5 great reasons to visit Auckland and surrounds

5 great reasons to visit Auckland and surrounds

There are so many great reasons to visit the New Zealand city of Auckland and surrounds. You can drive to Mount Eden or Woodhill Forrest for the day. These are just some of the many wonderful attractions the city has to offer.

Head to DriveNow’s Auckland car hire page, to find the cheapest car rental deals for your next New Zealand holiday.

Mt Eden

Mount Eden’s peak treats you to a stunning 360 degree panorama of Auckland and its scenic harbour. Standing 196m tall, it’s the highest volcanic peak in mainland Auckland. There are many options for getting to the bottom of Mount Eden. You can take a tour bus or train but it’s worth driving at your own leisure to the bottom, and then using your physical energy to reach the summit. Then you can really appreciate the rewarding views.

Sky Tower

The other Auckland peak worth visiting is The Sky Tower, which at 328 metres, is New Zealand’s tallest man-made structure. View the city’s harbour and city lights at night from the spacious viewing deck. Another ideal time to go is sunset, when the sky’s colour changes to shades of red and orange. There’s also a dining area, which rotates once every sixty minutes, allowing you to enjoy every angle of the city’s skyline.

Rangitoto Island

Sitting majestically off the coast of Auckland, Rangitoto Island boasts a charming landscape of native bush, lava crops and sandy beaches. It’s only a short ferry ride to get to this island, where you can escape for the day and enjoy the scenery. The volcanic island has many walking tracks, and lava caves waiting to be explored.

Woodhill Forest

Some of Auckland’s best mountain biking trails are found in Woodhill Forest. Visitors describe it as a stunning natural playground, which is perfect for those seeking some adventure. The sand-based pine forest is spread over 12 hectares of land, and you’ll find plenty of activities at any time of the year.

SeaLife Aquarium

Kelly Tarlton’s SeaLife Aquarium is the perfect destination for the whole family. You’ll come within inches of sharks, stingrays and other fish as you walk through glass tunnels. Daring visitors can go swimming with sharks, which is an absolute thrilling experience. Or, on certain days of the week you can hop into the penguin enclosure, and get close to gorgeous King and Gentoo penguins!

BRIANNA PIAZZA

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza

Brianna Piazza is an Australian television reporter and part-time travel blogger. Originally from Melbourne, she's currently living in Cairns where she works for WIN News and spends her weekends exploring the outdoors Far North Queensland.

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