AUCKLAND: BEST THINGS TO DO ON A CRUISE PORT VISIT
Auckland is the city in New Zealand. It is in the North Island of New Zealand. Auckland is the largest urban area in the country. Heritages give the Auckland its distinctive culture. Discover the history of the world's largest Polynesian city through Maori treasures at Auckland Museum and experience the lives of 19th-century settlers at Howick Historical Village. Find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Adventure junkies can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping.
There are so many attractive destinations.
BEWARE THE TRAFFIC
All sightseeing considerations in Auckland are governed by 1) how long your ship is in port, and 2) the city’s diabolic traffic. If you are in town for a day or overnight, keep your plans modest. If your stay is longer, consider a trip to out-of-town destinations.
ART AND CULTURE
A stroll around downtown on foot will give you a feel for the place, especially the city’s beautiful but long-neglected and now partially lost Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The imposing Neoclassical-style museum is a sight in itself: inside are some of the world’s best collections of Maori and Oceanic art and New Zealand natural history.
FEASTS FOR FOOD LOVERS
If you hanker for a change from shipboard cuisine, Auckland will spoil you with choice. Two good dining precincts – Britomart, and Viaduct Harbour – are in close walking distance of the wharves.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Even if you’re only in port for a day, there’s ample time to see one of the jewels in Auckland’s crown. If you get the chance to go further, there is more wine country to the west of Auckland around Huapai and Kumeu along with rugged rainforests and wild west coast beaches that have been locations for movies such as The Piano.
