Zealand is a new star on the tourist map of the world, which immediately lit up quite brightly. Tourists tired of their usual destinations rushed there in order to admire the unusual nature, to touch the cultural, national and architectural traditions. You can learn more about this country by going on an excursion and getting to know the sights of Auckland, one of the largest cities. All prices are in US dollars.
Auckland Harbor Bridge
The Auckland Harbor Bridge is one of the city's main attractions. It was built back in 1959 and is still of great importance in the life of the metropolis, connecting its central and northern parts. Considering this, it is not surprising that the traffic is always intense here. The steel structure, standing on stone columns, looks majestic and impressive, as if symbolizing the fact that the power of human thought can overcome any difficulties, even “deceive” the water element separating the shores. Traditionally, tourists are invited not only to look at the bridge from land, but also to swim under it on a ship during a boat trip.
The crossing looks especially impressive at night, when thousands of lights illuminate it. And in the afternoon, you can take great photos against the backdrop of New Zealand flags. The Auckland Bridge connects major areas of the city - St. Mary's Bay and Northcote. The street along which it passes is called Norten Motorway. On the same highway you can get to it, by one of the city buses. You can look at the bridge for free at any time, but, alas, you won't be able to walk along it - there is no pedestrian zone. If only take the bus. For extreme tourists, an unusual entertainment is offered - a bungee jump from a bridge. Such a flight will cost about $ 50.
Golden Mile
Among the measured parks and beach areas of Auckland, the Golden Mile stands out, where a vibrant life is in full swing around the clock. During the day, the offices deal with important economic and political issues, sometimes of the world level. And in shopping centers the usual bustle reigns - shoppers come here from all over the city. Numerous restaurants, bars, disco clubs, where famous DJs play their tracks, open their doors at night.
As a business district, the Golden Mile was developed quite a long time ago, back in 1840. The site was chosen for economic reasons - construction here was cheaper than on any other area. Today, not much reminds of the distant 19th century: the Auckland Ferry Building, which houses the Ferry Station, the Chief Post Office (it’s easy to guess that this is the main post office) and the Auckland Town Hall, which remains administrative to this day. The rest were replaced by skyscrapers made of glass and concrete, which are the symbol of New Auckland and attract lovers of modern urban landscapes.
The Golden Mile is located at Queen Street. You can get to it by one of the city buses, the nearest stop is Britomart. The visit, of course, is free at any time of the day or night. But how much is required for "pocket" expenses, walks to shops, cafes and restaurants - depends solely on your appetite.
Auckland Botanical Garden
Auckland Botanical Garden is often referred to as a flower garden. Indeed, in the number and variety of these plants, no other in the world can compare with it. A riot of colors, unique shades and shapes, refined elegance created by nature - all this invariably delights visitors. However, this is not all that deserves attention. Out of more than 2,500 thousand species of plants growing on the territory of the Botanical Garden, 80% are island indian. There are so many of them because New Zealand has been isolated from the rest of the world for a long time.
The amount of exotic fruits, edible herbs and even flowers is amazing. In the on-site cafe, Miko, you can taste the dishes prepared from them. And the library staff will be happy to select books for visitors, which will contain answers to all their questions. You can get there by bus from the Britomart Transport Center. The nearest stop is Southmall, from which you have to walk a little along Hill Road. The garden doors are open from 8-00 to 20-00 (in winter, from March to October - until 18-00). The visit is free. Every weekday at 13-00, the staff organizes excursions for everyone, also free (group gathering at the Visitor Center).
Mount Eden
Mount Eden is located in central Auckland. Today it is the highest volcano in the city. True, it erupted a long time ago - about 28 thousand years ago. This place attracts tourists first of all by the fact that beautiful panoramic views open from the top - it is difficult even to imagine the best observation deck. Eden slopes have been used by local people since ancient times. Once upon a time, orchards grew here, in the 19th century the plots were “dismantled” for private construction. This is how the area was decorated with luxurious villas. Over time, some of them were turned into museums, while others remained residential buildings. Today this quarter is considered a “haven” for the creative intelligentsia.
