[LCA2015-Chat] touristy things to do near auckland

[Michael Schmitz]

On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 10:52 AM, Mark Smith <Mark.Smith at emulex.com> wrote:

>  Just throwing this out there.
>
>
>
> I’m a big fan of seeing a new town from the air.  When visiting, I will
> generally include a chopper ride or some sort of flight around town.
> Perhaps I just like aviation a bit too much, but there are many vendors out
> there who would be willing to take the money from a tourist wanting to do
> the same.  I can’t recommend any organization over another, but I’m sure
> Google can help you.
>
>
>
> On the flip side, there are numerous options for sightseeing from a boat
> in the Auckland harbour area.
>
>
>
> Rangitoto Island is only a quick boat ride and is the area’s newest
> volcano.  Bring sturdy shoes.  It’s connected via the tiniest spits of land
> to Motutapu
>


Bring plenty of water - there's none on the island, hardy any trees for
shade on the trail up to the crater, and it gets really hot (by NZ
standards) on Rangitoto around this time of year. Check the ferry schedule
(Fullers) for the last departure - if you miss the last one, hail a water
taxi.



> Island.  A little bit further out is Waiheke Island. Lots of vineyards and
> opportunities for some fantastic eating. There’s even some bouldering on
> the east side if you’re into that.
>
>
>
> Lots of other volcanos in the area too.  If you’re keen, get up one and
> look in.  Some have important cultural significance like One Tree Hill.
>
>
>
> Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is really cool especially if you like
> penguins, hint, hint, hint.
>
>
>
> There’s a bungy jump under the Auckland bridge that is kinda fun.
> Likewise, you can jump off the Skytower using an assisted descent device.
> Or if leaving the tower is no good, you can take a guided tour around the
> outside near the top of the it.
>
>
>
> If you’re car capable, take a trip out to Piha beach.  Awesome area.  Go
> walk around and experience it. You’ll need to walk way to the left to see
> the best stuff.  Waves crashing on the rocks, caves, tunnels, hills,
> there’s nothing there that isn’t fantastic.  On the way there, you’ll need
> to go through Waitakere Range.  If you like hiking, take a walk there too.
>

Muriwai beach is also well worth a visit for the huge gannet colony. The
chicks should have hatched by now - this is prime bird watching season at
Muriwai.

Stop at the ranger station in the Waitakeres to pick up a recent map if you
plan to go for a hike - plenty of tracks have been closed prevent spreading
of kauri dieback disease. There's trails taking anywhere between 2 hours
and 12 hours round trip. Ask me for a trail guide if you're interested.



>
>
> Sadly, not too much climbing in the area though there are gyms and there
> is always the Mt Eden Quarry which I have yet to visit.
>


Plenty of rec centres have indoor climbing facilities - there's a large
facility close to Mount Wellington that I've been to in the past. Forgot
what they're called but can look that up at home.

Cheers,

  Michael




>
>  ------------------------------
>
> *Mark Smith*
> Senior Performance Analyst
> 85 Alexandra Street
> Hamilton
> *+64 7 959 2634 <%2B64%207%20959%202634>* Office
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