Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, surrounded by 13 suburbs which are divided into five districts. If you’re looking to escape from the city, the suburbs of Auckland has something for everyone, whether you are looking for shopping and dining, pristine beaches, wildlife encounters, or nature hikes. Let’s get you started on your Auckland adventure; read on for just a taste of the destination that you can visit on a nz coach tour.
Volcanos
Auckland is home to 48 dormant volcanoes. Many of them are too low to see, but there are several in the area that visitors can explore.
Mount Eden is situated in the inner suburbs and it is Auckland’s highest natural point. Visitors can climb up to the summit and stare down into the 50-meter-deep crater. At the base of the volcano is Eden Park, containing 5.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.One Tree Hill is also located in the inner suburbs. It’s Auckland’s largest volcanic cone and home to the historic site of the Maori people. A short ferry ride will take you out to Rangitoto Island. The island is made up of Auckland’s youngest volcano, having last erupted 600 years ago. On the island visitors can explore lava fields, tunnels, and caves created by previous eruptions.
Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
It’s hard to believe that you are only about 45 minutes away from the bustling city of Auckland when you are at the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. It’s truly a wilderness with lush forests and stunning beaches. There is a wide range of hiking trails here that will let you explore the waterfalls and wildlife. There are short hikes, under an hour, that will take you to gorgeous waterfalls, but if you want a challenge, the Hillary Trail is a 4-day hike that will lead you through the forest and to the coast.
If you head to Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, be sure not to miss Piha Beach. The black-sand beaches and rugged cliffs make for stunning scenery. Local surfers head here for the wild waves. The waves tend to get pretty rough so you want to be sure you know what you are doing. Surf lessons are offered by a school on the beach.
Neighborhoods
If you want a break from the rugged outdoors, the Auckland suburbs have a multitude of charming neighborhoods where you can shop, dine, and sight-see.
Ponsonby is an inner-city suburb about 10 minutes from the center of Auckland, it’s filled with posh boutiques, classy restaurants, and lively bars. Parnell is one of New Zealand’s oldest neighborhoods and most affluent. You can’t miss the famed La Cigale French market which runs every Saturday.Head to Auckland’s North Shore to take in the laid-back beach town of Takapuna. Takapuna has it all, gorgeous white-sand beaches, beach-side restaurants, and local boutiques. Nearby is Lake Pupuke, a 150,000-year-old volcanic crater turned into a freshwater lake.
This is just a taste of what Auckland has to offer. From the beaches to the lush forests, to the fine dining and quirky boutiques, the suburbs of Auckland truly has something for everyone. So take a break from the city and head out to the suburbs, where your adventure awaits.