Joanna James
As one of New Zealand's top holiday destinations, Auckland offers visitors a myriad of exciting experiences and highlights. Here are seven reasons to head down to Auckland this holiday season.
Revered for its pristine coastlines, the beaches of Auckland are some of the best reasons to vacation in the city. With stunning beaches, the likes of Mission Bay located so close to the heart of the city and exquisite beaches such as Bethells Beach, Karekare Beach, Piha Beach and Karekare Beach just a short drive away the sheer variety of beaches alone makes a trip to Auckland well worth the trouble. Those in search of a North Shore beach should head down to Takapuna which is arguably one of the finest beaches in all of Auckland.
Apart from Auckland Zoo, the city offers nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike a host of intriguing islands and sanctuaries which are home to New Zealand's endemic species and then some. The Hauraki Gulf is one such venue where one can spot dolphins, penguins and whales as well as a plethora of native bird varieties while Rotoroa Island is another conservationist's paradise. Tiritiri Matangi Island and Motuihe are equally engaging spaces for wildlife fanatics along with Rangitoto Island.
Home to some of New Zealand's top restaurants, the cuisine and culinary hotspots scattered across the city is another great reason to choose a getaway to Auckland. While Wellington may be the country's coffee capital, Auckland's fine dining establishments are popular and praised internationally as well as locally and listed in publications such as the Good Food Guide while accolades from the 'Restaurant of the Year Awards' are also showered on the city's eateries annually. Visitors based at Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences or any other similar Auckland hotels will find that they are within close range of some of these award-winning dining hubs.
The artistic heritage and prowess of Auckland is nothing to scoff at and in fact, it is one element which makes a visit to the city's many galleries and art spaces a real cultural experience. The Auckland Art Gallery is one such institution which houses the country's most extensive collection of Maori artefacts and treasures which are collectively known as "taonga". Other highlights for art lovers include Te Tuhi which is found in Pakuranga and Artspace on K'rd while the stunning sculptures on show at the Auckland Domain is another fantastic reason to head to the city.
Forget malls and department stores because Auckland's best shopping experiences are available at its local markets. Must-experience thoroughfares in the city include the weekend market known as La Cigale's French Market which takes place in Parnell while the Britomart Market and the Matakana's weekend markets are equally interesting retail spaces. The Avondale Sunday Markets is another fun local market while those who prefer night time shopping should spend some time at the Auckland Night Markets.
Adrenalin junkies and adventure sports enthusiasts alike can not only bungee jump and hike around Auckland's wildest terrains but also enjoy a host of equally exciting activities such as mountain biking, canyoning and sea kayaking.
All cities have observation decks and vaulted vantage points with spectacular views and Auckland is no different. Mount Eden or Maungawhau is the best place to get a panoramic view of the city while The Sky Tower is another venue which offers awe-inspiring views of the city in addition to the Rangitoto summit.
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