Auckland Public Libraries

Auckland has a good network of public libraries with comfortable facilities to enjoy reading, writing or web surfing.  Many have internet available and unlike in other cities around the world they are not filled with unbathed, sleeping or drunk homeless.  Depending on where you are situated in Auckland you can use the below links to find one nearest you.  If you are in the central city then you can choose from the main Auckland Central libray or the University of Auckland library (the later with excellent views from the top floors).   

http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Pages/home.aspx
http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/

Mrs Higgins Cookies

A New Zealand fresh cookie franchise these are definitely worth a try.  Reasonably priced and there is one on 268 Queen Street (imagine yourself flying through the air smelling them like in a Disney cartoon).  Enough Said.

http://www.mrshiggins.co.nz/index.php

Auckland Art Gallery

At this time the gallery is about to reopen to the public on 3 September after a few years of renovation.  The building itself looks quite spectacular now and it houses an impressive art collection (given we are talking about New Zealand).  It is free to the public and when it does reopen I would recommend checking out the famous Goldie and Lindaur portraits of Maori figures. You can tie it together with a stroll through Albert Park and The University of Auckland for a pleasant few hours.  More information available in the below link:

http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/

Avondale Sunday Market

This is another of Auckland's better and bigger markets.  It is held in the Avondale Racetrack so there is usually parking available but it is very popular so often crowded.  If you need to buy some fresh produce, seafood, tofu, snacks, deserts, honey or shrubs then head here.  The variety of produce available is much greater than what you will find in your average supermarket and caters especially to Asian and Pacific Island cooking.  You will also find your usual trinket/snake oil merchants and second hand dealers but if I wasn't going there for the produce I would probably just go for the atmosphere.

http://www.avondalesundaymarkets.co.nz/

Grafton Bridge & Cemetery

Located at the top of Symonds street, the historic Grafton Bridge was constructed in 1910 and is very picturesque.  If you are wondering what the curved glass on the side is for well yes it is to prevent people jumping off the bridge onto the motorway traffic below as was unfortunately a common occurrence in the past.  The bridge connects Auckland Hospital with Auckland Central so whether this is a factor behind the suicides I'm not sure.  But it is somewhat bleakly ironic that underneath the bridge is Auckland's most interesting and significant cemetery.  On land that must now be worth a fortune you will find a Goth's heaven (or hell I suppose) with many interesting gravestones dating back to the 1800s in a dark gully that has a few winding paths.  There are also memorials to war dead and famous historic figures.  I wouldn't recommend being in there at night simply because of the homeless/drunks/paint sniffers rather than any ghosts or zombies.  Worth checking out if you are near the top of the city and looking for something to do.

http://www.rosarosam.com/gardens/grafton/grafton_index.htm

Maraetai

Just past Omana this little seaside community on the edge of Auckland is a great place to head on a hot summers day.  There are nice sandy beaches for lying on, rocky points to fish from and a couple of jetties for playing/fishing from.  There are a few shops to provide your ice-creams or snacks in summer and the place never gets too crowded.  A hint would be to head past the first jetty near the shops and drive around to the next couple of bays where there is another jetty (many an Aukland lad has learn't to catch Sprats here) and even more seclusion.

Eastern Bays to Sandspit Estuary

Located in the Howick area these bays are mostly shelly and rocky so not the best for playing on the beach.  However if you go there at low tide you can start walking from Eastern Beach or Music Point and walk around Mellons Bay>Howick Beach>Cockle Bay and onto Sandspit Estuary.  There are lots of rock pools, shell fish beds, cliffs and grassy areas.  Sandspit Estuary is also one of Auckland's best kept fishing spots where from shore you can still catch Kahawai year round and Snapper between February-June.  Go to the estuary Channel (in front of Cockle Bay) when low tide coincides with sunrise or sunset and you will probably see other fisherman in the area.  Make sure you wear gumboots and be careful of getting snagged on the boat moorings. 

Auckland City Farmers Market

"A farmers’ market is a food market where local growers, farmers and artisan food producers sell their wares directly to consumers. Vendors may only sell what they grow, farm, pickle, preserve, bake, smoke or catch themselves from within a defined local area. The City Farmers’ Market operates in the centre of Auckland’s Britomart precinct and brings a bounty of regional produce to town for Aucklanders every week. Fresh, seasonal, quality fruit and vegetables, eggs, meat, olives and olive oils, condiments, coffee, artisan breads and much more — direct from local growers, farmers and makers. The market operates all year long on Saturdays between 8.30am & 12.30pm on a site behind the Britomart Trainstation, on Gore Street."