In addition to luxurious mansions, a castle-like prison and one of the largest and most modern sports stadiums in the country are located on the slopes of a long-extinct volcano. So the ascent to Eden will not be boring - you can see a lot of interesting things along the way. Although, it should be noted, getting to the top is not so easy. There are many public transport stops in the vicinity, but the ascent to a height of 196 meters along the slopes will have to be overcome on foot. You can perform a tourist feat completely free of charge, at any time of the day or night.
Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum
The Voyager Museum is one of the most interesting in Auckland. Its visitors immediately, right from the doorstep, enter the mysterious sea world: ships, discoverers, travelers. You can start your acquaintance by watching a short film that tells about the history of New Zealand, whose whole life is inextricably linked with the ocean expanses. It is shown quite often and lasts about 15 minutes. Then you can go to thematic exhibitions. There are 4 of them - each with a different focus and interesting in its own way. Closer to the Shores tells how the Europeans managed to reach New Zealand and the trade that was conducted between them and the locals.
A very realistic model of a 19th century merchant ship is also presented here. “The Beginning of Beginnings” is dedicated to the life of the first emigrants who, more than 100 years ago, set out to seek their fortune on distant shores. “Black Magic of the High Seas” is a tribute to the famous New Zealand yachtsman Peter Blake, who was killed while participating in an environmental campaign on the shores of the Amazon. And finally, the last exhibition is dedicated to art - here you can see paintings by local marine painters.
The New Zealand Maritime Museum is located at the corner of Quay and Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbor. You can get there by public transport without any problems - just a couple of minutes walk - Britomart Transport Center. Expositions are open daily, from 9-00 to 17-00. The cost of the visit is $ 15.
Oceanarium "Underwater world of Kelly Tarlton"
Kelly Tarlton is a New Zealand scuba diver who came up with an ingenious idea to create a real underwater world on land. Soon it was implemented, so the first transparent tunnel appeared.The idea very quickly “scattered” all over the world. The Oakland Aquarium is not too big, but it invariably attracts tourists. Its main feature is that the system of tunnels is designed in such a way that the fish and other inhabitants of the underwater world passing by seem to be much larger than their size.
In addition, there is a unique hut in which beautiful arctic penguins live. Kelly Tarlton's underwater world is located at 23 Tamaki Dr, Orakei. You can get to it on a special free “shark shuttle” that runs in the central part of the city. If for some reason you did not meet him, you can take a regular bus departing from Britomart Transport Center or the D13 - Tyler Street bus stop. The cost of the ticket is about $ 25, but there are many discounts, including coupons that can be found in tourist brochures. Opening hours - from 9-30 to 17-00, seven days a week.
Milford Sound
Milfor Sound is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Indeed, this place, “written” by nature itself for thousands of years, simply cannot fail to impress even seasoned travelers. Among the rugged rocky shores and impenetrable forests, crystal-clear water sparkles - this is the world famous Milford Sound fjord, 19 kilometers long. It was formed quite a long time ago, about 20 thousand years ago (in the scale of nature, this is not so much). People settled here, too, long before Europeans discovered New Zealand.
True, this place was called differently in the language of the local Maori tribes - Piopiotakhi, which means "lonely piopio". The last word is not very clear to unenlightened tourists, while New Zealanders know that this is a species of blackbirds, unfortunately, long extinct. A very beautiful legend is associated with the name of Piopiotakhi. The ancient and great hero of folklore, Maui, tried all his life to discover the secret of immortality for people. When he died, his friend the thrush flew over the fjord for a very long time, mourning his comrade.
You can get to Milford Sound from Auckland by car or by boat from the city's central pier. The round trip will cost about $ 50. It is better to check the schedule on the spot, before the trip. It changes frequently depending on the season.
North island
New Zealand is an island nation. The largest of them are South and North. The latter is especially attractive for tourists, since it is here that not only unique natural objects are located, but also large cities, including Auckland. This city is especially convenient for sightseeing trips and discovering New Zealand from different angles. Practically all volcanic zones of the country are located here, including active ones. The most active today is the Ruapehu volcano, which is also the highest point of the island. In general, the local mountains are somewhat reminiscent of the Alps, although, of course, with their own flavor.
