What a great city Auckland is! Auckland has many fun cultural and sporting activities. The following is a single days itinerary of some of my favourite things… before you head out pack some sun cream, a bathing costume, camera and a map.
You would they could start with a cycle or walk to the French market is at the bottom of Parnell called La Cigali. Head straight to the coffee counter and order a coffee then select a pastry from one of the many stalls that sell fresh pastries and other baking. Relax at a shared table, pick up a bottle of French wine and buy fresh produce.
A short walk from the French market is the Rose Gardens. Ideally visited in November and December the Rose Gardens are situated above Judges Bay with an expansive view over the Auckland container wharf and the Waitemata harbour.
Very close by is the Parnell Baths, a popular summer outdoor pool with separate pools children, a salt water spa for adults and a large and long lap swimming pool. If getting wet isn’t your thing then chaise longe are available on the deck.
Bike hire is nearby. You may consider hiring a bike and cycling along Tamaki Drive to the popular Mission Bay, Kohimarma or St Heliers. These Bays are well serviced by buses. Each Bay has its own collection of cafes, bars and ice cream stores. High tide is preferred for swimming at these beaches.
A short walk from St Heliers Bay is Achilles Point, worth the walk east of the Bay for commanding views north and east over the habour. If you are in Mission Bay you might like to stop at De Fontein, a Belgian beer bar and order a pot of green lipped muscles.
Alternately, you could head from Parnell baths up St Stephen’s Ave to the Domain, home of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Winter Gardens. The museum is an impressive structure that looks north across the Waitemata harbour. It is home to many important Maori artifacts, natural history displays and on the top level, war memorabilia and the Hall of Remembrance.
The Winter Gardens are an ideal location for a picnic. They are comprised of a cool and a tropical glasshouse on either side of a courtyard. The four classical statues in the courtyard are allegories of Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Lotus flower in the central goldfish pond. A Fernery is to the south of the courtyard. There is also a remnant Maori Pa outside and above the Fernery.
By now you’re feet might be a little tired and you may have to skip shopping at the popular Newmarket retail precinct a short walk south from the museum itself – or not.
If a drink is your preferred way to end the day, you could try the Mac’s Brew bar in the old Steamship Company building on Quay Street opposite Princess wharf. The Viaduct Basin is also home to many bars and restaurants. Or stop by the upstairs bar at De Brett’s hotel in Shortland Street for cold glass of Moet.
It’s a huge city Auckland and many great days itinerary is could be written. Hope you enjoy this one.