Hauraki Gulf Islands
The Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park consists of 47 islands, some accessible to the public by ferry or light aircraft and are good for swimming or boating.  Some other islands are reserved for habitation of the indigenous plants and animals.  Their harbors are often frequented by yachts in summer.

Waiheke Island
The magnificent golden sand beaches and picturesque coves help form the feature of Waiheke Island that is loved and well-visited by Aucklanders and travelers.  There are several beaches around the island, each exhibiting a different characteristic.  The Oneroa beach is lined up with the main center's cafés and craft shops, while the island's only pub overlooks the sweeping sands of Onetangi Beach. Towards the far end of the island, the windswept beaches of Orapui, Man o' War Bay and Cowes Bay offer a dramatic coastal scenery.  

Omana Beach
With gorgeous views of Waiheke Island to the north and Rangitoto Island to the north-west, Omana Beach has great swimming, walking tracks through mangrove swamps via a series of boardwalks and great tidal pool viewing. There is also a Maori pa (fortified village) site on the bluff. Facilities include barbecues and toilets. Camping is permitted at the park all year round.

West Coast
The dark sand of the West Coast beaches presents a stark contrast to the white sand and softer tides of the East Coast.  The outrageous waves and untempered landscape of the West Coast beaches are favored by surfers and wilderness walkers.  The West Coast beaches are best reached by private vehicles or by one of the tour services available. 

Muriwai
Muriwai is the longest of Auckland's west coast beaches (50 kilometers) which caters to various beach activities such as swimming, surfing, birdwatching and trekking.  Visitors can observe the specimen of pillow lava erupted from underwater volcanoes at the cliffs behind Maori Bay.  Camping can be arranged at the Muriwai Beach Motor Camp behind the sand dunes where many camping facilities are provided.

Waharau Regional Park
Waharau Regional Park covers the area of 238 hectares and provides a diversity of scenery and forest cover.  The huge remnants of hard beech forest and regenerating native bush are reminiscent of its history as a lumber source during the gold rush. Visitors can swim along the beaches or go backcountry camping and hiking. 

The Hunua Ranges
Almost all of Auckland's drinking water is originated in the Hunua Ranges whose landscape provides a great outing destination.  The Falls Road leads visitors from Hunua to the admirable Hunua Falls which protrude from an eroded volcanic plug.  There are also hot springs and some regional parks on the eastern and south-eastern slopes of the ranges.

Ambury Park
This working farm is situated right on Auckland's doorstep as it is only about 15km south of Auckland city and near the airport.  Visitors can wander around without having to pay for the entrance fee and observe a variety of domestic livestocks such as cows, sheep, chickens, goats, horses, turkeys and pigs being raised on the farm as well as several species of birds.  The Ambury Park is also a favorite wintering ground for migrant birds.

Auckland Musuem
The Auckland museum embraces a vast variety of the Pacific Island and Maori culture displays as well as the exhibits focusing on the history of New Zealand throughout the 19th century.  It is a recommended first stop for anyone wishing to obtain a comprehension about New Zealand and its people.  There is also an activities center for children in the natural world exhibit on the first floor.

Skytower
At the height of 328m (1076ft), this majestic Skytower is part of the Sky City complex and the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere.  There is an elevation service which sends you up to the observation deck in less than one minute.  The views from the top of the city and the harbor are magnificent, and there are all kinds of visual and interactive displays as well as the Sky Lounge for you to relax and enjoy a cold or hot drink.

Auckland Zoo
Both native and imported wildlives are gathered and can be studied at the Auckland Zoo where visitors are allowed to come eye to eye with some awesome animals.  There is also an imitation of the African plains in the Pridelands.  A very good outing trip for family with children.

Howick Historical Village
The make-believe feature of this real-life historical town includes the staff who are costumed in the traditional 19th century attires.  The village consists of captivating Victorian-style buildings, cafes with homemade goodies, as well as ponds and backyard gardens.  A special themed Live Day is presented on the third Sunday of each month where special events and displays are held.

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by Royal Exclusive Travel