As I’m writing this post, the only safe way for kiwis to travel is online. No, in fact, it’s not the only way – here are 12 amazing ways to travel the world without leaving home! Due to COVID-19 outbreak in the country, New Zealand is going into lockdown for four weeks and while we’re still allowed to go outside (but only alone and keeping 2 m distance with people around us for our own safety and safety of those around us), of course, traveling any further than the nearest park is not an option.
That’s why we’re doubling our efforts with publishing all the gorgeous photo and video content we have! We hope our videos and articles will keep you entertained and maybe will even inspire you to start planning New Zealand trips for after the quarantine. We have to do something will all this free time. right?
For us, creating new videos out of all the footage we have on hard drives and publishing new photos here is also sort of a virtual journey. While choosing the best angles and shots, we go down the memory lane to the day when these events were happening. It’s like going back to all these beautiful destinations once again! So much fun.
We have many video travel guides planned for the next few weeks! But let’s start with the largest city in New Zealand – Auckland! Here are some of our favourite Auckland attractions in one beautiful video.
Top 18 Auckland attractions
Sky Tower. At 328 metres tall, this is the tallest freestanding building in Southern Hemisphere. Boasting comfortable hotel rooms, over 20 bars and restaurants and other entertainment spots, this is a perfect place for international tourists to stay and have fun. But it doesn’t mean locals won’t find anything exciting to do here! How about the views over Auckland from the top of Sky Tower? Definitely gives a different perspective than any of the famous Auckland volcanoes (we’ll talk about them in a sec!). Extreme lovers can also try SkyJump or SkyWalk.
City Centre. Ok-ok, that’s quite a vague definition. Some people call it Downtown Auckland, others prefer Auckland CBD. No matter what YOU call it, you can’t skip a stroll here. Sparkly skyscrapers, fancy boutiques and buzzing cafes – this is hands down the most vibrant part of the town.
Mount Eden. Picturesque volcanic peak that boasts 360 views over Auckland. The walk up to the top is only about 20 minutes and it’s very easy. Mount Eden always appears on every list of Auckland attractions, so we’re pretty sure you won’t miss it!
Ponsonby. This sophisticated area 10 minutes from the city centre is full of neat historic houses, art galleries and book stores. A lot of New Zealand designers have their boutiques here too!
Ponsonby Central. Feelin’ hungry? Ponsonby Central is THE place to dine! Eclectic, chick and vibrant – you’ll love this place. Pick one of the many cafes, bars or restaurants and enjoy your food with a side of fresh air and friendly chats.
Manukau Heads Lighthouse. Easily one of the most scenic lighthouses in the country! The views from here remind of Marlborough Sounds or something like that. What makes Manukau Heads even more exciting, is that it’s one of the rare lighthouses where you can also go inside. Make sure you have some cash with you, as there are beautiful tea towels up for grabs inside (you just need to leave cash in the box or transfer money to their bank account).
Britomart. High-end area of Auckland CBD with luxurious shops and fancy restaurants. It’s also very pretty here, make sure you snap a pic!
Viaduct & Silo Park. A walking distance from Britomart is another gorgeous area of Auckland Downtown, filled (as always) with famous on-trend eateries and boasting beautiful water views. There is also a tiny container library that we absolutely adore here.
Giapo. Hands down the best ice-cream shop in New Zealand! Each our trip to Auckland starts or ends (or both) here. Giapo artisan ice-cream creations can be quite pricey but they’re so worth it. Fantastic shapes, unusual flavours and so many unique ideas you won’t try anywhere else in the world!
Muriwai Gannet Colony. Muriwai Beach is one of the black sand beaches of Auckland. It’s also home for one of the largest gannets colony in New Zealand. These birds are so gorgeous and amusing to watch, especially when flying around the breathtaking rugged cliffs of this beach.
Piha Beach. Probably the most well-known of Auckland’s black sand beaches, Piha beach is a paradise for surfers and an amazing summer destination. Climb up the Lion Rock or enjoy hot coffee at the local cafe. Such a relaxing, beautiful spot!
Anawhata Beach. This is our favourite black sand beach in Auckland. Secluded and a bit off beaten track, it’s normally way less crowded than the previous two. Anawhata Beach looks like a scene from Jurassic Park or like a pre-human era Earth. It’s wild and gorgeous.
Learn more about black sand beaches of Auckland in this article. Visiting these beaches should definitely be on your list of things to do in Auckland!
Mount Victoria. If we were running a competition for the most ideal spot to admire Auckland from, Mount Victoria would definitely be among the top contenders! The highest volcano in Auckland is located across the harbour from Auckland CBD, creating a perfect perspective. Don’t leave too soon – there are a lot of amazing cafes around this picturesque hiking spot.
Auckland Domain Wintergardens. Where history meets nature. Spacious Victorian style glass houses were designed in early 1900s and now host the most beautiful, often – rare, flowers and plants from all over the world. When exploring Wintergardens, make sure you don’t miss fernery, that is hidden a little bit aside and in between the two glass houses.
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life. Wonderful aquarium with over 100 clumsy, funny penguins, as well as sea turtles, colourful fishes, sharks and giant stingrays. You can learn so much here! There are regular feeding sessions and you can even book some unique experiences like swimming with sharks or visiting penguins.
Matakana village. Cosy and luxurious destination an hour drive from Auckland, Matakana is known for artisan wineries, amazing weekend markets and lots of stunning walks. Matakana Village is the heart and soul of this region that has everything you need to spend a cool day without moving too much: cinema, restaurants, shops.
Ambury Farm. Animal lovers would enjoy this place so much! Hug friendly cows, feed goats and sheep, admire gracious horses. Amazing place in Auckland to visit with kids or on your own.
Explore 11 amazing places for animal lovers in New Zealand.
Hunua Falls. Spectacular 30 metre waterfall can be basically seen from a car park. But of course, you should come closer and soak in its power and beauty! There is a short loop walk that will allow you to admire the waterfall from different angles.
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