The big smoke...
Written: Nov 02 '01 (Updated Jan 22 '03)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: views, views, views
Cons: it rains alot...or whenever I'm visiting anyway.
The Bottom Line: New Zealands biggest city is a great place to spend a few days.
|
|
|
| hollynz's Full Review: Auckland |
Most travellers to NZ arrive or depart from Auckland. It is the biggest city in NZ and, if visiting, you definitely need some form of transport as Auckland is very spread out. The city sprawls amongst the humps and hollows of over 50 extinct and dormant volcano cones giving it a very distinctive landscape.
Some of the best viewing sites are on top of these ‘cones’. The most well known... thanks to U2... would be One Tree Hill. This is one of the most prominent on the Auckland skyline and at the moment is ‘ no tree hill’ as a Maori protester attacked the old pine tree so badly that it had to be felled. In pre-European times most of these cones had Maori villages or forts (known as Pa ) as they were perfect vantage points to keep an eye out for enemy attack. There is talk of planting another tree in its place in the near future. The Memorial obelisk standing on the cone looks even more prominent without it’s accompanying tree.
Another impressive sight is Rangitoto Island which sits majestically in the bay. The Island is a result of a volcanic eruption 600 years ago when the cone emerged from the sea. Today it is one of Aucklands most beautiful icons. You can get there via ferry from the city; it costs $18 (US$ 7.50)or you can have the guided Safari option for $59 (US $24.50).Today the island is covered in native forest and with a 900 metre boardwalk to the summit, is very popular with visitors. The summit is 259 metres and you get great panoramic 360 degree views of the harbour, city and surrounding islands.
If you are after the all time best view you can't beat the Sky Tower. This is the tallest structure in New Zealand and at 328 metres (over 1,000 ft) is taller then the Eiffel Tower in Paris.It costs $14 (US$5) entry to the tower,the elevator ride up is 40 seconds and if you don't like heights keep your eyes closed.At about the halfway point the elevator goes through glass panels and the views open up. I didn't look on the way up but coming down I was brave enough to open my eyes and enjoy the view. Once at the top the views are spectacular. The 360 glass panels allow you to see every direction and a section of the walkway is clear glass so you can see through the floor to the street below. From December, 2001, you will be able to 'Sky jump' from the tower... if you are BRAVE enough. This will be a bungee jump from the tower but with a full body harness rather then just the 'feet' harness. A.J. Hackett did a bungee jump from the tower a few years ago but never did I imagine they would open a jump to the public. It will be a great sight to see the jumpers but there is NO WAY you would see me do it!
Since the America’s cup came to Auckland the waterfront has undergone a huge transformation. No longer is it just a hustling, bustling port, today it is one of the liveliest areas in the C.B.D. The Viaduct Basin is full of restaurants, cafes and clubs, luxury apartments and hotels. The Americas Cup syndicates Prada and Team New Zealand are permanently based here as well.It will be the place to be next summer when racing resumes once more.You will find the main Visitors Centre here as well as the Maritime Museum so it's a great place to spend an afternoon.
There is tons more to do here, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarltons Underwater World, Waiheke Island, Bridge climbs and markets and shopping, harbour cruises, islands to explore ...the list goes on forever.
========================
More reviews.
New Zealand - http://www.epinions.com/content_53045333636
Hauraki Gulf - http://www.epinions.com/content_45627903620
Copthone Hotel, Anzac Avenue -http://www.epinions.com/content_49135259268
The Gateway Airport Hotel - http://www.epinions.com/content_58334547588
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
hollynz
|
 in Hotels & Travel |
 - Top 1000 |
|
Member: Christine
Location: New Zealand
Reviews written: 144
Trusted by: 191 members
About Me:
~ In memory of Barbara ~
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.