Facts | Shopping | Places Of Interest | Things You Must Do | Eating Out | Nightlife

 

 

Facts about Auckland: Aucklands lifestyle is regularly ranked among the best in the world. It was recently voted one of the best cities to visit and one of the best to live in. Why? One of the reasons is that there isn't that many urban environments in the world where everyone lives within half an hour away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

In the Maori language, Auckland is called the city of 100 lovers, 'Tamaki Makau Rau', because it is said to be a place that is desired by all and conquered by many. Auckland's population is approximately 1.3 million, it is the largest city in New Zealand claiming one third of the entire population of the country.

 

Aucklanders love to bike ride. The government has encourged this by building cycleway projects around the city, so cyclists can safely and easily travel to their chosen destination. Some crew hotels will provide you with bikes and maps this is a prefect way to see the city and get some exercise. The city is small so you can walk to most places, however you find a taxi outside ranks and hotels.

 

 

Large selection of shopping choices can be found in Auckland. It is named and equally renowned as a 'City of Sails' and a 'City of Sales'. The highly competitive retail market throughout the city makes shopping ideal for those looking for cut-price and discounted purchase prices.

 

The central city area known as Queen Street, has many interesting shopping precincts. Check out the Downtown complex, which includes several 'Duty Free Stores' and a host of arcades and side streets.
You can find elegant designer stores selling exclusive New Zealand fashion garments. If this is your taste then go the Queen's Arcade. Also Smith & Caughey's department store also on Queen Street is renowned for its instore displays and good personal service.

 

Aircrew who stay over the weekend, then you should include a visit to the Victoria Park Markets, this area is full of shops, stalls, cafes and entertainment close to the CBD.

 

Parnell is a good place in Auckland for shopping. During the night it also has a large selection of restaurants, cafes and bars. This historic village has a beauitful relaxing atmosphere, made up of sheltered courtyards, alleys and colonial villas. Here you can find some of Aucklands best designer clothing, however it isn't cheap.

 

Ponsonby is another colourful street, offering an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants.

More traditional shopping can be found in large suburban shopping malls, which open seven days and offer gifts, souvenirs and much more. You will have to get a taxi or you can easily hire a car and explore. The most popular malls are Shore City, St. Lukes, West City, Lynn Mall, Manukau City, Pakuranga and Botany Town Centre. The emphasis is on ample space, relaxing shopping and a great environment for meeting friends, enjoying alfresco lunches, coffee and muffin breaks.

 

 

During your layover you will find a large range of activities and attractions. You will have a choice to dine at more than 800 restaurants, catch awesome views from atop the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere or from one of the cities volcanic vantage points. For those feeling brave enough you can sky dive from a small light aircraft at 14,000 feet, (believe me this is one of the scariest and exciting things you will ever experience). There's the Auckland Museum, National Maritime Museum, the historic Auckland Art Gallery, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, the Zoo - the list goes on.

 

 

1. Bungy Jump off the Auckland Bridge more>>
2. Skydrive from a small light aircraft at 14,000 feet.
3. Go up the Skytower, best view of the city (can also do a controlled bungy jump) more>>
4.Try the New Zealand steak.
5. Shopping at Queen Street.

 

 

FOOD: It's no wonder Aucklanders love to eat out! With over 1000 restaurants, wineries, markets, cafés and boutique eateries scattered around the region, Auckland dishes up a variety of dining options. Favourite food spots can be found on the wine rich Waiheke Island, in 'slow food' Matakana or Auckland’s oldest wine growing region out west. And don't forget to try the cosmopolitan cuisine in the cities.

New Zealand cuisine is traditionally famous for fish 'n' chips, and you will see plenty of barbeques on the beach. For a classy night out, hit the Viaduct Harbour and wine and dine in style at Soul Bar or Bungalow 8. Alternatively head into the trendy suburb of Ponsonby, for an evening at Prego. Al Italiano!

 

Most airline crew head for The Loaded Hog at Viaduct Harbour, Hobson and Quay streets, good food and lots of drinks. New on the scene is Chic, again around Viaduct Harbour, where exotic fabrics, lavish "beds," and plush pillows set the mood for a seductive night out.

Plum, Viaduct Harbour (tel. 09/357-0980), has fabulous cocktails, a friendly staff, and great retro music.

Minus 5, Princes Wharf, is the "coolest" experience in town. Everything from the walls to the glasses is made of ice, and the temperature is a constant -5°F (-21°C), dont worry they provide warm coats and also they offer airline discounts 10%.

Honey, 5 O'Connell St. (tel. 09/369-5639), is a sophisticated spot offering over 30 varieties of champagne and New Zealand's very own vodka label, 42-Below -- the cocktails are winners.

Galatos, 17 Galatos St. (tel. 09/303-1928), is a plush bar that veers towards the alternative international gig scene with live funk, soul, hip-hop, and jazz.

Khuja Lounge...always a favorite, top of the hill queen St, corner of queen St and karangahape rd (known as K road) they are on the top floor so take the rickety wooden lift. There's a cover between 5 and 15$ usually, you get a great range of music, DJ's spinning vinyl alongsidebrass and bongos, they make a great dirrrty martini.

Fu, 166 Queen St., downstairs (tel. 09/309-3079), is the dark, gritty home to purists of hip-hop, drum and bass, and breaks.

SPQR, 150 Ponsonby Rd. (tel. 09/360-1710), a great bar scene late Friday and Saturday nights; you'll see all sorts, both gay and straight, indulging in cocktails with fanciful names such as Horny Monkey and the Slapper.

Chandelier, 152 Ponsonby Rd. (tel. 09/360-9315), is just the place for a quiet drink in an opulent environment. Lime, 167 Ponsonby Rd. (tel. 09/360-7167), is the smallest bar of all, and everyone, just everyone, is determined to be first or second here -- after that, there's always a queue to get in.

Deschlers, has great cocktails and live jazz/funk music on Thursday nights. (High St, close to the OCCIDENTAL restaurant in vulcan lane, which is famous for its mussels).

Rakino's, just up from Deschlers. You have to go up to the first floor, they have music most nights, an amazing funk band (they are that good) on Sundays nights...also has a smoking balcony.

Boogiewonderland will appeal to most crew, it has a light up dance floor straight out of Saturday night fever, cheesy 70's 80's music and a packed crowd, heaps of fun, people dress up so expect the odd 'fro' bottom of queen St (towards waterfront) cnr of Queen and custom st.cover $10

Crow Bar 26, Wyndham St, runs off queen street (midway down) known for its brilliant bar staff and mixed crowd, dress code tidy, pool table, booths, dance floor, great booze, good music, stylish and hip something for everyone .also close to hotel.

 

Living or been on layover in Auckland? Please share information about what2do. You can recommend places of interest, restaurants, clubs and much more we will do the rest.

 

 

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