Besides from numerous activities that can be practiced in Auckland and its greater city area, the most adventurous include bungee jumping from the Harbour Bridge or Sky Tower, as well as several other Spiderman activities. For the ones who are not prone to such extreme adventures, there are numerous volcano cones visitors can climb on in the area or just relax fishing or snorkelling. To spend some time outdoor, the most recommendable thing to do, besides sailing or making a trip to some of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, there are 25 regional parks in the Auckland region where one can do almost everything, from picnic, walking some of the most amazing tracks on the North Island or just relax and enjoy beautiful weather and mild climate that bring the smile on everybody’s face.
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| Swimming with dolphins is practiced in an open sea, therefor can be submissive to various temperature or other sea changes |
Auckland Harbour Bridge is the starting place for many organized tours that take to some of the islands in the region, as well as to the Bay of Islands (Northland) every day with the main aim to swim along dolphins and whales. Not all dolphins species are harmless, but the common dolphin is the most inhabited mammal at this part of the country. There is a complete supervision during the swim, with all necessary equipment, such as wet suits, masks, snorkels and the others. Another good thing to know is that it isn’t recommendable to swim with the dolphins if they swim with their babies or feed them. There are many organized tours of this kind in Auckland, but the ones that drive to Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf are really exceptional since there is a diverse marine park with common and bottlenose dolphins. Each tour requires two to four hours, but it isn’t always certain that the swim will happen since it is done in an open sea. In that case, there is another free tour next time. There are three things visitors must have when they decide to take this trip: bading suit, towel and a camera. Fares are refunded if the weather conditions seem to severe.
When speaking of heights, there is nothing like skydiving above Auckland from 3,660 meters. The starting place is at Mercer Skydiving centre, situated 40 minutes south of Auckland. NZ Skydive Auckland is New Zealand’s premier sport skydiving center that offers the rush of freefall both to the first timers and experienced skydivers. This so called "ultimate high" can be done at the price of $250 with an additional video or photographs to memorize your face while enjoying a 1,500 long free fall. For overseas travellers there is a free shuttle service to and from Auckland. The costs of a tandem skydive (minimum amount must be $345) go to some of the notable New Zealand charities such as The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind, World Society for the protection of Animals and Alzheimers New Zealand Inc. Jump for Charity is the name of the organisation that started in UK, but has now extended this concept to New Zealand, allowing skydivers to experience the thrill of a lifetime, whilst raising monies for important national charities.
Since Auckland is the City of Sails, there are numerous agencies that provide various services concerning sailing, including visitors as crew members or learning how to sail at all. Charterlink - Auckland provides a full service where one can rent a yacht, catamaran or a powerboat and sail to the islands, superb beaches and anchorages of the Hauraki Gulf self-drive or with skipper on board. Auckland’s Bayswater marina is the base of the agency, the starting place for all the ships to take off to some of the most beautiful places in the country. There is a possibility to become crew of an America’s Cup yacht, with which one can experience the thrill of sailing, even racing or just enjoy on the yacht through cruising the Auckland Harbour. Gamesail New Zealand offer luxury catamarans that involve a true Kiwi style of living through exploring some of the amazing sites in Auckland region or doing some of the activities Maori practiced through the century such as snorkelling or sport fishing. Some of the most attractive places to visit include Great Barrier Island or other smaller islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
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| Though this picture was taken in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, it looks pretty much the same in Pakuranga’s Howick Historical Village |
There are numerous historic buildings all over the Auckland region, but this 1850s settlement shows its tranquility and rustic surroundings on a five-acre site. The complex includes more than thirty colonial buildings with churches, schools and tores that are set up to show life as it was in early Auckland. Cottages look like there is someone still living there, in addition of the costumed staff, it really looks like one had entered the past. There is the museum, café bar with home-made food and a shop opened seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, except on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day. To visit this historical village in Pakuranga, one can buy the tickets at the price from $7 to $14, but there is also a possibility of an annual pass or organized group tours. Besides from enjoying the amazing rustic architecture in the village, one can arrange a picnique in the area or come on Live days, held on the third Sunday of every month, for an extra thrill. Disabled travellers can feel at home here since the entire area is wheelchair accessible and there are parking places all over.
This New Zealand country experience, located 20 minutes from downtown Auckland, with animal feeding and farm walks as the main ideas when in visit to Kiwi Valley Farm Park. With over seven hectares of interactive and educational activities that guarantee a lot of fun for everyone this trip is ideal for the entire family. The area of the park includes the Maze where one can discover the hidden caves, as well as a horse riding school from 3 year olds to adults. If visitors want to be left alone and leave their kids in somebody else’s care, it is possibile too with an Old MacDonald’s Country Kindy that looks after the youngest ones what can contribute to the parents’ greater relaxation and delight.
Although a bit further from the city center, in Devonport and on Rangitoto Island, there are day and night kayaking guided trips that vary on the length: from 8km in Devonport to 13km in Rangitoto Island. These unforgettable experiences cost from NZ$75 to $95 depending on the length of the tour and the time spent in kayaking. Besides these two kayaking possibilities that are the closest to Auckland’s center, there are many regional parks nearby that offer this kind of activity too.
