Aloe Tree Backpacker

Auckland Central

17 St. Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland Central, New Zealand

 

More about Auckland

Photos

SkycitySkycity

my beautiful daughter Rachelmy beautiful daughter Rachel

Behind the Railway Station (before Britomart)Behind the Railway Station (before Britomart)

view over Auckland Gulfview over Auckland Gulf

Forum Posts

Snorkeling

by TXWildflower

Hi lovely Kiwis!
Just wanted to know about a good place to do some snorkeling in NZ. I'll be all over the place so distance doesn't matter. Looking for warm clear water preferably off the beach with lots of fishys.
Thanks so much,
Terezina

Re: Snorkeling

by vtveen

There will be more places (don't snorkel by myself), but still can recommend one: Goat Island Marine Reserve (at least with a lot of fish)
It is located more or less close to Warkworth, noth of Auckland.
See for more info my tip:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/vt/tfr/1/c63/4/106c5d/

happy travels
Jaap

Re: Snorkeling

by allikat

Goat Island is indeed a great spot, very safe and clear water and lots of sea life to see.

Another great spot is the marine reserve areas around the beaches between Hahei and Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel, such as Gemstone Bay.

Be aware though of safety, as some innocent looking beaches can have some very strong rips - check for signs and local info on whether beaches are considered safe. As to warm water, the water is warming up nicely already around the Auckland region beaches - I've already had my first swim of the summer and it was glorious - Anchor Bay, not too far from Goat Island, and a bit of snorkelling to be had there. When are you planning to visit?

Re: Snorkeling

by TXWildflower

Goat Island sounds like a great place. Thanks so much for the info. I plan to be there towards the end on Jan. Very exited!

Re: Snorkeling

by allikat

Oh, then you'll find the water OK. Let us know if you need anymore info.

Travel Tips for Auckland

Point Erin Lido Pools

by keeweechic

These pools were known as Pt Erin Baths when I was younger and they have certainly survived many many years. These are outdoor pool filled with seawater with the usual diving boards etc and a picnic area.

Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens

by keeweechic

The gardens opened in 1982 and are set on 65 hectares. They have become Auckland’s premier horticultural showcase. There are a number of self-guided tours which come with information signs which fully explain the plantings. There is a full selection of NZ native plants and trees as well as camellias and roses. Admission is free and the gardens are just off the Manurewa exit off the Southern motorway.

Open Hours: Gardens: 9am-dusk daily; Kiosk and cafe: 9.30am-3.30pm daily; Library: 11am-3pm Mon, Wed, Sat

public transport

by IonaT

I've been living in Auckland for 7 months now and this is a general piece of advice about public transport. Be warned-it's not good!!! I wished I'd known this before I came here!!

The bus services are simply awful!!! I'm a shift worker (i.e. a nurse) and having to rely on the public transport has been an utter nightmare. Buses frequently dont turn up, drivers have driven past me even when I've clearly indicated for them to stop and the complaints procedure for Stagecoach (the main bus operator in Auckland) is hopeless.

You can get buses to all of the major tourist attractions quite easily but again, due to the heavy traffic in Auckland, it can sometimes take ages to travel anywhere.

Basicallly, the city needs to get it's act together. As the public transport is so poor,there's no motivation for Aucklanders to ditch their cars thus the traffic congestion is going to remain a serious issue. It's a shame because this has been one of the main reasons I would never choose to permanently live in Auckland.

Another good Dim Sum place

by Robdaz about Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant.

This place is not convenient to visit if you are staying in the city as it is located in the North Shore, 20mins drive from downtown.

Open 7 days.
Lunch : 11:30am to 02:30 pm.
Dinner: 06:00pm to 10:00 pm. Dim Sum again of course.

take a Yacht-trip to the Hauraki-Gulf !

by WStat

The trips take between 2 and 3 hours and are certainly the adventure of a lifetime !
The sailing experience starts in the Viaduct Harbor where a short safety briefing takes place by the crew. The yacht then heads out of the America's Cup Village past the syndicates and Super yachts,the sails are hoisted and passengers become the crew, encouraged to take the helm or simply sit back and enjoy the action as the yacht crosses the beautiful Auckland Harbor heading towards Hauraki Gulf.

Latest Auckland hotel reviews

Auckland Central Backpackers
171 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2013
Stamford Plaza Auckland
442 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2013
Kingsgate Hotel Parnell
128 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013
Poenamo Village Hotel Auckland
31 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 11, 2013
Comfort Inn Alpers Lodge Auckland
12 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 9, 2013
Copthorne Harbour City
362 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2013
Quest on Eden Hotel Auckland
48 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 8, 2013
Mercure Hotel Auckland
753 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 22, 2013
Empire Apartments
26 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 26, 2013
Mollies Boutique Hotel Auckland
65 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 4, 2013
Auckland City Hotel-Hobson St
260 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 7, 2013
Celestion Waldorf Apartments Hotel Auckland
408 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland Airport
126 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2013