Above information sourced from http://www.cityfarmersmarket.co.nz/

Arataki Vistors (Waitakere Ranges)

"Arataki is Maori for 'place of learning' and this visitor centre lives up to that name! Perched 400m above sea-level, [most times] the panoramic views of Auckland city and the surrounding countryside are just awesome. Located in the Waitakere Ranges, this geography causes the area to receive much more rain than Auckland city does, so this is why the region is known as “Auckland's rainforest”. It’s also the reason why (sometimes), the weather can be a little cloudy/foggy/raining...Because this visitor centre is packed with lots of information, it is recommended that the overseas visitor go around it with a guide, rather than by themselves (simply to get better appreciation on history and the telling of local stories and knowledge). Sadly, the main Pou (Maori carving) that towered the entrance to the centre has had to be removed for restoration, (as it was decaying badly!). The new version is eagerly awaited, (due later in 2010).  Driving along the road to this centre (known as ‘the Scenic Drive’), look out for the New Zealand native tree, the Kauri, as you will have an idea of just why these trees were sought for its timber! The whole region of the Waitakere Ranges is a great place to escape to, and it’s so close to Auckland city! There are also many hiking tracks dotted throughout the area and a visit to the Arataki visitor centre will help you decide what ones are suitable for your level of fitness. "

Above information sourced from http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g1811043-d566861-r51311473-Arataki_Visitor_Centre-Waitakere_City_North_Island.html

More infomration available from http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/arataki-visitor-centre/

FYI the Pou has now been replaced :)

Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum

Located next to the viaduct basin this place became free to Aucklanders (or those who can pass themselves off as such) in 2010 and is definitely worth a visit at that price.  It is a monument to the regions important ties to the maritime world and while I haven't been there for some years now (due to the over-priced entrance fee in the past) I remember it very fondly from earlier days.  There are paintings, exhibits, interactive displays and lots of boast showcasing both indigenous and European maritime history in the region.  If you have any kind of interest in boats or the sea you will enjoy yourself.   

http://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/

Parnell Rose Gardens

AKA the Dove Meyer Robinson Park...probably not worth the trip there on its own but if you are going to be in the area it is more than worth it.  As you would expect there is a nice rose garden as well as a collection of other small gardens, flowers, impressive trees, monument to the Korean War, short walks and ponds.  There is a car park next to the rose gardens which is a popular place to park up and look out over the Ports of Auckland to the Harbour and beyond or if you walk up the steps there are some nice seats to enjoy the view.  Most people parking here are usually eating takeaways which seems to have resulted in a resident population of wild cats/kittens (better than rats I guess).  The park also borders a nice lagoon and the Parnell Baths (swimming complex)

Free Movies in the Park

This is a summer only phenomenon in Auckland (trust me you wouldn't want to be sitting on the grass in Auckland over winter).  Organised by the city council with corporate sponsorship at a number of parks around the greater Auckland region, the idea is you rock up with a rug as well as some nibbles and watch a movie together with hundreds of others in a park setting.  The movies are usually recent blockbusters which have just gone to DVD or classic New Zealand movies.  Movies are often accompanied by live music for an added treat so check out the below link to find times and dates.

http://www.moviesinparks.co.nz/

Totara Park

This park which consists mainly of rolling farmland with views and patches of native forest is located next to the Auckland Botanical Gardens so you can do both in one trip.  It is one of Manukau's largest parks and has nice walks, free tennis courts, playgrounds, a mountain biking trail and views of  Glenbrook, Manukau Heads and Rangitoto Island.  Great for a picnic you will see plenty of dogs, may see some horse riders, It also border a free swimming pool so you could cool off after a nice walk.  Enjoy.

http://www.manukau.govt.nz/EN/Yourcommunity/ParksWalksBeaches/FindAPark/Pages/TotaraPark.aspx

Free Swimming Pools in Auckland

If its a hot day and you want to cool of in a swimming pool then Auckland has a number of free swimming pools on offer in the South Auckland area. 

Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre : 14 Waddon Place, Mangere

Manurewa Aquatic Centre: Mountford Park, Sykes Road, Manurewa

Totara Park Swimming Pool: Wairere Road, Totara Park

Otara Leisure Centre : Corner Bairds Road and Newbury Street, Otara Town Centre

Lloyd Elsmore Park: Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga

Papatoetoe Centennial Pools:Sutton Crescent 

The Mayor of the new Auckland Super City Council is also investigating making all council owned pools free access.

http://pr.co.nz/auckland-swimming-pools-free-study-18012011/

Discovery Pass Auckland

If you're going to be doing a bit of travelling via public transport around Auckland then buying one of these is your best option.  They currently cost $15 and are valid for unlimited travel on most public transport including buses, trains and ferries (excluding some ferries to islands).  You can buy them from bus drivers, train ticketers or ticket offices. 

http://www.maxx.co.nz/info/pricing-passes/types-of-tickets/discovery-pass.aspx

Otara Flea Market

"New Zealand’s largest street market, up to 5,000 people visit this Saturday morning market each week, and business is well underway by 7am. Pacific Island, Māori, Asian and Pakeha stallholders gather each week, creating a uniquely New Zealand multicultural experience. Pacific Island elders sell traditional tapa cloth and ti vaevae (quilts) next to their younger counterparts, selling satirical t-shirts and streetwear. Nearby, Indian and Chinese food stalls vie for business. All is good natured, however, and the market’s atmosphere is bright and fun. But the markets aren’t just cheap and cheerful; they’re also home to emerging entrepreneurial talent. Fashion Week exhibitors Dawn Raid Streetwear (the label donned by hip hop artists Mareko and the Deceptikonz), was first sold at the Otara Flea Market more than six years ago. As you meander around the 250 plus stalls, Pacific Island music plays loudly, while the thick scent of Cook Island donuts, hot rewana bread, and Chinese pork buns hangs in the air. Whether you’re after fresh fruit and vegetables, unique clothing, jewellery or Pacific Island crafts, the Otara Market is a penny pincher’s dream. "

Above information sourced from:
http://www.viewauckland.co.nz/insidersguide/otara-market-feature-2726.html

Matakana Farmers Market

"The Matakana Farmers’ Market is one of the many initiatives being undertaken by Matakana to become New Zealand’s first Cittaslow (Italian for slow town). The idea of a slow town was founded in Italy in a bid to promote a better way of life, to improve the environment and to avoid the development of large franchise stores.

At the market you can enjoy some time in the slow lane, grab a freshly brewed coffee, meander around the stalls and take the opportunity to talk with the growers.

Stalls at the market sell organic and gourmet fruit, vegetables, chocolate, preserves, breads, meats, cotton reusable shopping bags and much more. To add to the atmosphere, local musicians play live music and the market is relaxed and friendly."

Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm

Above information sourced from:

http://www.aucklandnz.com/index.php/content_B/?L1=63&L2=77&id=189%22

More information available at:

http://matakanavillage.co.nz/market/matakana-farmers-market/

Auckland Coast to Coast Walkway

"The Coast to Coast Walkway is a great way to get a little exercise and discover more about the history and unique features of Auckland. Plus you'll be able to tell your friends that you walked from one side of New Zealand to the other!

Most of Auckland is situated on an isthmus of land about nine kilometres long and as little as two kilometres wide. From the arrival of the first people, this has been a coveted area. The fertile volcanic slopes, sheltered fishing grounds and strategic position that allows transit from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea, or access to the long Waikato River, earned Auckland the name Tamaki Makaurau - 'the spouse desired by a hundred lovers'.

The walkway begins in the city centre on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour. The first section guides you along the bustling downtown waterfront and shipping wharves, before turning inland to Albert Park and the university. From here you cross a gully to reach the native forest, gardens and playing fields of the 200-acre Auckland Domain. The next stop is the summit of Maunga-whau (Mount Eden), where you'll enjoy views into the crater and out across the city, harbour and Hauraki Gulf. Then it's on through historic suburbs to the volcanic cone of Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) and Cornwall Park. Maungakiekie is the largest of the Auckland's volcanic cones. It has three craters - two are breached and one is intact. Part of the park is farmed, so you may encounter some sheep. From here the walkway follows ancient lava flows south through the suburb of Onehunga to finish at the edge of Manukau Harbour.

Informative brochures identifying the numerous highlights of the walkway are available from visitor information centres. There are regular public bus services back to the city."

