Top ten free things to enjoy in Auckland City at any time
Thursday, 8 October 2015 by Mark Sandiford
At Kiwi International Hotel we are all about
enjoying life in the simplest and easiest of ways. For us, that
translates into freedom and what comes with freedom is a focus on
what life can offer you that is free of strings or more importantly
free of cost.
With that in mind we have come up with a list of the top 10 free
things to do in Auckland city. Auckland has an amazing array of
natural and man-made resources that include sparkling waters,
iconic volcanoes, beautiful beaches, rich cultural history and
compelling city streets - all free, ready and waiting to be
explored.
1. Take a walk in the park
Part of Auckland's natural
cityscape beauty is it's abundance of trees and street lined
foliage. Adding to this injection of flora are the city's many,
lush and plentiful parks. Breathe in the fresh air and admire the
seasonal change as you take a leisurely walk through one of
Auckland's many picturesque parks.
Cornwall
Park is magnificent with it's ancient oak tress and
wandering farm animals, or visit the Auckland Museum, or simply
stop for a picnic at the Auckland Domain. Stroll in an inner-city park
like Albert Park, Victoria Park or Myers Park,
conveniently located across the road from Kiwi
international Hotel
2. Climb a volcano
Auckland's 48 volcanic cones provide not only a unique
landscape, but give lucky visitors some truly spectacular views.
You can spot many of Auckland's volcanoes by their distinctive
green pastures, the ideal grounds for a picnic or leisurely
stroll.
Our pick as best of the bunch has to be
Mt Eden, pack a lunch, take a drink, put on comfortable shoes
and don't forget your camera. At 196 metres high, Mount Eden (or
Maungawhau) is the highest of the Auckland volcanoes and delivers
amazing and expansive views of the city. Drive or climb up to the
summit, soak in the views and simply enjoy.
3. Take in some art and culture
The Auckland Art
Gallery (with free entry) is home to world-class classical and
contemporary art. Free guided tours are available daily, offering
visitors a fantastic introduction to the gallery's collections.
After a massive renovation, the gallery building is now of world
class standard, and if you are looking for something more intimate
and immediate, the city has a thriving wider arts community and
many galleries dotted around the city, filled with art
and awaiting your appreciation.
4. Join the fun - free current
events
There's always something happening in Auckland, at different
parts of the city and at different times of the year. Whether its
live music, outdoor movies or major cultural events; checking out
what's on is always worth the time.
October is the month of the
Diwali Festival of Lights at Aotea Square. This Indian festival
symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and
the renewal of life. Take in the food stalls and enjoy an authentic
dose of Indian cuisine, see traditional and contemporary dance plus
music and don't miss the grand finale fireworks display.
5. Watch the sails - take in the viaduct and
Wynyard quarter
Indulge in some wishful thinking and dream of life aboard one of
the many luxury yachts moored at the Viaduct or the wider Auckland
harbour. It's full of boats of all shapes and sizes and a great
spot to watch and contemplate life on the ocean waves.
While you're down there you can also enjoy a section of the city
(Wynyard Quarter) that embraces outdoor art with installations and
sculptures, boardwalks and a marine-themed playspace.
6. Beach, surf and sand
From the wild west coast to sheltered bays, there are thousands
of beaches throughout the greater Auckland region with the likes of
well known surf spots of Piha, Bethells and Muriwai.
Closer to the city Takapuna Beach with its sandy shores and
sheltered bay is an easy commute across the harbour bridge or take
the ferry and head to Devonport, climb the Devonport Heads and find
a hidden cove of beach access. Or stay city-side and venture a few
kilometres away to Pt Chevalier,
with a long span of coastline you can always find a secluded spot.
Wait for the tide to head out and walk along the shoreline for a
unique and hidden view of one of Auckland's much loved suburbs.
7. people watching at its best
Any time of day is the perfect time to head to
Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard
Quarter,
Britomart or Karangahape
Road to sip on a perfectly blended coffee and watch the world
go by. At the harbour end of the city, sit outside and enjoy the
atmosphere at any one of the many restaurants and bars that line
the waterfront, with a backdrop of sheltered waters and
eye-catching super yachts.
For a unique cultural experience and excellent coffee, why not
head to K' Road and take in the alternative vibe, unique style and
eclectic shopping. Once the sun goes down the Viaduct harbour and
K' Road transform into the
city's boogie wonderland with multiple pubs and bars to choose
from, so why not join in?
8. Find a hidden gem
Discovering a hidden gem full of history, character and natural
beauty is easier to do, in Auckland city, than you may think.
Awhitu Peninsula is only an hour from downtown Auckland and holds a
vast panorama across wild, black-sand beaches and coastal cliff-top
roads.
The best thing to do here is to climb to the top of the Manukau Heads
Lighthouse for incredible views. Fortunately for us, this
lighthouse is one of only a few in New Zealand open to the
public, so why not take advantage?
9. Explore Mission Bay
Mission Bay is a quick and easy drive from the city centre and
located along Tamaki Drive. The closeness to the city, its
sheltered white sand beach, grassy areas for picnicking and games,
amazing vistas of Rangitoto and excellent eateries and shopping has
made Mission Bay a
popular destination for Aucklanders and visitors alike.
With the weather warming up, why not head to this
stunning beach, picnic blanket in tow and grab some delicious
fish and chips at the much loved Fish Pot in Mission Bay.
10. Enjoy a local market
Who doesn't love a good market? Flea markets, farmers markets,
any market - great places to stroll around and get a feel of the
flavour of the city.
Markets are often at the top of the places most travellers want
to visit and for good reason, they give you insight to the local
culture, you can get amazing food and produce, see unique stalls
from contemporary art through to cutting edge fashion design and
markets always deliver on that possibility of unearthing a hidden
treasure - so what's not to love?
These are some of our favourite, city-perimeter markets
we think you'll love:
SILO PARK NIGHT MARKET
In summer, check out the Wynyard Quarters for the Silo Park's
night markets and outdoor cinema every Friday. Browse the stalls
for vintage clothing, contemporary art and a delicious array of
food before the movie.
CITY FARMERS' MARKET AT BRITOMART
Inner city farmers' market with around 20 stalls tucked in the
urban surrounds of the Britomart Precinct. Chat with friendly
producers who fill the markets with organic nuts, coffee, fruit and
other amazing produce. Every Saturday from 8.30am -
12.30pm.
At Kiwi International Hotel we love sharing with
our guests the little treasures and hidden gems that help make this
city one of the greatest. As the saying goes - the best things in
life are free so why not head to Auckland and check out some of
these top to-dos and fall in love with our city in the same way we
have.
The benefit of having a free approach to experiences is that you
can splash out in other areas. With all that you are likely to
save, why not extend your stay or upsize your room option to an apartment and cook up all
the goodies you're bound to fall in love with at any one of the
local markets.
Travel is great for the soul, and travel within your own country
is just as soul fulfilling - you don't have to go overseas to get a
unique, authentic and enriching experience. Simply visit us, visit Auckland city and you'll
get what we mean.