Dive Center, located at Takapuna, provides everything for diving including gear, experienced instructors and dive trips to local islands such as the Little Barrier Island, the Hen and Chicken Island or the Mokohinau Island. The prices vary from NZ$100 to $110. Besides from this company that provides an all-inclusive service concerning diving, there are others situated in Auckland’s proximity such as Dive Shack, Blue Ghost Divewear, DiveCo Commercial Diving, Performance Diver and many others. Global Dive is another New Zealand’s diving center situated in Auckland that train to all levels and provide diving at some of the best sites in the country. This center offers scuba diving as well, with rentable suits on offer and an entertainment each weekend. There is one unique experience this center provides - diving with sharks (in aquarium) at the Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World in Oratakei at the price of $160.
The City of Sails is spoiled for choice surf locations, with two coasts and several northern beaches just an hour drive from downtown. More experienced surfers head west to ride every wild, whipped up wave from Whatipu to Muriwai. It all starts at Piha Beach, located some 40 kilometers from Auckland, where surfing is the main activity in addition of stunning views and after surf parties that go wild. Since this beach is the most famous on the North Island’s west coast, there are various possibilities for accommodation at the site as well. Muriwai Beach has a long surfing tradition with first club members who demonstrated how to do it way back in 1915. This beach is 30 kilometers long, but it is best for surfing at the southern headland and off the river mouth 1 km to the north. Although located some 50 kilometers from Auckland city, it shouldn’t be a problem to get there by car or bus, but there are also organized tours that can get you there. One of the companies that takes care of present and future surfers in Auckland is NZ Surf Tours that runs day-long surf courses from October to June with two lessons per day. Apart from many other services, this agency offers a five-day small-group course somewhere at the best beaches in the area with accommodation, transport, equipment and food included. There is one thing that needs to be mentioned no matter where one decides to surf and that is be careful! since there are dangerous waters with powerful rips where beginners shouldn’t try their luck.
Kitesurfing is a new water sport that combines the awesome raw and natural power of the wind with water in a most spectacular way. Namely, one can jump 50 meters through the air with a triple back loop, speed or glide across harbours or just play in the surf riding great waves without ever having to paddle. It is easy to learn as the experts say, one feels confident after 3-5 lessons, knowing everything about safety and feeling safe enough to go by yourself. Interested? Oceanxtreme is the company that provides all services required for the enjoyment at this new adventure sport that can be practiced in the city as well. The company, specialized in kitesurfing lessons and trips, is situated in Karaka, Auckland and the courses and tours mainly take place in Auckland and around the northern part of the North Island, but there are possibilities for the ones who want to go further. One great thing when taking a trip with Oceanxtreme is that they own a special bus, built for this purpose only, that allows all activities when on tour. Namely, with full-length roof racks to store a large amounts of equipment, possibility of towing a trailer, self-catering kitchen and camping facilities, there is simply everything in one place what greatly reduces the cost and the waste of time. Three to five day beginner tours cost from $250 per day with food, lessons and gear included, but for the experienced kitesurfers, the same trip costs only $100 per day.
Auckland Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower are the two loctaions in the city that, besides from magnificent views, offer adrenalin falls from at least 40 meters height. Namely, Auckland Harbour Bridge offers a unique way to observe the harbour and maybe dip one’s hands in it while jumping off the bridge. Adventurers who like this kind of sport, can do this any time of the year, no matter of bad weather circumstances. Summer months are more attractive since the visiting horus last a bit longer than the rest of the year. This extreme experience can be enyojed at the price of NZ$85 at Westhaven Reserve.
AJ Hackett Bungy is the company that offers the only level of access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge; and this is the one and only Bridge Climb in New Zealand. The climb lasts for 1 and a half hours with a complete tour guide. A climbing suit is a must have since it is attached to something static, but it, and the entire tour, must be booked in advance. Westhaven Reswerve is situated at the westhavenMarina,just five minutes from downtown Auckland. The minimum age for enjoying this amazing experience is 7 years, but there are no upper limits of age, so it is suitable for pensioners as well. During this adrenalin trip visitors cannot decide whether to look at their feet of focus on the spectacular views of the city, even at the night. It’s worth trying and is less extreme than bungee jumping at the price of $120.
Although a remarkable building that offers so many attractive things in its numeorus indoor facilities, Sky Tower also gives an opportunity to jump from it, though fully secured, from the heights of 192 meters. The jump lasts for sixteen seconds and makes a remarkable experience thanks to great heights what makes this thrill look more like a parachute jump. The prices vary from $145 to 195 depending on an adult or student/child who are the main characters. Sky Tower also offer the so called "Spiderman activity" - climbing. But, this happens inside the tower, 80 meters above the observation deck from where bungee jumpers do their thing. So, this if for the ones who are brave and are not affraid of heights since the climb goes 300 meters above the street level! There are magnificent views on both of the Auckland’s harbours, as well as the islands of the Waitemata Harbour and up to 48 volcanoes from the highest man-made platform in the Southern Hemisphere. The price is $104 with an experience for a life time and while during the climb, that lasts for 1 and 1/2 or 2 1/2 hours, particpants wear orange suits and are guided all the way through the top.
Another favorite sport practised by many Aucklanders is biking, especially mountain biking. There are organized tours that pick up the interested drivers in Auckland for $30 per person and take them to Woodhill Forest where they can experience their strength and durability. The organisers of this 4 track adventures, guarantee a real adventure throug 36,000 acres of Woodhill Forest. No previous experience is required since full instruction and tuition is givem, in addition of every guided tour. Before entering the woods, there is roaming through a long vast wild surf beaches, a remarkable experience.
