Naturally I felt compelled to put something together to help them out. Besides, I just can't help but share all the great stuff Auckland has to offer. here's my reply to his post.
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Wow, another lifestyle travel show! At the time of your visit (28 Sept to 9 Oct 2018), I do recommend you experiencing these:
• Visit Cornwall Park http://cornwallpark.co.nz/ (free)
- Cherry blossom trees are in full bloom usually in late September
- Seeing the new lambs on the pastures (the park is also a farm so you don’t need to leave town just to see these)
- Sunset at One Tree Hill – this is any time of the year
- It’s a big park with varying views. We go here by default if we can’t think of a place to go (we do have itchy feet). Our kids just run around, play soccer or climb trees. On a warm sunny day, every Aucklander should at least be able to experience having a picnic here with a bubbly (sparkling wine) – yes, it’s ok to be drinking at the park. Men like their beers, women like their bubblies.
- They do have eateries in this park, but we only really go to the Creamery for ice cream and coffee as we often bring our own picnic
- How to get there: by car, best to get a rental as most of Auckland are best accessed by car. It’s a very spread out city.
• Wine tasting at Waiheke Island – day tour, highly recommended for foodies
- Book a round trip ticket at Fullers, they have packages for food and wine tasting: https://www.fullers.co.nz/experiences-tours/wine-food-tours/
- It’s a popular getaway with the girls, wine/ lunch at a vineyard place
- I do recommend those visiting Auckland to spend a day at Waiheke. They have art galleries there too as many artists reside there. You can also just buy an all day bus pass so you can explore the island on your own.
- The Ferry terminal is just at downtown Auckland. That is where the Fullers ferries are docked. Fullers has many other packages to travel to nearby islands, other tourist destinations.
• Maori cultural show at the War Memorial Museum – it’s a good welcome for visitors, good to see the Haka too. I recommend this if you are just staying in Auckland and not heading anywhere else in NZ. There are daily performances at the http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/
- The War Memorial Museum entry is free for Aucklanders. It is located at the Auckland Domain (the Auckland Domain is a park, free entry)
- The museum has many exhibits, and it’s easy to spend the rest of the day there
- Here at the Auckland Domain, and just a couple of steps away from the museum is the Wintergarden. Spring is a good time to visit the Wintergarden (free entry) coz that’s when they have the most beautiful blooms!
- I work near the Auckland Domain, in fact, I go for a walk at the Auckland Domain during my lunch break almost everyday. We have a group at work who likes playing soccer during lunch time every Wednesday. You will see other groups doing other sports, often these are employees who work nearby. There are also the runners, and those doing group fitness programs. Lunch time is busy here at the Domain not just with tourists heading to the museum and the Wintergarden, but with locals alike
• This is why I love Auckland, they have this Chocolate and Coffee Show https://chocolatecoffeeshow.co.nz/ It’s an annual event scheduled 6th &7th October. Auckland has lots of similar events that showcases not just local cuisine, or produce but the diversity of the food and culture as Auckland is the most diverse city in NZ. It could be a boat show, a wine festival, or a cultural event. Suggest you contact Devonport Chocolates. They are an exhibitor and their chocolate shop is at Devonport, where the Navy Museum and North Head are at. While Whittaker is a popular NZ chocolate brand, their home base is at Porirua, outside Auckland. Devonport Chocolate is Auckland-based (see more details in their website). They have a good Auckland story.
• Go for a walk (in the city or at the bush, it's free). Here’s a guide: http://epiclittlemissions.co.nz/
As an Aucklander, our weekend (for us it’s with kids) can be like this:
- Friday afternoon during summer, after office, head to a beach with a playground (Coyle Park, Takapuna or Brown’s Bay) and have fish and chips for dinner
- Saturday afternoon (after the kids sports), go to the CBD for some shopping at High Street and Queen Street. Then head straight to Wynyard Quarter so the kids can play at the playground. Then dinner at one of the many restaurants at the CBD.
- There’s a Filipino eatery at Elliot Stables. It’s called HomeCooked and this is where we take the kids to sample authentic Filipino dishes. There are a couple more Filipino restaurants scattered in Auckland too. Among these is Nanam. They’ve taken the Filipino cuisine up a notch. Even non-Pinoys love their food!
- Elliot Stables is also a popular spot for locals. They have many food choices, and drinks, and they stay open late.
- Or, leave early Saturday or Sunday morning, go to a regional park like Long Bay, Shakespeare, etc. and spend the morning at the beach. Or just head to North Head (free) at Devonport to watch the many ships, ferries and sails that cross that channel. Have lunch at the Navy Museum (free) then head back home to do some chores. Or chores first before you leave the house!
- It’s normal to get dirt or sand on your shoes if you’re like us who enjoy the open space and nature
• Get wet
- Ride some killer surfs at Piha beach (not for the inexperienced!) – in Spring? It might still be worth the drive out to the west coast, to see that black sand (free). If not Piha, then just go to Muriwai and see the ganet colony. It’s along the same stretch of black sand beach.
• If you just want to eat, then
- You may want to sample a food tour with a local guide: https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g255106-d2248544-Reviews-The_Big_Foody_Food_Tours-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html
- Go for High Tea
Yes, it’s another girly treat but it’s fun and it doesn’t have to be just tea, you may opt for bubblies too. - Check out Hotel de Brett High Tea or Sofitel High Tea
- Do the Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail. Yes, more wine!
A week is short but hopefully, you’ll find something to keep you occupied that week. We have been living in a suburb here at central Auckland for the past couple of years. My above list are personal recommendations. I’m not affiliated with any of the mentioned establishments. Just sharing my insights.
