tours at 10 am every day very helpful to have a better understanding of the city and New Zealand in general (http://aucklandfreewalkingtours.co.nz/)
• Sky Tower: highest tower in the country over 300m high. Entrance is 29 New Zealand dollars ($20) and in my opinion is not worth it at all
  
• Downton Terminal: ferries to several areas depart from here, and the views of the city are great
  
  
  
  

Devonport:

• Only 15 min ferry from downtown terminal you can reach Devonport (12 Australian dolars)
• I really liked this place for a short visit
• North Head is the most historical defense place in New Zealand and you can see the military installations
  
  
  
  

• From there you can enjoy views of Rangitoto Island, which also can be visited from Auckland ($30 Australian dolars return)
• Furthermore, Devonport counts with several lovely beaches
• I liked specially Cheltenham beach
  

Waiheke Island:

• Ferry departs from downtown terminal every half an hour (return up to almost midnight)
• Beautiful island with several beaches, trekking options and vineyards, popular escape island for locals during weekends
• Waiheke is very expensive and the cheapest option to move around is the bus
• There are car, bike and bicycle rental options but prices are ridiculous
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Mount Eden

• Active volcano at a walking 5 km distance from downtown (several buses reach as well)
• Landscape from Mount Eden is spectacular
  

Piha beach: 

• Amazing lovely black-sand beach popular for surfing 
• My favourite place in the region, 40 km from Auckland
• Recommended to rent a car (1 hour drive) as there is no public transport reaching West Auckland and taxi price is outrageous
• You can go up the Lion Rock in the middle of the beach and enjoy the views
• Sunrise and sunset are magnificent in Piha beach

Coromandel (TO BE VISITED SOON)

OUTSIDE AUCKLAND

• Several attractions such as Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua, or Orakei Korako

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park:

• 3h drive from Auckland
• After parking the car you have to pay the entrance which consists of a boat that crosses a lake into the Geothermal Park (36 New Zealand dollars, approx $25)

Others (TO BE VISITED SOON)