FREECALL AU: 1 800 NOMADS (666 237) NZ: 0508 NOMADS (666 237)
Auckland is the social and commercial capital of New Zealand, not to mention the most populated. Auckland sits at the top of the North Island and is surrounded by harbours, volcanoes and a gulf of islands.
It has a refreshingly relaxed and sociable atmosphere and is serviced by a good public transport system. As far as Auckland nightlife goes, there is something going on every night of the week.
In terms of sight seeing, there is a lot to see and do in the centre but it is also easy to escape the hub of the city centre and find beaches, volcanoes and islands that would not be found amidst your average city.
Hobbiton... What a cute, idyllic and peaceful place. Have you been to Hobbiton yet? If the answer is "no", I hope you'll change your mind after you have read this.
I am actually not one of those crazy Lord of the Rings fans, who knows everything about the story and everything about all the characters and actors, however the trip to 'The Shire' was fascinating and I'll probably have to go and watch all the films now!
There are so many great things to be seen on Aucklands Waitemata Harbour. The best way to access them is in a high speed jet boat! The adrenaline is one of a kind, with all the 360 manoeuvres and wave riding and powerslides, you are all over the show. You are the guys having the most fun out on the water and at the same time you're getting up close to some of Auckland Citys landmarks. Can you find a better way to be spending an hour out of your day?
Surely everyones heard of the many volcanos that surround the Auckland area. In total there are 48 volcanic cones to choose from and they are really worth visiting because they offer spectacular 360 degree views of the whole city. So which one should you visit if you're short on time? Anytime of the year is perfect to visit One Tree Hill. It's not far from Auckland City accommodation and once you conquer the half an hour walk to the top you will be impressed with the view and all of the facilities One Tree Hill has to offer.
For such a long time now I wanted to go to Waiheke Island - why... simply because it's close to Auckland and I heard a lot from other folks that it's like paradise. I used my day off to go and explore Waiheke Island. The adventure already started before I got on the ferry, to catch the ferry was more difficult that I thought... but that is just because I time everything just, or let's say almost just, in time. Hehe, something remained from my logistics lessons in school. Anyway so I did make it and we almost had to jump on the boat, like in the movies...
Auckland is famous for being very huge space wise, and with space comes a lot of terrain and a lot of hidden activities that most people will overlook. One example of this is the AWOL Canyoning on the west coast of Auckland. I've always wanted to try my hand at this and decided that, rather than mope about on my day off, I would actually get my butt in gear and do something different.
There's no better feeling than having the advantage to cool off in more ways than one when you are lucky enough to visit or live in the Auckland area. Whether it be Summer, Autumn or Spring, the weather can still get quite hot here and you won't need to travel more than an hour to get out to a beach! Here are some ideas on Aucklands best water activities that you should definitely try out when the weathers showing off!
To whom it may concern,
I have just arrived to Auckland City and I'm looking for a good night out. I am German so I like mostly beer, good music and random acts of kindness. Not to mention that I'm on a tight budget and only here in Auckland for a few days before I venture off on the rest of my travels. What can you recommend to me as a 'good night out' in the city where I can find other travelers like myself? I am staying with Nomads Fat Camel Hostel.
A question I often get asked here at the Mad Travel Shop is "where is the closest beach?" or "where can I go for a swim?" and people seem rather surprised when I say that the closest beach is just a 10 minute drive away. This in fact is one of the many joys of living in Auckland, you are never too far from a beach, you don't need to drive for more than half an hour most of the time to get to the water.
