Auckland is one of the hottest tourist destinations in New Zealand, literally, seeing as the city is built on an active volcano field. From food to fun to nature, we promise that Auckland will provide you with just the vacation you’re looking for. Get a rental car and let’s go explore Auckland!
Begin your trip with a bang by visiting Mount Eden. Only 18km away from Auckland airport, take a rental car and head on down to the highest of Auckland’s mainland volcanoes. True to its name, the 196m tall mountain is cloaked in lush greenery, and offers a sweeping panorama of the city and Waitemata Harbour beyond. Or journey to nearby Mount Victoria and reward yourself with vistas of the North Shore. You can cruise to the summit on a personal segway tour for the added thrill and convenience. Auckland transport at its best.
Travel to Waiheke Island for the ultimate getaway. One of the best parts of a vaction are weekends on a sunny white-sanded beach, which are aplenty in Waiheke. Commonly known as the Isle of Wine, Waiheke is home to award-winning vineyards and wineries that offer guided tours with wine tasting. Pour yourself a glass of wine, kick back, and admire the pristine sea view. Foodies, take advantage of Auckland’s convenient transport system and cycle down to the coast to enjoy dinner by the beachside. We personally recommend visiting Oneroa village for a good restorative herbal drink and a slice of seedcake with juicy raisins and revitalizing spices. Trust us, you might just want to relocate here permanently.
Nothing will put you in a better mood than a visit to the SEALIFE Aquarium. Travel down 23km of scenic highway from Auckland Airport in your rental car to catch the world’s largest penguin colony exhibit there, along with the world’s only display of spiny sea dragons. Of course, the aquarium isn’t all feathery cuties; they also house several species of sharks. For our daredevil friends, suit up and join a shark dive.
The true Easter Egg of Auckland lies on Great Barrier Island (Aotea). In the day, its majestic rainforest is a hotspot for all sorts of flora and fauna. Travel to Auckland’s Kaitoke Hot Springs in your rental car, a popular destination where you can soak your stress away in the all-natural thermal springs. Or choose Auckland water transport and charter a fishing boat to traverse the tranquil waters about the island. Under the shroud of nightfall, Aotea transforms into a starry wonderland. Off the grid with minimal outdoor lighting, it boasts unparalleled views of the Milky Way and is the world’s only island Dark Sky Sanctuary.
We could wax poetic about all the incredible features of Auckland, but that would take years. It’s loud and crazy and fast, but if you can wade through all of that, lie back and look at the night sky, you can uncover all the magic that will bring you alive.
