Greetings! Right now, I’m on the bus leaving Auckland for the final time – we spent the first couple days in Auckland and went back several days later. Since we have a fair amount of free time in Auckland, I want to highlight some of my favorite things that I did there!
First and foremost, the hike on Waiheke Island is my very favorite! From Auckland, you can take a ferry to Waiheke, which is about 40 minutes away. Led by Mr. Parker, I hiked with a group for several hours, traversing several miles (and many stairs!) and seeing absolutely stunning views. On Waiheke Island, there’s also a little city area, with many restaurants and shops. I ate a snapper salad at Fenice, and it was very good! Earlier in the trip, on my first visit to Waiheke, I explored a small beach on the way to Mud Brick, a fancy restaurant. Mud Brick also offers a wine tasting — my group was planning to do it, but unfortunately we arrived too late.
Back in the city of Auckland, I visited Wintergardens, a beautiful nature space. At the gardens, beautifully carved sculptures pose around a central area, and two doorways lead to a fern room and a flower garden, both full of beautiful plants. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is right next to the Wintergardens, and although I didn’t visit it, several others enjoyed it!
Auckland (and all of New Zealand) can often be rainy, but there are also many things to do indoors! I especially enjoyed visiting the art museum and the aquarium. The art museum was within walking distance of our hostel, and the aquarium is only a bus ride away.
Below is a picture from our hike on Waiheke Island!
