It would be my very great pleasure to help you plan a holiday to any of the places I have been to.
Lesley Masters
THE SLOW TRAVEL COMPANY NZ LIMITED
PO BOX 65-037
MAIRANGI BAY,
NORTH SHORE CITY, 0630
NEW ZEALAND
Ph/Fax +64 9 479 4408
M +64 278 595 235
My Guide to Auckland
"A leisurely traveller’s guide to enjoying Auckland" - Lesley Masters
There is so much to do in and around Auckland. You will need much more than a week to do and see everything, but you can keep in your mind that as a "Slow Traveller" you will know that you can always come back. Don’t be put off by long haul flights because it will be well worth the effort.
Auckland is a harbour city and wherever you go you are never far from a beautiful sandy beach. The Hauraki Gulf (home to the America’s cup) with its many bays, harbours and some 50 islands, represents about 13% of New Zealand’s coastline.
It is an area with rich geological history, with 48 smallish, basaltic volcanoes shaping much of Auckland’s topography. Pupuke is the oldest and you would be hard pressed to know it was a volcano. Its crater has long ago been filled with water and all you will see now is a beautiful lake surrounded by stylish homes. The youngest is Rangitoto and the only one to erupt from the sea. For me and many others this island is the icon of Auckland, you can see it from my bedroom, all the North Shore beaches and from high points all over the city.
Auckland does have another much newer icon. This one is man-made. The Sky Tower too can also be seen from all over the city and from it you get an amazing perspective of Auckland and the gulf.
I have taken the following from the official website for Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city.
"Wherever you stay in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.
Auckland's waterside location has fostered the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails".
Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Two of the best island getaways are Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island.
Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences.
Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. Discover for yourself why it is one of New Zealand's best destinations".
For me Auckland is a place of dramatic skies, shimmering sea, gently lapping tides, soft sand, pohutukawa trees, gulf islands and beautiful walks. It has an eclectic mix of peoples and cultures, building styles, shops, cafes and restaurants. There is a richness of art, craft and things Kiwi-made. It is a beautiful place to take time and enjoy.
The official Auckland Website also lists 50 Must-do’s in Auckland. But you need to add another,
Take a Slow Travel Company NZ tour and really enjoy some of what this beautiful city has to offer.
The Slow Travel Company NZ – Creating Wonderful Moments !
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