5 Ways to Experience Auckland
Here’s how you can
enjoy the pretty Polynesian city: from climbing volcanoes to zipping through it
on a Harley
BITE BY BITE
Auckland has some of the finest restaurants and cafes
that serve seasonal produce, follow the farm-to-table concept and has various
innovations to its claim. From the outside, Giapo looks like an ordinary ice
cream parlour except for the long queue at its door. The outlet has its own
R&D kitchen where the Italian couple Gianpaolo and Annarosa Grazioli have
been inventing quirky ice creams such as the large squid ice cream and pani
puri ice cream — the little puris are filled with scoops of different flavours
of ice cream. It also has the Indian roti ice cream wrap as well as ice cream stuffed
in Maori bread. Walk along Auckland’s vibrant waterfront and there are many
restaurants dishing out specialities. One such is Soul Bar and Bistro — winner
of the New Zealand Good Food Awards in 2016.
CLIMB THE VOLCANO
Auckland is home to more than 50 volcanoes, the
oldest of which are said to have erupted some 150,000 years ago. The indigenous
Maoris, who have their own legends about the volcanoes, had built forts and
occupied these sites. When the Europeans arrived, they quarried the volcanic
basalt. Today most volcanic cones have been converted into parks. Rangitoto is
the youngest of the volcanoes — 600 years old — and can be reached by kayaking
from the mainland. Explore the island to learn about its flora and geology and
reach the summit to watch a spectacular sunset.
MURIWAI GANNET COLONY
The Australasian gannets are seabirds that mate for
life and lay one egg every year and live in colonies. They have yellow heads,
black-tipped white wings and sharp, serrated beaks. These are found at Muriwai,
an hour’s drive from Auckland, between August and March, their nesting period.
After that, they migrate to Australia. They will return later to mate with
their partners. When seen in a colony these territorial birds look like a
painting that has come to life. Don’t miss this experience when in the city.
RIDE THE HARLEY
While Auckland has lots to offer to its visitors —
rainforests, marine parks, beaches and waterfront restaurants — it is best
enjoyed on a beast, the Harley-Davidson. With the wind in your hair and the sun
on your face, you can explore the region either by riding a bike on rent or by
going pillion on a chauffeur-driven bike. One can also go on tour for a couple
of weeks — self-driven or fully guided tours. For more details visit
http://www.bularangi.com/motorcycle-tours and http://www.motorbikesnz.co.nz
SKYWALK
It’s not enough to enjoy Auckland by road. How about
going up and taking in a 360-degree view of the city? Head to the highest
building in New Zealand, the Sky Tower, and walk 192 m above the city on a
narrow walkway. If you don’t fear heights, this is the place to be. Enjoy a
bird’seye view of the city with the harbour and the hills nearby and the
islands at a distance. If you want more adventure, you can bungee jump from the
Sky Tower, hurtling down at a speed of 85 km an hour. Visit
http://skywalk.co.nz/ for more details.
WHALE & DOLPHIN SAFARI
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has more than 50
sheltered emerald islands and is New Zealand’s first sea national park. Easily
accessible from Auckland, one can spot abundant marine life, especially Bryde’s
whales, in its six reserves. Orca, blue whales and humpbacks dominate the
region and you are sure to spot them on a whale-and-dolphin safari. You can
head to the waters in a chartered boat or a hired boat. The place can be
explored on a kayak as well. One can also see great white sharks, giant manta
rays and whale sharks. The marine park is home to 250 different varieties of
seabirds too.
ETM 22JUL18
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