Auckland

Auckland, located in South Pacific at 37 degrees south, is the biggest city in North Island, New Zealanda and is also known as the City of Sails. Meanwhile, Auckland is the hub of South Pacific and the main site of traveler entry and exit. The 2015 World’s Most Livable Cities ranked Auckland as the third among other countries in the world, which was also the third consecutive time that Auckland ranked as the third most livable city around the world.

Main Attractions:

1. Queen Elizabeth Square

Queen Elizabeth Square is situated at the end of Queen Street. Equipped with central post office, downtown composite and the building of Air New Zealand, the square is also the favorite dining venue of office staff. Soapbox orators and protesters will gather in the square, who can convey to their heart’s content their sadness and grudge against the arrival of nuclear-armed submarines or the shortage of budgets in kindergartens. Colorful carts sell kiwi fruit, feijoas, tamarillos, pepino, kumara and other fresh New Zealand agricultural products. Danish ice cream parlors also tempt people who have a sweet tooth.

2. Old Customs House

Old Customs House is situated next to the downtown complex and at the corner of Customs and Albert Street. For more than 80 years, the House has been the financial center of Auckland. Featured with Renaissance architectural styles in France, the House, founded in 1889, is also one of the last Victorian-style memorials that are maintained in the central commercial district. The House, open to travelers seven days a week, has installed cinema, craft shops, restaurants, inns, cafes and stores that sell books and wood and wool products.

3. Auckland Harbour Bridge

Auckland Harbour Bridge, as a typical scenic spot in Auckland, connects the north and south banks of the busiest port in Auckland, Waitemata Harbour. With an overall length of 1,020 meters and 43 meters above sea level, the Bridge was constructed in 1959. However, with the rapid economic development and population growth, the originally designed overload quantity of the bridge cannot meet the requirements. Thus a Japanese expert was employed in 1969 to widen the sides, and the original four-lane road was increased to a six-lane road, which increased the overload quantity by one time. Currently the vehicular traffic of the bridge in rush hours can amount to over 115,000. The later increased two lanes are regarded as Japanese-added lanes. Besides, the Harbour has the most throughput of goods in New Zealand. It is said that there are over ten sailboats (yachts) in all ports in Auckland, which means that every eight people in Auckland have one sailboat or yacht in average. The annual rent of every sailboat or yacht reaches 10 to 20 thousand New Zealand Dollars, with maintenance costs and taxes excluded. It can not only prove that people in Auckland have a passion for boats (yachts) but also demonstrate the people’s wealthiness. The Bridge and thousands of masts installed in the harbour create a magnificent view.

4. One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill, located in Cornwall Park at the south of Auckland, covers an area of 120 hectares and is 183 meters high. The scenic spot is known for the sole pine tree erected at the top of mountain. Green grasslands and flocks of sheep at the bottom of mountain make the spot a perfect place to enjoy the countryside scenery of Auckland. The Hill once was inhabited by the Maori in the ancient time, so it is easy to find massive ruins of Maori cities and blockhouses built by the Maori. The monument of John Logan Campbell, the founder of Auckland (the Father of Auckland) is erected at the top of mountain. Allegedly, there used to be many trees planted on One Tree Hill, but since the locals detested the Europeans who took their land, and gave vent to their anger in the mountain by cutting off the trees in the dark of night. Though the local government tried to strengthen the protection for the trees, they cannot stop the locals who united like a fortress from chopping all but one of the trees. The left tree at the top of mountain was not left consciously. Rather, the locals, trying every method, failed to kill the tree, which might have been written in the Book, so the locals gave up. Therefore, One Tree Hill is unique in the world in terms of its name, appearance, or origin.

5. Auckland Ferry Building

Auckland Ferry Building is a landmark building in Auckland. Founded in 1912, the Building, going through decoration, was officially unveiled and reused in 1988. The building was the former British Customs Bureau. Built of sand stones, the building is stable and solid. Meanwhile, the steel bard outside the building and kerosene lamps inside the building both bring out a classical flavor, alike unique artworks that are worth appreciating.

6. Sky Tower

Founded in 1996, Sky Tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. With a height of 328 meters, the Tower is furnished with multiple floors of observation towers which provide high powered binoculars for travelers to enjoy an overall view of Auckland. In addition, multilingual broadcasting service, interactive high-tech equipment and audio-visual exhibitions are also provided. When looking down from the tall Tower, travelers can also understand more about Auckland and enjoy themselves. Auckland have various scenic spots that are suitable for people of all ages. When you plan an independent travel to Auckland, you can take your family with you to enjoy the unique charm of Auckland.

Reach Sky Tower to enjoy the splendid view in downtown and nearby. Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere, higher than Eiffel Tower in France and AMP Tower in Sydney, so travelers can get overwhelmed by the 360-degree view.

7. Auckland Domain

Auckland Domain is located in the downtown area and at the left land of Queen Street. Covering an area of 800 hectares, Auckland Domain, a massive grassland, is the heart of Auckland and the best place where citizens in Auckland can rest and relax in holidays. Travelers can enjoy peach and sunshine here, with birdsong lingering around ears. We can say that it is a life that is most desired by busy city dwellers.

8. Kelly Tarlton, Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter

Go through the novel underwater tunnel to observe marine organisms, including devil rays and sharks, and rare and interesting Antarctic penguins, and to explore the seemingly true yet virtual Antarctic world.

9. Mount Eden

The well-known Mount Eden, five kilometers southward to the center of Auckland, is the symbol of Auckland, a city that is located in volcanic areas. Volcanoes are scattered everywhere, as it were. As long as you stand on a high place, you can see volcanic cones blanked by dense forests. Of all the volcanic cones, Mount Eden is the most typical. Its peak reaches up to 196 meters. Three craters, oval shaped, are in a row. An observation tower was constructed at the top of mountain which enables travelers to overlook the surrounding views, including the cow herds at the bottom of mountain and the modern metropolis. Rural scenery and urban views are subtly integrated here. Many people are curious to explore Mount Eden which was naturally formed in the past 140,000 years. There are also relics of the Maori who ever lived here, beautiful terraces, cellars used for storing food and remains of houses. The Maori called the place as Maungawhau meaning a mountain with tall arbors.