Many years ago, a classic New Zealand Tourist & Publicity Board campaign urged New Zealanders, “Don’t leave town until you’ve seen the country.”
The campaign was designed to encourage Kiwis to tour here before they see the world. After spending a world-class weekend break in Auckland, perhaps this should be updated to, “Don’t leave town until you’ve seen the city” – one of sails, volcanoes and a vibrant, cosmopolitan mix of locals and visitors.
There’s plenty happening in the heart of the city, so it makes sense to base yourself here during your visit, as so much is within easy walking distance. Spend Friday evening settling in, then stroll to find exquisite dining virtually on your doorstep.
See how the City of Sails got its name on an ex-America’s Cup yacht
For “dinner and a show”, try The Foodstore’s live food entertainment experience, where you can watch the chefs preparing your meal on the big screen. The cuisine is just as memorable, with a focus on fresh and organic produce from local farmers.
Rise and shine on Saturday with a substantial breakfast at downtown café The Shaky Isles in the Britomart Precinct, where you can enjoy an ever-changing menu that stars (individually) pikelets, sardines on ciabatta bread and pink grapefruit with vanilla sugar.
After indulging, you may feel the need for something active. Be sure to check out SailNZ, a unique opportunity to be part of the crew on an ex-America’s Cup yacht. Take the helm or join the grinders as you skim across the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour.
Now you are better oriented with the big city, Sunday is a day to venture a little further afield. Forty minutes across the water from downtown is Waiheke
– dubbed The Island of Wine.
But as well as boasting some of the country’s best vineyards, it is becoming a hub for a gentler sort of adventure tourism and outdoor activities that showcase the island’s beautiful bush and beaches.
Perched atop Trig Hill (the highest point on the Island), EcoZip Adventures offer state-of-the-art flying fox ziplines and an eco-immersive forest walk back to headquarters. As they say, the activity is for nature lovers aged eight to 88.
The Wynyard Quarter along the waterfront is a hub of activity
FACT FILE
GETTING THERE
Air New Zealand and Jetstar have regular, daily flights from most main centres around New Zealand.
WHAT TO DO
Experience a live show at The Foodstore, thefoodstore.tv
Take the wheel on an ex-America’s Cup yacht, explorenz.co.nz/SailNZ.
Fly through the treetops on Waiheke Island, ecozip.co.nz.
Also visit aucklandnz.com.
EXTRA INFORMATION
• Catch a ferry from downtown to historic Devonport or beautiful Waiheke Island.
• There are three types of Link Bus, each looping around the city and inner suburbs.
• Trains from the Britomart transport hub deliver you to Newmarket shopping and beyond.
‘Across the water from downtown is Waiheke – dubbed The Island of Wine’
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