Takapuna Beach
by worldkiwi
Auckland has lots of nice beaches, and this is one of the more picturesque. Takapuna used to be the main commercial area of the North Shore, but now it has become a trendy and very nice looking place to live or shop. In this summertime view of the beach, the tide is in and the scene looks more like a lake shore than a beach!
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
by aramat
This short biography of Michael Joseph Savage from nationmaster.com gives a good overview of his role in New Zealand's history.
"Michael Joseph Savage (1872-1940) was a New Zealand politician and the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand.
He was born in Australia, but emigrated to New Zealand in 1907. He worked in a variety of jobs before becoming involved in the union movement.
During World War I he opposed conscription, arguing that the conscription of wealth should precede the conscription of men. After the war he was elected to Parliament as a Labour candidate. He was one of eight Labour members of parliament and became the party leader following the death of Harry Holland.
During the depression, Savage toured the country, and became an iconic figure. An excellent speaker, Savage became the most visible politician in the country and led Labour to victory in the 1935 election. The first Labour government swiftly proved popular and easily won the 1938 elections with an increased majority. Savage was suffering from cancer at the time, but had delayed seeking treatment to participate in the election campaign. Savage was to die from this cancer in 1940.
A life long bachelor, Savage brought an almost religious fervour to his politics. This, and his death while in office, has made him become something of an iconic figure to the Left. The architect of the welfare state, his picture was reportedly found in many Labour supporters' homes. While younger generations are less aware of him, he is still revered by many older New Zealanders."
Hunters Corner Plaza
by keeweechic
Hunters Corner Plaza is just a smallish shopping mall in old Papatoetoe. There is a Kmart, reasonably priced clothing stores, usual small food outlets and kiosks and other assorted stores. There is parking underneath as well with a ramp provided at the outer end for wheelchairs etc.
Stagecoach buses leave from the downtown city centre and travel to Hunters Corner.
Getting around for the budget traveller.
by worldkiwi
Auckland's public transport system is pretty dismal compared with other cities of its size around the world. Buses are the main form of public transport, but the network and frequency leaves a lot to be desired. However, if you are wanting to see Auckland's sights, it should suffice. Stagecoach is the main bus company in the city and serves the wider metropolitan area. The best bet if you are travelling all day on Stagecoach around the greater metropolitan area is to buy an $NZ8 all day pass. It even entitles you to a crossing on the Auckland City Centre - Devonport ferry (great views from Mt Victoria in Devonport).
If you are wanting to travel quickly around the inner city area (say between Victoria Park Market and Parnell), then the Link bus follows a circular route that is extremely handy and cheap. Buses run every ten minutes from any stop on the route and are a fixed $NZ1.20 for however far you go on the route. This is a very good system. You have to look out for the silver Link buses, run by Stagecoach.
There is a train system, though it's nothing compared to other major cities and mostly useful for local commuters.
Ferries are a highlight and a neccesity if you want to visit some of the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. They're not cheap though.
Taxis are expensive, but readily available.
Use the number below to get info about buses if you're in the city.
Steak House
by fishandchips about Tonys Lord Nelson Restaurant
I have been coming to Tonys for 20 years or so on various business trips to Auckland. The steak here is of a good quality with a very big selection of different cuts plus a few other options for those who may not be so keen on the red meat.
The restaurant is over two levels with street access from Victoria St via a small door that doesn't look too inviting. Once inside though you are hit with an old steak place feel that, or better or worse, hasn't changed that much since 1983 when I came here first.
The wine list is okay with a reasonable selection of cheaper and more expensive wines. The Jim Barry Cab Sav is a good match with most of the steaks. Easily my favourite here is the Giant T Bone done medium rare. Always very juicy and tender. At $35 it is priced okay for Auckland when compared to other places offering a similar product.