Most interesting things to do on a short break in Auckland

Auckland is bursting with interesting things to do. For example, did you know that you can walk from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean in about four hours - still within the city limits - thanks to the two natural harbours? Or that it’s home to more than 50 volcanoes?

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Auckland is bursting with interesting things to do. For example, did you know that you can walk from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean in about four hours - still within the city limits - thanks to the two natural harbours? Or that it’s home to more than 50 volcanoes?

A serial over-achiever on World’s Most Liveable Cities lists, Auckland’s long-held claim as the City of Sails is indisputable. Aucklanders are world champion boat owners with the city claiming more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world.

A city straddling an isthmus kissed by the Tasman Sea on one side and the South Pacific Ocean on the other, combined with the country’s deep-rooted Polynesian maritime heritage, means it’s no surprise that some of the best things to do in and around Auckland are on the water.

Hauraki Gulf Islands

Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf with its 47 islands is a good place to start. Waiheke Island is home to a small residential community that has escaped big city life. Truth be known, many probably moved to this lush island to enjoy some of New Zealand’s best food and wines. More than 30 boutique vineyards cover the island’s hills and valleys alongside farmers and foodies and their delicious handcrafted produce.

Meantime, Rangitoto’s symmetrical summit is the destination for a hiking tour that plants Auckland firmly on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Take a sea kayak and paddle to the island, which is 2311 hectares and criss-crossed with hiking trails. It’s connected to adjacent Motutapu Island at low tide, which is equally worth exploring.

Did you know? Waiheke, in the Māori language, means “cascading or ebbing water”.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife cruises depart from central Auckland to view whales, dolphins and seabirds that inhabit the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The most common whales sighted are Bryde’s whales, Sei whales and Pygmy blue whales, which contrary to their name, can grow to as large as 27 metres long. With abundant marine life comes seabirds who feed on the sea. Gannets, shearwaters and petrels are some of the common types you’re likely to see flying above or plummeting into the sea.

Did you know? Gannets can have a wingspan up to 1.6 metres.

Auckland volcanoes

With about 50 volcanic cones around the city of Auckland, it’s possible you’ll find yourself tramping over one without even knowing it – some cones are less than 150m in height.  Oh, don’t be alarmed, authorities say Auckland’s existing volcanoes are unlikely to become active again.

One Tree Hill, also known as Maungakiekie (now treeless since sustained attacks by tree-chopping activists) was once home to several thousand residents but these days the parklands on its flank are the domain of picnickers, walkers, joggers and sightseers.

Mt Eden, known in Māori as Maungawhau, is the highest natural point in Auckland at almost 200m above sea level. It offers a terrific 360 degree viewpoint of the city. Māori lived on the slopes of Maungawhau until the 1700s, and their impact can still be seeing through the remains of terracing, food pits and home sites.

Did you know? The last volcanic eruption in Auckland was at Rangitoto Island about 600 years ago.

West Auckland black sand beaches

Wild and rugged, the West Auckland coastline is blessed with untamed raw beauty, the kind that inspires you to pull on an old jumper, roll up your jeans, toss away your shoes and embrace the salt-laden air in big lung-cleansing gulps.

Piha, a popular hangout for experienced surfers is dominated by Lion Rock. Te Henga (also known as Bethell’s Beach) is small and intimate, with a shallow lagoon before the river reaches the breakers. Meanwhile, Muriwai Beach is home to a large resident gannet colony from around August to March each year but the 60km stretch of uninterrupted black sand beach is the real star. If you don’t feel invigorated after a walk along of Auckland’s west coast beaches you’re really not trying.

Did you know? The iconic black sand beaches are a mix of volcanic minerals and iron oxide.

SkyWalk and SkyJump

If you’d like to try more city-based activities, nothing is more of a must-do than Sky Tower, Auckland’s tallest building. The 328-metre tower is the 25th tallest tower in the world. It’s home to SkyWalk, which lets you walk on the ledge of a 192-metre drop with no handrails, and SkyJump, which gives you 11 seconds of pure adrenaline as you plunge 53 floors with nothing but a wire to slow your fall.

Did you know? SkyTower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dining out in Auckland

If you’re spending time in town, it’s worth nothing that Auckland’s food scene is world class. Sure, Kiwis are known for producing some of the planet’s best lamb, which has become almost a cliché. But there is so much more thanks to New Zealanders’ love of travelling and multitude of international influences.

Naturally, being an island nation, seafood plays a big part in Kiwi diets, such as green-lipped mussels, lobster and abalone. According to Māori legend, an abundance of food is considered a gift from the gods. Don’t miss the chance to participate in a Māori hangi, where food is cooked in an underground oven and are usually big occasions where families and friends gather to eat and socialise communally.

Did you know? Abalone shells are prized for their iridescent inner layer.