Above infomration sourced from:
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/sights-activities/scenic-highlights/walks-trails/scenic-highlight-details.cfm/businessid/69651.html
 More information available:
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/walkways/coasttocoast/index.asp

Aucklands Volcanic Cones

Auckland as an area has more dormant or extinct volcanic cones than probably anywhere else in the world.  There are 48 volcanoes in Auckland and the landscape is littered with protruding hills of volcanic origin and some of them, such as Rangitoto, are quite big.  The all offer great views of Auckland, most are worth a look, some you can drive up, some have farm animals, walkways and grassy recreational areas.  A list of these volcanic cones includes:

Albert Park

Ash Hill

Browns Island (Motukorea)

Cemetery Crater

Crater Hill

Duders Hill

Green Hill

Hampton Park

Hopua

Kohuora

Lake Pupuke

Little Rangitoto

Mangere Lagoon

Mangere Mountain

Matukutururu (Manurewa or Wiri Mountain)

Matukutureia (McLaughlin's Hill)

Maungataketake (Ellett's Mount)

McLennan Hills

 One Tree Hill with its obelisk.Mount Albert (Owairaka)

Mount Cambria

Mount Eden (Maungawhau)

Mount Hobson (Remuwera[11])

Mount Richmond

Mount Roskill

Mount Saint John

Mount Smart

Mount Victoria

Mount Wellington (Maungarei)

North Head (Maungauika)

One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)

Onepoto

Orakei Basin

Otara Hill

Otuataua

Panmure Basin

Pigeon Mountain

Pukaki Lagoon

Pukeiti

Rangitoto Island on the horizon.Pukekawa (Auckland Domain volcano)

Pukekiwiriki

Puketutu Island

Purchas Hill

Rangitoto Island

Robertson Hill (Sturges Park)

Saint Heliers (Glover Park) - see Achilles Point

Styaks Swamp

Tank Farm (also known as 'Tuff Crater Lagoon')

Taylor's Hill

Te Pouhawaiki

Three Kings

Waitomokia (Gabriel Hill)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland_volcanic_field

Ambury Park

A spacious and varied park with lots to do located 15K's from Auckland central in Mangere on the shore of the Manukau Harbour.  It is a working farm and there are various tame farm animals which you can interact with for free such as Rabbits, sheep, chickens, horses, pigs, goats and cows.  The shore is a mecca for birdwatchers and has a nice bird watching platform with information available.  I recommend a walk along the quaint volcanic shoreline where there are informative signs detailing the geographical history of the area and how it was formed from a nearby but extinct volcano.  Also a nice place for a BBQ or picnic.

http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/parks-in-the-region/ambury/

Cheapest tour of Auckland Central - $1.80

...aka the Link bus.  Catch this environmentally friendly bus anywhere on the Link circuit and stay on until you get back to where you started from.  It takes in Ponsonby, K'road, Victoria Park, Sky Tower, Queen Street, Downtown, Parnell, New Market, Grafton bridge, The University of Auckland and the Town Hall.  Bring your Lonely Planet guide book or simply read up on these places online before your ride and you can give yourself an excellent but dirt cheap tour of Auckland central without a cheesy tour guide.  The bus announces the location when you arrive and usually provides a little info on each place.  If you get off at a stop and then back on you will need to pay another $1.80 but it is comfortable and the bus drivers tend to be friendlier than those on other routes.  Make sure you avoid the nightmare of Auckland rush hour though...

http://www.linkbus.co.nz/

Alternatively if you are super cheap there is also a free bus (a red hybrid electric) that runs less frequently but does visit Queen Street, Britomart and Downtown, Albert Park, Symonds Street and the sky tower.

http://www.aucklandnz.com/index.php/content_B/?L1=65&L2=95&L3=&id=620

Parnell

Well there isn't really much "cheap and free" about this place but there are a few interesting cobbled lanes and boutique stores to window shop.  It is near the Auckland museum, Ports of Auckland, Countdown supermarket and Parnell Rose garden so in my opinion only really worth a look if you are nearby one of these or on the Link bus which passes through.  I'd recommend having a look at the reviews in the link below also.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255106-d258016-Reviews-Parnell-Auckland_Central_North_Island.html

Albert Park

A nice park in the central city on the site of an old militarry barracks established in the 1880s (part of the wall is still visible in the university) with beautiful trees, flowers and grassy areas.  It is adjacent to the stunning University of Auckland grounds so during summer there are plenty of students lying under the trees napping reading or cuddling.  There is a Victorian fountain, a band rotunda, massive trees with amazing roots and trunks, statues of various figures important to New Zealand, war memorial and old artillery guns.

