What to see and do in Auckland - Part 3

THINGS TO DO

The 328 meter Skytower will give you breath taking panoramic views of the city from the top. After the opening ceremony in December of 2007, the ' Skywalk 360' became Auckland' s most popular attraction. SkyWalk will let you walk along a narrow walkway around the outside of the Sky Tower. There is no handrail, nothing but thin air and the city 192 metres below. As you walk around the 1. 2 metre walkway you’ll get 360 degree views of Auckland. If that is not enough then go for SkyJump. The best every adrenaline rush when you jump off the tower and plummet 192 metres to the ground at 85 km an hour.

Auckland Stardome Observatory

This is an archetypal planetarium with a guided tour of the Southern Hemisphere sky. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is one of the Auckland region’s most popular attractions.

West Auckland Vineyards

New Zealand is famous for its white wines, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc. A visit to a few of Auckland’s most renowned vineyards is a treat for any wine enthusiast. They will also ship any wine that you purchase on your tour for a very reasonable fee.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island was isolated farmland until the 1960s and’70s when it was discovered as a hideaway for artists and people seeking an alternative lifestyle. The island retains a laid-back atmosphere, but is now increasingly home to a strange mix of winemakers, olive growers and white-collar executives who commute to downtown Auckland by ferry. Some of New Zealand’s best red wines come from Waiheke, where the hot dry summers and stony soils provide ideal growing conditions.

Goat Island

Goat Island is a Scientific Reserve and access is by permit only. Auckland University has its marine laboratory on the mainland adjacent to the island and reserve. However there is a Glass Bottom Boat which operates from Goat Island Marine Reserve. It allows visitors to view the marine life with full commentary from a specialist. You can either a 45 minute trip around the island or a 30 minute tour of the inner reef area. When the weather is good and the sea is warmer you can get closer by swimming or snorkelling around the reef.

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides

This horse riding experience takes you over the deserted white sands of Pakiri beach and through pine forests and past some fresh water lakes. The owners are descendants of the Maori chief Te Kiri of Ngati Wai. They have a strong connection to land and its ancestry as the experience takes place on lands that have been handed down for generations.

Tamaki Hikoi Maori Walk

This walk lets you discover an ancient Maori trail in the heart of Auckland. The guides will tell you stories that have been passed from generation to generation and that bring the area to life. The guided walk begins at Maungawhau on the edge of the city and ends at the edge of the Waitemata Harbour.

Continued in part 4
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