5 Must-Dos: Auckland

01 Aug 2011

The essential quick guide for discerning travellers
BY ANNA THOMAS

1. BACK TO NATURE

Explore the unique flora and fauna at Waitakere Ranges (arc.govt.nz/parks), an ancient rainforest with towering native trees and waterfalls that’s located a half-hour drive from the city. Or check out Waiheke Island, a favourite weekend spot for locals, with its top-notch vineyards, tranquil beaches and notable restaurants like Cable Bay (cablebay.co.nz) and Te Whau (tewhau.co.nz). For a 360-degree view of the city, take a trip up to Sky Tower (skycityauckland.co.nz), the world’s 12th tallest tower at 328m above sea level, where you can even base jump off the country’s tallest man-made structure.

2. HARBOUR OF DREAMS

A visit to the City of Sails, which boasts the most boats per capita in the world, must include some form of water activity. If you fancy powering under your own steam, hire a kayak from Fergs Kayaks (fergskayaks.co.nz) and glide along the city’s stunning beaches. For the adventurous, there’s a paddling trip that takes you across the harbour to the dormant volcano on Rangitoto Island. Or make like a local and sail around Waitemata harbour and Hauraki Gulf Marine Park with Sail NZ (explorenz.co.nz), which lets you take the helm of an actual America’s Cup yacht.

Westhaven Marina is one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere.

3. KIWI CHIC

Creativity and innovation rule the catwalks and design showrooms, and local designers Trelise Cooper (trelisecooper.com) and Karen Walker (karenwalker.com) are highly sought after by celebrities. Cooper’s work has been worn by Catherine Zeta Jones as well as Bronagh Key, wife of New Zealand’s prime minister, while Walker’s creations have draped Tyra Banks, Claudia Schiffer and Rihanna. The Ponsonby suburb also houses fashion stores such as Robyn Mathieson (robynmathieson.co.nz) and Taylor (taylorboutique.co.nz), and groovy cafes where you can recharge and rest your feet.

4. STAY A WHILE

Uber private and set in the posh suburb of Herne Bay with views of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Mollies (mollies.co.nz) is all about elegance and luxury. The family-owned boutique hotel, which made Tatler UK’s list of 101 Best Hotels in the World in 2010, has hosted the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce. Mollies also boasts a wonderful restaurant, The Dining Room, known for its excellent New Zealand lamb and seafood dishes. Alternatively, the maritime village of Devonport boasts the restored Victorian villa Peace and Plenty Inn (peaceandplenty.co.nz) that’s just steps away from cafes and galleries. Check out gourmet eatery Five Loaves (29 Church Street, Tel: 64 9 445 8954), a favourite with locals. If you prefer the buzz of city living, Hilton Hotel (hilton.co.nz) is your best bet. Parked at Princess Wharf and protruding 300m out to sea, the nearby Viaduct harbour (viaduct.co.nz) practically delivers countless eateries and nightlife right to your doorstep.

5. GOOD EATS

A virtual institution in Auckland, Prego (prego.co.nz) delivers consistently good food and service. This casual Italian bistro in Ponsonby has been serving up fine Italian fare like wood-fired pizzas for 25 years now. Popular for its fuss-free fine dining is The Grove (thegroverestaurant.co.nz), located beside the historic St Patrick’s Cathedral on Wyndham Street. Offering a modern twist on New Zealand cuisine, it serves favourites like fresh market fish with cider smoked clams, fennel fricassee and seaweed butter. A hot spot downtown is Britomart (britomart.org, above), a shopping, entertainment and business precinct surrounded by beautiful heritage buildings. Be sure to make time for Tyler Street Garage, a hip bar and bistro that used to be a parking garage.

• CURRENCY
  New Zealand Dollar
• VISA
  Requirements vary. Visit immigration.govt.nz for details.
• BEST TIME TO VISIT
  December to March, when it is sunny and you can make the most of the glorious beaches and outdoor living.
• HOW TO GET THERE
  Visit singaporeair.com for schedules and fares.
• MORE INFORMATION
  newzealand.com