Enjoy two days in Auckland with affordable accommodation
Thursday, 12 May 2016 by Kiwi International Hotel
Auckland is a beautiful city, but with breath-taking scenery all
over New Zealand, sometimes the City of Sails gets overlooked. As
the hub for international flights, many people arrive and then head
off to other parts of the country almost
immediately.
Even thought you are in Auckland for only a few days, that's plenty of
time to discover some of its famous landmarks and hidden
gems.
We've put together a
possible itinerary of a two day stay in Auckland. Of course, you
could stay in Auckland a month and not experience everything this
remarkable city has to offer, but this is a good start!
Day One
Morning
Start off with a big breakfast (you'll need the energy), and if
it's your first time in Auckland, jump on the Link. This will take you
around the city, see the famous suburbs around the inner city and
get a feel for Auckland.
Once you arrive at the CBD, jump on a ferry and make the short
trip to Rangitoto, the volcanic island that's so
recent, people actually watched it being formed!
Rangitoto's iconic cone shape features heavily in the Auckland
skyline, and a walk to the top takes about an hour (hence your big
breakfast), but the view of the city is worth it. There's not much
else going on over there, so jump on the ferry back to the City,
where it will drop you off at the bottom of Queen Street. This is
the ideal time to indulge in a bit of shopping, with everything
from designer gear to locally made handcrafts available.
Auckland's CBD has some beautiful little cafés tucked away in
its side streets, and this is the perfect opportunity to grab some
lunch. After your trek up a volcano you deserve it!
Afternoon
After lunch, head along Tamaki Drive to the sea-side suburb of
Mission Bay. Here you can relax after your
walk up Rangitoto by laying on the beach or even taking a dip in
the ocean. Grab an ice-cream and watch the cyclists and joggers
pass by, or if the weather's not so great, grab a beer at one of
the many local sea-front bars and cafés, or even pop in to see the
latest movies at Mission Bay's iconic art deco cinema.
Evening
Auckland has some of the finest eateries in the world, with a
mix of cuisines and styles that are sure to satisfy even the fussy
eaters. Some of the best restaurants in the city can be found in
the Viaduct, Auckland's answer to Darling
Harbour.
Take stroll there at night, and enjoy the sights, sounds and
smells of over thirty bars and restaurants.
Wander along the water's edge, marvelling at the astonishing
super yachts moored in the harbour, and finish your walk with a
stunning view of the Harbour Bridge.
Complete the evening with a laugh and see a show at the Classic,
New Zealand's only fulltime professional comedy club. If you're
here April- May, then you're lucky enough to be in the middle of
the International Comedy Festival.
Check out our previous blog post here
for more info about the festival.
Day Two
Morning
Start your day in Parnell, Auckland's oldest
suburb. Parnell combines up-market boutiques with old fashioned
architecture, creating an enchanting start to your day. Stop
by one of the stylish cafes for a light breakfast before walking it
off in the stunning rose gardens.
Nearby is the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park. At 75
hectares, there's plenty to walk around and experience, including
bush walks, duck ponds, and the delightful
Wintergardens, a protected heritage site.
In the Domain is the Auckland War Memorial and
Museum, a must-do while in the city. The Museum is regarded as
one of the finest in the southern hemisphere and is home to a
unique collection of Maori and Pacific treasures.
Afternoon
A short ferry ride from the CBD will take you across the harbour
to the historic village of Devonport. With quirky
galleries and quaint cafes it's the perfect place for lunch.
Devonport offers some of the most photogenic views of Auckland from
its twin volcanic cones of Mount Victoria and North Head, along
with some truly beautiful beaches.
After spending the afternoon on the other side of the Waitemata
Harbour, jump back on the ferry and head over to Mt Eden,
Auckland's highest peak. With 360 degree views it's the perfect way
to drink a flat white and watch the sun set.
Evening
It's the final night on our two day adventure and we still
haven't been to the Sky Tower, the tallest
building in the Southern Hemisphere. The revolving restaurant at
the top is the perfect place to have dinner, as you slowly take in
the marvel of the city at night.
Finish the evening off with a visit to the casino downstairs,
hoping luck is on your side and taking your chances at the roulette
table. If gambling isn't your thing, the complex has live
entertainment, including theatre, comedy shows and live music.
So if you're only in
Auckland two days, you can still fit in a lot!
And for quality, affordable
accommodation in Queen Street, the Kiwi International Hotel is right here in the heart of the
city, so you never have to go far to enjoy the delights and
pleasures of the City of Sails. You can't get much more central than
that.
Located on the
famous
Queen Street, Auckland's
city centre is at your doorstep. Accommodation is warm and friendly
and within a stone's throw of handy transport services such as
the SkyBus and taxi stands.
Take in as much of this
great City while enjoying the benefits of the Kiwi International
Hotel's fantastic location.
Contact us now for more information or
book online.