Auckland

Auckland

New Zealands largest city sprawls over seven volcanos and around two picturesque bays. Aucklands amazing geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle thats regularly ranked in the worlds top ten. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere - sailing to an island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach. Aucklands layout makes it easy to jump quickly from one theme to another.

Activities

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki is where New Zealand stories are told through the visual arts. The Gallery has the largest and most comprehensive collection of New Zealand and International art in the country, consisting of over 12,000 works of art. Be it Paning for Crystals or flying high on the Bungy Trampoline, there is always lots you can do at Crystal Mountain. Travel by elevator to the 'Crystal Mine Museum', or have a fantastic meal at 'Cafe on the Rock'. To visit the Howick Historical Village is to step back in time and experience life as it was for Auckland's early settlers in the period 1840-1880. A costumed guide will introduce you to over 30 European and Maori buildings containing many interesting artefacts and displays. New Zealand's largest brewery, Lionzone, invites you on an innovative, entertaining and interactive beer experience where visitors have the opportunity to see, touch, smell and taste the essence that is beer.

Shopping

Don't pack your suitcase too tightly when preparing to travel to Auckland - but expect to have difficulty closing it when the time comes to return home. Shopping is a well established form of entertainment in this vibrant city! If you're looking for something that falls into the 'very unique' category, head for the High Street precinct in the central city. A more casual approach to retail therapy can be found at Victoria Park Market, which is bustling with indoor shops and outdoor barrows crammed full of New Zealand arts and crafts.

Food

Auckland city is brimming with chefs who have an undying passion for culinary creativity. It helps that the region produces excellent raw material. The climate is obliging - with enough sunshine and rainfall to grow everything from the daintiest tips of asparagus to the sweetest strawberries south of the equator. Nearby farms produce export quality lamb, beef and cervena (New Zealand venison). The generous ocean keeps restaurants well supplied with scallops, snapper, tuna and schools of fish that you've never heard of, but would love to meet on your plate.

Currency

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

Click to view sailings.