Auckland is surrounded by two harbors connecting tourists to 50 picturesque islands. Explore the volcanic cones, forest parks, and tranquil beaches on your leisurely cruise. Fine dining, shopping, and sights will fascinate you to no end. Learn about the history and culture of New Zealand at the Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery. Visit Rangitoto Island to tour dormant volcanoes. The wine connoisseur must-visit Waiheke, known as the island of wine. Sky Tower is one of the most visited attractions. It takes you to the height of 328 meters in glass-fronted lifts for mesmerizing views of the natural beauty.
Keep in mind that Auckland is also a great place to keep your nature fixed before you embark on your cruise from Auckland. Spend time exploring this incredible, cosmopolitan hub ahead of your cruise, featuring relaxed café culture and a foodie-approved culinary scene. Below are some of the major highlights of this cruise destination.
The cafe culture in New Zealand is the most vibrant in the world, with the highest number of coffee roasters per capita. The flat white is often attributed to Australians or Kiwis, but whichever they are, enjoy a glass of creamy, foamed milk and marshmallow treats with your kids. In Auckland, you can discover hip farm-to-table restaurants serving pasture-raised lamb roasts and whitebait fritters or go to seafood spots for green-lipped mussels and whitebait fritters.
Auckland has a long history of Maori settlement. There was an unforeseeable but incredibly impactful boom in fortune hunters from China and Australia in the 1800s following the discovery of gold in New Zealand. They founded businesses and raised families in New Zealand, and this melting pot greatly influenced the country's culture. Over 1.5 million people from various ethnicities live in Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city.
Our Auckland cruises depart from the DFS Galleria Custom House, where you can purchase duty-free souvenirs and other local items. There are many shops and boutiques at Britomart. Fashion, jewelry, art, and interior design shops are in Ponsonby. There are plenty of homewares, art, and beautiful clothes in Auckland's shopping districts.
Auckland offers a variety of places that are popular with visitors, including art galleries, museums, hiking trails, monuments, and the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. In topsy-turvy fashion, Auckland is popularly known as the 'City of Sails. Aside from the thrilling water sports, the central city area is also alongside the waterway. The explorer can engage in numerous activities and tourist spots, such as those listed below.
Waitemata Harbour is the principal seaport connecting Auckland with the rest of the world. Although it borders the area, Auckland Harbour is sometimes referred to as one of the two harbors. Ships can berth easily in these deep navigable waterways since the tides are sluggish and the tidal range is limited. Hundreds of people are drawn to Auckland yearly because of the harbor's atmosphere for a one-day regatta. Explore the nearby shops and cafes, relax amidst the sounds of water, and enjoy the spectacular views of the skyscrapers.
Maungakiekie, also known as One Tree Hill Domain in Auckland, is the most significant impact crater in the city, beside the majestic Rangitoto. Atop the hill, you can see Auckland's harbors. The fact that it is located near the town makes it an all-year-round destination for tourists, families, and walkers alike. It is especially spectacular at night to see the cityscape from the top.
Waiheke Island is one of the most populous and prominent islands in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. The island's paths can be found quickly and will lead you to the beaches and forest enclaves. Passageways and gun sites from World War II can be found in the Stony Batter passageway. If you'd like to stay amidst the waves' serene sound, you can rent a beach house or a backpacker's hostel. Aside from swimming, kayaking, and picnicking, the place is also ideal for outdoor activities.
There are about 1.2 million hectares of Marine Park in Hauraki Gulf. It is home to more than 50 islands, many of which are conservation lands. Public access to most islands is available, but some islands are protected animal refuges that require permits. In addition to hiking trails, vineyards, and marine reserves, the park contains five marine reserves.
There is no doubt that Piha is a must-visit destination for many, thanks to its black sands, Lion Rock, and surfing reputation. The Piha Surf Club sets out flags to indicate safe swimming areas. The region lies just beyond the Waitakere Ranges to the west of Auckland. The small settlement's rugged coastline, backed by green hills that lead down to two beaches, is undoubtedly a sight, with Lion Rock towering above it all. Surfing here is excellent because of the strong currents and waves that pound the shore, but it is pretty dangerous at times due to the large swells. No wonder Piha is so popular with Aucklanders and tourists alike with the nearby Kitekite Falls and severalbeautiful hikes in the nearby ranges.
A good time to visit Auckland is between March and May and September and November. A pleasant climate and most sunny days (excluding May) characterize these shoulder months. It will be crowded and expensive (especially airfare and hotel rooms) during peak season (December through February). Still, temperatures will be warmer, and fewer showers will occur. From June to August, both temperatures and tourism drop. New Zealand's winter coincides with the U.S.'s summer and vice versa. Take this into consideration before choosing your travel dates.
