Monday, October 22, 2012

Travel update!

This is soooo exciting!



Next upcoming trip
Your next flight is to Auckland and departs in.....
  • 18 Days
  • 18 Hours
  • 59 Minutes

Gold Coast to Auckland (Return)


In the meantime I have to get through going back to work, a final test and an end of semester exam at Uni.

Wish me luck!

I'm not sure if I've posted this before but this is the hotel we're staying at:

Hotel Pullman - Auckland


Excellent location and very close to Auckland Harbour.

Some of the tourist attractions we would like to visit include:


In and around Queen Street


  • Browse artisan shops and eateries at Elliott Stables
  • Watch a live performance at THE EDGE
  • Catch a gig at The Classic Comedy Club
  • Take in the spectacular views from the Sky Tower

Britomart Precinct


  • Eat and drink in the hippest new bars and restaurants
  • Pick-up seasonal goodies at the City Farmers’ Market
  • Shop at Britomart’s treasure trove of fashion, homeware and specialty stores
  • Visit the unique Britomart Project Space to see a visual work of art

Viaduct Harbour


  • Sit back and enjoy the view from one of the popular waterside restaurants
  • Learn about New Zealand’s rich maritime history at Voyager Martime Museum
  • Step aboard one of the boat cruises that departs from the Viaduct

Wynyard Quarter


  • Visit Auckland Fish Market for a wide range of fresh seafood
  • Dine at one of the North Wharf restaurants for the freshest waterside dining in town
  • Take the kids to play in the maritime themed playspace
  • Climb aboard Auckland Dockline Trams and take a ride around  Wynyard Loop

Ponsonby

Top picks:

  • Shop at designer fashion stores
  • Dine at some of Auckland’s best cafes and restaurants
  • Listen to live music in trendy neighbourhood bars
  • Follow heritage walks through Ponsonby’s historic streets

Parnell Museum

Top picks:

  • Unravel the history of Aotearoa at Auckland Museum
  • Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral
  • Browse boutique shops, galleries and eateries
  • Admire the blooms in Parnell Rose Gardens


Top picks:


  • Munch on fresh fish and chips on Mission Bay beach
  • Rollerblade along Tamaki Drive
  • Soak-up impressive views from Michael Savage Memorial
  • See Sub-Antarctic penguins, stingrays and sharks at the underwater world

Top picks:

  • Climb to the top of Mount Eden
  • Check-out the views from Auckland’s highest natural point
  •  Wander through an award-winning garden
  • Catch a live gig at the Powerstation

Top picks:

  • Arm yourself with your beach towel and a book and head to Medlands Beach 
  • Pull on your togs and walking shoes for the Kaitoke Hot Springs walk
  • Get up early and race to the eastern beaches for a spectacular sunrise
  • Book a fishing charter and head for the Broken Islands




Top picks:

Rangitoto Island: Credit: Lucy Rice
  • Walk to the summit of Rangitoto – don’t forget your camera!
  • Take a torch and explore the WW2 bunkers and gun emplacements
  • Enjoy the beaches and walking trails of Motutapu
  • Check-out the world’s largest pohutukawa forest

Top picks:

  • Join a guided walk to learn how to spot native birds and trees 
  • Take a sneaky peak in the penguin nesting boxes
  • Check-out the visitor centre. It’s the best place to find out about the island


Top picks:

  • Head to Mount Victoria and North Head for spectacular views of Auckland City and the Waitemata Harbour
  • Explore Devonport’s military history at North Head and the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
  • Take a self-guided walking tour or see the sights by segway, bike or mini-bus
  • Treat your tastebuds at the cafes, bakeries and the village’s famous chocolatiers

Top picks:

  • Taste locally made Puhoi Valley Cheeses
  • Meander down the scenic Puhoi River in a kayak
  • Grab a hearty meal and a cheeky drink at the local pub
  • Follow the historical walk which travels through the museum and library

Top picks:

  • Visit several Kumeu wineries including Auckland’s oldest winery
  • Get your paws on a sweet experience at BeesOnline Honey Centre and Café
  • Kick back with a freshly brewed beer at a boutique brewery

Top picks:

  • Stop in at Arataki Visitor Centre and pick up a track map
  • Experience walks and waterfalls including Kitekite Falls and Fairy Falls
  • Tramp the stunning Hillary Trail
  • Spend the night in the peaceful camping grounds

Top picks:

  • Delve into a tucked-away café in charming Howick Village
  • Play 18-holes at Howick Golf Club and savour the views across the Hauraki Gulf
  • Enjoy a walk over the beautiful Musick Point peninsula
  • Explore the archeological sites and wetlands at Mangemangeroa Reserve

Top picks:

  • Watch top polo games most weekends in the spring and summer
  • Fill a picnic hamper with supplies from the Sunday Clevedon Farmers’ Market
  • Take a step back in time at the McNicol Homestead Museum
  • Sample world-famous Clevedon Oysters

Top picks:

Manukau - Polyfest
  • Search for gifts at the Otara market on Saturday morning
  • Take a roller coaster ride at New Zealand’s greatest family theme park
  • See over 10,000 plants at the Auckland Botanic Gardens


Top picks:

  • Sip delicious wines at New Zealand’s most awarded winery
  • Play a round of mini-golf at Treasure Island
  • See saltwater crocs, free-flying tropical butterflies and swing from highropes


Top picks:

  • Dress in your finest and head to the horseraces at Pukekohe Park
  • Drive a V8 around the Pukekohe Raceway
  • Scare yourself silly at Spookers haunted attraction
  • Take a ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway Train

Top picks:

Awhitu Peninsula Lighthouse
  • Horseride along the wide black-sand Karioitahi beach
  • Indulge your palate with a visit to organic orchards
  • Mountain bike through the Waiuku Forest and Awhitu Regional Park
  • Climb to the top of the Manukau Heads Lighthouse
To be continued...

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