For sea lovers, the North Island is a real paradise. Due to the ruggedness of the line, bays and bays are formed here of amazing beauty. Traditionally, extreme people find refuge in the North. Bungee jumping, water sports and so on are presented here in such a variety that tourists traveling to other countries cannot even dream of. Getting to the North Island of New Zealand is easy - there are several airports, from which international and domestic flights are regularly made. The cost of the ticket will depend on the route.
Hobbiton
Hobbiton is one of the most famous landmarks in New Zealand. This is where the Lord of the Rings movie was filmed. Director Peter Jackson took a long time to choose a suitable location for filming, until finally he turned his attention to the farm owned by the Alexander family. The owners got infected with the idea and agreed to remake their property into a fairytale village. The idea of a decoration made of cardboard shook off immediately - everything had to be natural and real. Soldiers of the New Zealand army were involved in the construction. Soon, 40 unusual houses appeared on the site of pastures. The shooting took place, but the village remained and turned into a tourist attraction, a real pilgrimage for Tolkien's fans. Unfortunately, you can only look at the houses from the outside - no one is allowed inside.
But to go to the famous Green Dragon cafe and drink a glass of beer is quite real. Up to 300 people visit Hobbiton every day. True, this can be done only from 9-00 to 17-00 and accompanied by a guide - as part of an organized group or by purchasing an individual tour. Tours, which cost about $ 60 (NZ $ 75), are offered by almost every travel agency in Auckland. The exact address of the magical village for those who decide to get there on their own by car: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata, Hinuera 3400, New Zealand.
Franz Joseph glacier
New Zealand's Franz Josef Glacier can rightfully be called the fastest in the world. Blocks of ice move along the slopes at a speed of 2 meters per hour, while the spectacle is simply impossible to describe in words - how beautiful and impressive it is. The glacier is located in the Westland National Park, protected not only by the state, but also by local Maori tribes. For them, this area is considered sacred to this day. By the way, in the local language the landmark is called differently - Hinehukatere's Tears. This name is associated with a beautiful and romantic legend about the beautiful girl Hinehukatere and the young man Tava, who loved each other and the mountains. During the next walk, they fell under a landslide and the guy died. The surviving friend cried so hard that her tears gave rise to a glacier.
Romantic stories, incredibly beautiful landscapes, the picturesque village of Franz Josef with cozy cafes and family hotels - all this attracts thousands of tourists. You can see the glacier in different ways - from a bird's eye view, going on a helicopter excursion, “from the inside,” going for a walk along grottoes and tunnels, and making a multi-day hike. In any case, this should be done accompanied by a professional. Any tour can be purchased through agencies in Auckland. The cost of the trip will depend on the chosen program.
Wai-o-Tapu
Another New Zealand miracle worthy of attention is the Wai-o-Tapu thermal complex, the kingdom of geysers, mineral springs and water. The area of the complex is not too large, only 3 square kilometers, but there are enough objects worthy of attention here. For the convenience of tourists, three routes have been laid through the territory. The most popular with guests is the Champagne Pool. Of course, it is not filled with this drink, but because of the bubbling bubbles of carbon dioxide, there is a visual similarity. By the way, the water temperature on the surface reaches + 76 degrees, and in the depths it even reaches +260!
In the Lady Knox geyser, a small show is arranged for tourists every day. Exactly at 10-15 a soapy solution is poured there and the impromptu "eruption" lasts an hour. At the same time, the height of the water column is quite impressive - up to 20 meters. It is rather difficult to get from Auckland to Wai-o-Tapu on your own. First of all, you need to get to the city of Roturua by a regular bus, and from there by a tourist bus - to the final point. The path is not close - about 200 kilometers. The complex is open daily from 8-30 to 17-00. In summer, from November to March, until 18-00. Admission costs around $ 25 (NZ $ 32.5).
