The Olympic Pool
by keeweechic
The Olympic pool is in a art deco style building in Newmarket. The pool was completed in 1939 and it was, in the past, the best swimming pool in Auckland and the British Empire games swimming events held in 1950. There is a main 50m (164ft) pool, a smaller pool, fitness centre, sauna and spa
North Head
by keeweechic
North Head is a small headland at the mouth of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Because of its location with commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour, it became an important lookout and defence site for centuries. Initially for the early Maori inhabitants and later for European settlers.
North Head was one of many defence forts that were set up in the late 1800s to defend Auckland from a threat of Russian attack. The fort was later became part of Auckland's coastal defence control during World Wars I and II. There are complex tunnels, guns, searchlights and other fortifications which make this an interesting area to explore. It is now a historic reserve managed by the Department of Conservation.
Location : Devonport, Northshore..(Follow King Edward Parade along the waterfront and you will see signs to North Head.)
Busorama!
by fpb72
This place runs on buses!!!! I kid you not.... But in the best possible way - airport to city, two tourist buses (one round the CBD and one running around the inner suburbs/tourist trails!) And too many to mention running everywhere else.......
The best way to find your way round is to visit one of the ISITE kiosks (One is located at Sky City/Tower) load yourself up with maps & timetables & daily tickets and go for it!
Have a VT Nightcap!
by ATXtraveler about Mercure Hotel's Top Floor Bar
After piling into a crowded elevator with 10 of your closest new VT friends, a little bit of a thirst builds up. That thirst can be quenched at the top of the Mercure hotel, where the coffee is slow and bad, but the friendship is just right.
I know it may have been overwhelming for the bartender... actually seeing customers walk into his bar. He clearly was not prepared to serve us, as the coffee came out slow and cold. As a newly appointed member to the Melbourne Coffee Snob Society, I almost wanted to cry when my latte tasted that bad... but hey, we were there for conversation!
Afterward, the guy also had trouble adding up the bill, so I would definitely recommend paying cash each drink unless they replace him.
exploring Auckland from a Maori perspective
by sunshine27
When I’ve been to Auckland I booked a one day trip with a tour operator that offers trips with a Maori perspective and I got to see the most beautiful places in and around the city. On our way from One Tree Hill to the Waitakere ranges and the beautiful West Coast beaches many of the Maori Pa sites were pointed out to us and we’ve been told stories about each one of them. Now I’ve got a real idea of New Zealand’s background and contemporary Maori Culture, which I think is very important when travelling this country.