Before I left New Zealand, my New Year’s Eve holidays had almost always been spent camping in one of the hundreds of beautiful spots around the country.  One of the best things about combining Christmas and summer in my mind is how most people take a big chunk of time off to enjoy the sunshine.  So on my visit back home, I was keen to do exactly the same.  I headed to the beautiful regional park of Wenderholm with friends to relax on the beach. [Read more…]

As I sank my toes into the golden sands of Wenderholm beach, I let out a huge sigh of relief.  The Mediterranean and the Atlantic are great, sure, but the waters of the Pacific gently lapping onto a north Auckland beach mean I’m home.

Wenderholm was the first regional park to be created in Auckland, New Zealand.  It’s a gorgeous curving bay, fringed by shady grassy lawns just asking to be picnicked on or home to a casual game of cricket.  Wenderholm is also an easy half hour drive from central Auckland, meaning once you’ve explored the heart of the city, it’s a perfect candidate for a day trip.

New Zealand has no native land mammals, but it has a huge amount of diversity in bird types, from the famous kiwi to the teeny New Zealand dotterel pictured above.  My mum is a keen birder and although I’m nowhere near her level, I was delighted to see this little guy.  There are only about 1700 of them left so it was very special, and we even managed to spot a couple more along the beach.

Blissing out

Another two dotterel… and how beautiful is the colour of that water?!

Such a deserted beach… we became (almost) outraged we had to share it with four other people!

A perfect spot in the sun… anyone for a barbeque? 

If you’re not set up for a barbeque, then just over the hill from Wenderholm is the beautiful river village of Puhoi.  First settled by emigrants from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) in 1863, it’s now famous mainly for the cruisy kayaking that lets you explore the river banks, and for its cheese factory.  Now you may be thinking… Jessi, you’re lactose intolerant, not ideal… and you’d be right!  But my dad and my brother are cheese fiends, and so lunch at the Puhoi Valley cheese factory cafe was on.  I didn’t mind as I love the tranquil setting there, and even the non-cheese meals are delicious.

Cafe to the left, factory to the right

Of course I wouldn’t dream of waking the cheese!

My dad and brother (and our dog!) relaxing on the lovely big deck

 Suitably refreshed, it was time to make our way from the East Coast to the West.  Fortunately near Auckland, this doesn’t take long at all, as the city is located on a narrow isthmus between two harbours.  You can swap golden dunes for black sand beaches quicker than you can say “Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu” – New Zealand’s longest place name!

The black sand beaches along the West Coast are a result of volcanic explosions.  A stunning feature in their own right, they meet the crashing surf of the Tasman Sea to form these gorgeous panoramas.  Watching those huge rollers come in is quite mesmerising!  Also bound to lull you into watching for hours are Muriwai’s gannets.  One particular spot, just around the corner from the township, is home to about 1,200 pairs from August to March, all crammed onto a few tiny rocks!

These surf beaches are not really for swimmers, or even beginner surfers… and I wouldn’t recommend rock fishing here either, as many would-be fishermen have to be saved each year by the tireless coastal patrols.  Best to stick to watching from the clifftops.

Feeding time!

There are so many other places near Auckland that make amazing day trips – Leigh and Matakana, or Waiheke Island, or either of these two beautiful beaches above to name just a few.  Depending on where you head for, you might find buzzing cafes or a deserted beach – the beauty of New Zealand is that both are never far away!

Sure, you may think of Auckland as just a stopping point on the way to exploring New Zealand’s famed natural beauty and Lord of the Rings sets.  But that is doing my hometown an injustice, as I’ve said before.  There’s loads to do in and around the central city, mostly within easy walking distance.  You can also jump on one of two types of Link bus – for a couple of New Zealand dollars they circle the inner or outer city and will give you a glimpse into Kiwi life, not to mention easy transport around.  So where should you start?  Well – always with a delicious coffee and a good breakfast – my post on Eating My Way Around Auckland is coming soon!   And after that?  Depends what you’re looking for…

Best for views over Auckland

The Sky Tower, in the CBD, was pretty controversial when it was first built – some even likened it to a syringe needle.  Now it’s an icon of the city.  You can take the lift to the top and gaze down at the busy streets beneath a glass floor, if that’s your thing.  You can even jump off it, if you weren’t a fan of the lift!

