Sign in with Facebook
Japanese Zero
That's Rabbit...enjoy!!!!!
Parnell
On ANZAC Day people wear such poppies.
Is it worth visiting both museums?, or should I just pick one and do something else?. Any thoughts?. TIA
If you are limited with time and money I would do Auckland, although both are well worth a visit. The Te Papa Museum in Wellington is excellent if you get down that far on the North Island.
Despite the fuzz about all the interactive stuff at Te Papa in Wellington I consider Auckland Museum the best in New Zealand regarding Maori history and culture, and NZ's engagement in the World Wars.
As entrance to museums is free and if you have time, you can also visit the one in Rotorua, and if it is only for a short glance. These smaller museums often give a great insight into local aspects of history and culture, and as Rotorua is a hub of Maori culture and settlement you should not be disappointed.
To be honest, I have not visited this one myself because in Rotorua you can learn so much about history and culture on site that I did not feel the need to go to the museum. I would rather go to a Maori cultural show (Tamaki Village) - if you have not attended one at AKL Museum before (a lot cheaper and not much worse).
I went to the Rotorua museum and wasn't very impressed, it is pretty small and there probrably insnt anything there that you couldnt learn if you read guide books or took a tour. but the building is pretty and worth a walk around the area.
Auckland's Skytower is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the city. Auckland is a city that is based on its interaction with the water, and from the skytower, you can see just how busy of a port this is. From the casual sailor to the cruise ship, to the freighter, this port is on the go 24/7.
I would definitely recommend heading up to the top observation deck and enjoy a view of this port city!
Take the ferry and spend the day here! It's a short ferry ride (half an hour or so) and once there, the views are stunning. it's a very laid back place to hang out - it's on Waiheke time! few cars, and a cluster of shops and restaurants in one main area with the rest of the island either residences, or, "bachs" which are vacation residences.
A good place to have lunch and wine is Vino Vino, which looks right over the water....
The Vic Park market has been around for many years and has a large collection of cheap stuff to have a browse through. As with most market type places the items are often knock offs or cheaper versions plus a couple of jewellery type places selling their own kit.
On the corner is the Nike Platinum store with lots of Nike gear if that's your thing. All sorts of crap from necklaces to tee shirts. Spend as little as possible - better as a place to have a browse rather than a serious spend!!
CITY CIRCUIT FREE BUS
This is a GREAT service that uses an environmentally friendly Electric bus to run a continuous 10 minute service around the central city.
8am - 6pm, 7 days.
This is an excellent service as walking up Queen Street can be a chore, especially if you have armsful of shopping, LOL.
It runs: Britomart > Queen St (Vulcan Lane) > Queen St (Whitcoulls) > University > AUT > Civic theatre (Queen St) > Skytower > Queen St City Life Hotel > Queen St (BNZ Tower) and then back to Britomart.
I found the drivers to be exceptionally friendly and efficient. Maybe that was because they weren't taking money and the passengers were more friendly :-)
This small coffee and tea house is tucked away at the end of the Queens Shopping Arcade. A wonderful place for a quiet break from shopping and the rush of the city, this little shop offers speciality loose teas, coffees, and pastries and light snacks. Sit inside or at the tables just outside the shop within the enclosed arcade area. I visited a number of times while I was in Auckland, because it was the perfect way to relax after a busy day before heading back to the hostel for the evening.
Coming from a nation that drinks mainly bagged tea, a visit to a *real* teahouse is something for me to savour and enjoy. I love the fact that not only did I get a pot of tea using proper loose tea leaves, but I also received other important details like a small pitcher of milk, pots of white and brown sugar, a little resting plate for my strainer and tea leaves, and extra pot of hot water. The staff are professional but friendly, and know their teas. Be sure to try a pot of the Rose Earl Grey - it's divine!!!
Latest Auckland hotel reviews
Sponsored Links
Comments