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Attractions
© Rob Suisted
The vibrant Viaduct Harbour and Marina is located on the edge of the central business district, approx 10 minutes walk from Queen Street. With over 20 restaurants and bars it is a great place to check out the boats, sample New Zealand cuisine, relax and socialise on the waterfront. Charter boats and the Ferry service to Davenport and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf depart from here.
Charter boats available include classic launch or sailing yachts, an Americas Cup yacht or you can charter your own yacht if you have sailing skills or hire a kayak.
Tours include Dolphins tours and sight seeing.
The Viaduct Basin is also home to the National Maritime Museum.
DAY TRIPS ON THE HAURAKI GULF
The Hauraki Gulf is the marine gateway to Auckland City and is dotted with volcanic islands which make great day trip destinations. This Marine Park is also home to many dolphins and orcas.
Visist one or more of the following islands on a charter boat trip from the Viaduct Harbour.
Rangitoto Island An ideal swimming, fishing, walking and bird watching location with great views of Auckland City and the surrounding islands from the summit. Terrain varies from native bush, volcanic landscape with lava crops to sandy beaches.
Explore on foot or take a guided tour.
Waiheke Island 35 minutes by ferry, Waiheke Island is a landscape of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Approx. 8000 residents live on the Island and there are facilities and services in the main town of Oneroa and vineyards, restaurants and cafes spotted throughout. Inhabitants include many talented local art and craft trades people
Rent a car from the ferry landing and explore the whole Island in a day or take a day tour.
Kawau Island is home to the Historic Mansion House and historic gardens. Once you have toured this beautiful home you can relax on the beach, swim, picnic or walk one of the many trails on the island.
Tiritiri Matangi This island is a Wildlife Sanctuary and home to many endangered birds including the Takahe. Managed by the Department of Conservation there have been extensive native plantings to ensure regeneration of bush and forest to support the 11 native bird species.
Great Barrier Island
This island has natural hot water springs to bathe in and historic kauri dams to explore, dating back to the days of Kauri tree logging.
AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE
This bridge links the central city to the seaside suburbs of the North Shore and provides access to the northern motorway route.
You can take a tour and climb over the bridge or do a bungy jump off the side.
Drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the North Shore suburbs for local beaches, shopping, restaurants and cafes.
SKY TOWER
Visit the Sky Tower the highest tower in the Southern hemisphere at 328 metres. It is open 7 days and the excellent views stretching for miles.
Do the Vertigo Climb (climb the mast of the tower) or the Sky Jump (a 192 metre cable controlled base jump)
SHOPPING
Shopping is at its best in the trendy Parnell, Posonby and Newmarket locations, for high fashion, art, restaurants, bars and cafes, or the main Queen Street.
For a truly cultural shopping experience visit the Otara Market a large Maori and Polynesian market in the Auckland suburb of Otara, offerings include produce, art and craft.