My sister and her boyfriend spotting views from Mount Eden

If you prefer natural viewpoints to skyscrapers, head to Mount Eden – then you can even claim to have climbed a volcano.  Mount Eden, or Maungawhau, has fantastic views over the city.  You can drive up to the top, or stretch your legs on the popular walking trails.  While the central crater is now off-limits, you can walk right around the edge for 360 degree views over the harbour, the city, and the surrounding suburbs.  If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to see right out to the Waitemata Ranges.

Best for culture vultures

Auckland has a number of galleries and museums to keep you entertained.  The Auckland War Memorial Museum also offers good views back to the city, from its privileged high-point in the Auckland Domain.  The Domain is a massive park also home to Botanical Gardens, sports grounds, and band rotunda.  Inside the Museum there’s a strong focus on New Zealand, ranging from science to history.  With fascinating interactive displays and a huge collection, it’s easy to spend more than a little time here.

The Auckland Art Gallery is a beautiful mix of modern and historical building – although when I say historical, bear in mind that Auckland City’s oldest building dates from 1843!  The collections the Art Gallery houses cover both national and international art and there are often visiting exhibitions.  I loved these sculptures by Seung Yul Oh on display outside – fun both to play around next to and to admire.  Just along the road is busy Aotea Square, home to several of the city’s main theatres and music venues, if you just can’t get enough culture!

Best for shopaholics

Just behind where I’m taking this photograph of Western Park in Ponsonby are some great shops!

New Zealand is home to some fantastic fashion, from Karen Walker to World to many up-and-coming designers.  Shopaholics are spoilt for choice, with great shopping to be found in Ponsonby, Newmarket, and in the city in and around High Street.

Best for nature-lovers

If you need a break from the (small-scale) hustle and bustle of Downtown Auckland, pop into Albert Park.  The gardens round the central fountain are beautifully maintained, and you’ll be able to spot the Sky Tower peeking out from behind the trees.  Next to the park is the University of Auckland, the largest in the country.  The campus is quite architecturally mixed but there are some lovely buildings, including the Clocktower visible from the Park.

If you’re a gardening enthusiast, head along to the Parnell Rose Gardens.  Take some time to smell the roses in this green oasis that looks over the port and the city.  The blooms in spring and summer are simply magnificent.

Best for maritime marvelling

Due to its position between two big harbours, Auckland is unsurprisingly home to a lot of yachts, dinghies, launches, and many more – its nickname is actually the City of Sails!  It’s easy to get a feel for the sailing life, even if your feet are firmly planted on land.  Just head down to Auckland’s waterfront.  One of my favourite spots when I worked in central Auckland was Queen’s Wharf – it was barely five minutes walk from my office, but if I walked down the end I felt miles away.  I’d sit and sniff the salty air, watching the hustle and bustle of the city.  Ferries streamed past, seagulls circled, and every so often one of the old guys at the end of the wharf would hook a fish… or a gumboot.

Wynyard Quarter

For a bit more action, head to the Viaduct, or Wynyard Quarter.  Here you’ll find busy restaurants and bars right next to equally busy yachties scrambling over their gleaming decks.  I love to grab an ice-cream (sorbet of course) and stroll along in the sunshine taking it all in.

Best for escaping

Just along the road from the busy city lie the golden sands of the Eastern Bays.  Hugely popular in summer but beautiful no matter the season, they’re perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just a little bit of relaxation.  If you really want to get away, jump on a ferry for beautiful Waiheke Island – just half an hour away, but feeling like a different world.

Have you visited Auckland?  Did you see any of the attractions above – or something completely different?  If you liked this post, check out What Not To Do In Auckland.