Great Weekend Destinations: Auckland

We are moving on from the mighty Waikato to our largest city Auckland. The city offers many activities, locations and adventures and is a great weekend destination.

"Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. It’s where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication."

I personally only know Auckland as a destination for work and business and have thoroughly enjoyed changing my mindset and exploring all the city has to offer to someone travelling in a RV. Enjoy the read and please feel free to send me some secret local tips if you happen to live in or near Auckland and have explored the area with your motorhome or caravan.

"World-class shopping and phenomenal dining are never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches. Go skydiving or whale watching, hike an ancient volcanic cone, taste local award-winning wine, or stargaze from the International Dark Sky Sanctuary of remote Great Barrier Island."

"You’ll find the best of both worlds in Auckland, with beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all so close to the city centre. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park west of the city centre has more than 250 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks through lush native rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and along a magnificent coastline. Walk through the region’s largest native forest in the Hunua Ranges or explore the striking landscapes of some of Auckland’s 26 regional parks, such as Duder, Shakespear, Tapapakanga or Āwhitu.

​You’re never far from the sea in Auckland. Bring your board to one of the black-sand surf beaches on the wild west coast – Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells), Muriwai and more. Head north to the expansive golden sands and clear waters of Tāwharanui and Pakiri. Closer to the city centre, and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Auckland, visit Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard, and refuel with some fresh fish and chips by the seaside."

https://www.newzealand.com/int/auckland/

Auckland's Westcoast Beaches

"Auckland's wild west is renowned for its rugged beauty; this is where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches.

The west is wild. Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells) and Muriwai beaches all have a remote, untamed beauty that's good for the soul. Although you’ll feel a world away, many of these beautiful beaches are less than an hour's drive from the city centre, making them ideal day trip destinations."

Click on the link below to read the full article...

www.newzealand.com/int/feature/aucklands-west-coast-beaches/

Hauraki Gulf and Islands

"With over a million hectares of sparkling blue waters dotted with emerald islands, the Hauraki Gulf offers countless water activities and island adventures.

And with countless water activities and island adventures so close at hand, it’s no wonder Lonely Planet named Auckland harbour and the Hauraki Gulf the best experience in New Zealand..."

Click on the link below to read the full article...

​www.newzealand.com/int/feature/hauraki-gulf-and-islands/

Top Food Experience in Auckland and Waiheke Island

"Known as 'the city of sails', Auckland is home to waterfront restaurants, award-winning menus and bustling food hubs.

Check out some of the best restaurants, markets and eateries in Auckland and Waiheke Island.

The fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland. Book a table at Huami for authentic Chinese dim sum, live crayfish and dumplings. Jam-packed of umami flavours, the Japanese inspired menus at MASU are cooked on an open charcoal grill. Take the lift to the top of the Skytower to The Sugar Club for three elegantly prepared courses or tasting menu..."

Click on the link below to read the full article...

www.newzealand.com/int/feature/food-experiences-in-auckland-and-waiheke-island/

Suggestions on where to stay:

A Kiwi Farmstay

Just north of Auckland city is A Kiwi Farmstay, where you’ll experience traditional Kiwi farm life. Chatter around the campfire at night, feed baby goats and lambs, sheer a sheep or enjoy a horse ride. It’s the perfect destination for a lovely getaway with the family.

Whangateau Holiday Park

Whangateau Holiday Park, situated on the water’s edge on Whangateau Harbour, is a peaceful and award-winning campground. With several waterfront powered sites available, along with fishing and safe swimming nearby along the pristine Matakana and Kowhal Coast, this is one destination you must visit.

Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park

Located about an hour from Auckland’s CBD is the Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park. It offers affordable accommodation, including powered and non-powered sites, and is close to many regional parks and the Hunua Ranges. From here you can also access the Hot Springs and many water activities, such as kayaking.

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park

Park your wheels within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which covers more than 16,000 hectares of native forest, waterfalls, cliffs and beautiful coastline. Stay at a basic campsite in the enchanting Pararaha Valley, which isn’t far from Blacksand Beach. Bookings must be made through Auckland Council.

Remuera Motor Lodge and Campground

This inner city camping ground offers affordable powered sites just minutes from Auckland’s city centre. Here, you’ll find a quiet, park-like setting with a swimming pool and many nearby attractions, such as spas, golf courses and beaches.

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