Auckland War Memorial Musuem

The best feature of this museum is the outside as it is built on a hill overlooking the harbour of a beautiful city of sails.  There is plenty of grass to relax on, old navy guns for kids to climb on, a monument to war dead where Anzac day is commemorated in Auckland and all this sits in the middle of an enormous park known as the Auckland Domain.  The museum is free for Aucklanders but a "donation" is "requested" for non-Aucklanders (you can get around it if you need to be super cheap).  Once inside the museum has lots of permanent collections related to New Zealand and the pacific.  Rather than try to list the extensive variety of these which are mostly very good I will let you click on the link below and explore.  My favourite section is the Wartime exhibits which have location and era specific sets with genuine artifacts showcasing New Zealand's considerable involvement and sacrifice in a number of wars (interesting for such a peacful country).  Unlike some museums I've visited around the world, this one is worth a visit.  

http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/

Oracle Tower Observation Deck

If you don't want to pay expensive fees to go up the Sky Tower then there is a free alternative with views of Auckland.  Oracle Tower Observation Deck is located at level 17 of Oracle Tower at Wakefield Street in Central Auckland and offers great 280 degree views of the city. The tower observation deck is about 60 metres high with background music and air-conditioning.  When its for free who could ask for more as you watch the world scurry about beneath you.

Beauty Plus Trading Ltd Souvenirs

Now I'm not trying to plug this place but I've looked at many souvenir shops around Auckland and the guy who runs this out-of-the-way place offers the best prices.  You see just like tourists, most New Zealanders also have to visit tourist shops in order to buy sheep/animal skins, sheep skin slippers, fish oils, deer velvet  etc because we don't have regular outlets for these items.  The on shelf prices here are slightly cheaper than what you would pay at the "hustle shops" in the central city but without asking for it the owner will almost always offer you a discount.  The Chinese owner is friendly but can only speak average English which combined with the piles of animal skins, haphazard arrangement and shelves of various NZ medicines and supplements remind me a bit of Mr Wing's antique store in the movie Gremlins...(don't get water on those sheep skins :)
http://www.finda.co.nz/business/listing/q5yp/beauty-plus-trading-ltd/

Countdown Supermarket Auckland City

Now you're probably wondering what the hell a supermarket is doing in this blog.  We'll if your a tourist staying in Auckland central and want to avoid getting ripped off on the often over-priced goods they sell on Queen Street then head downtown, turn right on Quay Street and walk about 500m.  Countdown is a line priced supermarket and if you are shopping for food, alcohol (beer & wine only), gifts and souvenirs then I suggest you head here where you will pay the same as the locals.  They have a full online catalogue with prices in $NZ (link below) so check out the prices, do the currency conversions and work out what to buy before you come.  A few ideas of local items to buy include:

Wines
Beers
Manuka Honey
Teas
Coffees
Tim Tams Biscuits
Whittaker's Chocolate
Marmite
Ice Cream (I recommend Kohu Road)
Cheese
Infant formula (especially if you're from China)

http://shop.countdown.co.nz/ 

Auckland Harbour Bridge

No I'm not talking about the pricey Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb, but rather taking a free walk from Downtown Auckland or the Viaduct Basin to underneath the Harbour Bridge.    Along the way you'll get to walk past a couple of Marina's and check out some of Auckland's icons (Auckland is known as the City of Sails).  The boats here aren't quite as impressive as the ones you'll see in the viaduct but they are probably owned by New Zealander's rather than visiting billionaires.  You can visit the Auckland Fish Market or one of the many boating and fishing shops in this area before coming to a nice pathway that leads right to the bridge.  There is a bit of greenery and on a calm summers day there are plenty of Kahawai jumping or chasing smaller fish.  You can take a picture under or next to the bridge and there are usually lots of people with cars parked up fishing here (although I've never seen anyone catch anything).  Slightly east of the bridge you'll find the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron headquarters which is famous for being the site where a Maori protester bashed the America's Cup Trophy (which New Zealand had won a couple of years earlier) with a sledge hammer causing serious damage to it.  Round past the bridge is the Erin Point Pools which together with the Auckland Tepid Baths (currently under renovation) provide some nice swimming facilities in central Auckland.

Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve

Another little secret spot not often mentioned by the locals.  I recommend starting your walk from either the Mt Wellington War Memorial Reserve or a bit further along at the Point England Reserve where there is parking, toilets etc.  There is a track you can follow which is usually quiet relative to the suburban/metropolis it borders.  There are plenty of small tracks down to the estuary and often people fishing along the edge.  Once you get to Tahuna Torea there are some short bush walks with lots of birds and ponds.  Walk to the other side of the spit then head out along the sandy beach.  Usually there are few people and feel like you've departed Auckland for a wee while.  Depending on which way the wind is blowing you can often get a crystal calm bit of sea to swim in one or other side of the spit.  Its also not a bad place to cast a line for fishing.