The University of Auckland

If you are in the city walk through Albert Park and onto the beautiful grounds of the University of Auckland, New Zealand's largest university with almost 40,000 students at this time.  It is smack bang in the middle of the city and was founded in 1883 so has a vast array of both historical and modern buildings/architecture/gardens/art and sculptures.  Start at the Clocktower where you can get a map, general directions and other kinds of useful information.  If you like historic buildings check out the Clocktower, the Old Barracks wall, the old Synagogue, Registry building (where the Vice Chancellor lives), Old Choral Hall, Old Government House, the Old Biology Building, AUSA house, old houses on Symonds and merchant hosues on Princess Street.  For some impressive modern architecture (quite rare in New Zealand) checkout the Kate Edgar Building, Owen G Glenn Building, new biology wing and even the apocalyptic looking maths physics building (apparently it won some architecture award once). 

If you visit during semester there are usually various activities/events e.g. club activities, naked skulls, orientation week, concerts, markets, protests etc as one would expect to see at any good university.  These usually centre around the Quad area where you can also get a cheap meal and chat to the disenfranchised looking natives.  There are plenty of  areas around the Quad to chill-out but I recommend heading to the fourth floor of the student commons where you will find Auckland's best radio station (Bfm) and an awesome student bar called Shadows. 

Other suggestions:
-Take advantage of the massive general library (or the 20 or so other libraries on campus) and its impressive collection to chill out then just take a break and a nap.  The harbour view from the top floor of the general library is spectacular but you wont find anywhere to sit if it is around exam season
-There are hundreds and hundreds of lecture halls around so take advantage of the computers in the clocktower (the rest of the computers on campus require a login) to find a lecture on a subject you are interested in then just sit in on one
-Explore the new business school (Owen G Glenn Building) which is impressive and furnished like a departure lounge with flat screen TVs showing the latest news and what lectures are on where.  There is also plenty of nice art and the university's biggest lecture theatre (the Fisher & Paykel Appliances Auditorium)
-Take a cultural picture in front of the university Marae or Fale Pasifika
-Get lost in one of the the many mazes otherwise known as the Maths Science Physics building, the Engineering Faculty, The HSB building, The Architecture Building or the Computer Science Buildings. 
-Relax on a couch in the basement of the Kate Edgar building
-Find the secret fresh water spring hidden across from the law library
-If you're trying to sell something or meet someone put up a notice in the library basement
-Check out the weird and interesting animals behind glass in the old biology building
-Watch a game of basketball from the second floor of the gym
-If it is summer share one of many grassy lawns with the students
-Checkout the gardens around the Old Government House and the new biology wing

Panmure Basin (Panmure Lagoon)

This little gem is located just past the derelict Panmure township.  It is a volcanic crater which is a few Kms in circumference and perfect for a jog or evening walk if you are in the area.  It is tidal so if you are there at low tide it looks more like a mud flat but at high tide you can see plenty of mullet jumping and people fishing for Spotty fish.  It is also a popular spot for water skiers and wake boarders and there is a ramp for them to jump.  Highlights include a miniature ride-on train, remote control boat pond, Panmure Lagoon Leisure and Fitness swimming complex (nice heated indoor pool, spa and sauna), skateboarding ramps, fitness circuit, miniature jetty for watching the sun set, luxury homes to gawk at and a rickety old bridge that feels like a tragedy waiting to happen (don't worry, I'm sure its safe).  Continue past the bridge and you will come to the Tamaki Bird Rescue Centre (you will smell it before you see it) and further on from this there is a Shag colony (Yeah baby!) with many birds close to the path around evening when they are fed by the rescue centre.  From here there are some fig trees and a nice view of many yachts and launches moored in the nearby estuary. 

http://www.spca.org.nz/volunteer/birdwing.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panmure_Basin

Omana Park

To reach this park you head past Howick and towards Maraetai.  It sits adjacent to the coast with some nice views of the Hauraki Gulf.  Great for the whole family as there farm animals to interact with and plenty of park benches and easy walks across rolling farmland or bush.  If you're there at low tide there are plenty of rock pools to explore. Excellent camping and BBQ facilities available.

Mt Eden

Not far from the famous rugby/cricket stadium of the same name, Mt Eden itself is a nice manageable walk or you can drive to the top if need be.  Plenty of green areas for a picnic and usually sheep grazing for a photo opportunity.  The steep volcanic crater in the middle is a real challenge for those who are keen and you can spell your name out with rocks for all to see if you make it into there.  It has a view of Auckland just as good as One Tree Hill but with fewer people.  As a reward you can stop in at one of the nice Mt Eden Village cafes or restaurants after your exercise.

Kohu Road Ice Cream Kitchen

While it is pricey, Kohu Road is New Zealand's best ice cream.  They have now opened up their factory to tours and have an oniste kitchen/shop/cafe.  Visit on weekdays and you can get a free tour of the factory and they let you try small samples of their newest flavours.  You will probably end up buying some but this ice cream is so rich and flavourism that all you need is a scoop to satisfy any ice cream craving.  The staff are freindly and the owner/ice cream maker himself is usually onsite.

http://www.kohuroad.co.nz/

Auckland Domain and Winter Garden Pavillion

Right in the middle of the city and surrounding the Auckland War Memorial museum (see my other post) this is a real gem. You can easily walk their from central Auckland and while it does involve some steep hills the route from the city has a a few sweet bush walks. The area is popular with joggers and fitness walkers and there are numerous grass playing fields for impromptu games of soccer or cricket. Next to the museum is the Winter Garden Pavilion which has indoor and outdoor gardens as well as a large fountain with an ice cream shop, duck pond and toilets nearby. The best place for a picnic or lie down is the gently sloping grass in front of the museum which has great views of the ports and harbour. The area is very spacious with plenty of sculptures and there are also regular concerts like Christmas In The Park and Starlight Symphony.

Viaduct Basin

This area was refurbished from a fishing port when New Zealand hosted the Americas Cup so is a swanky place to walk around and look at boats or the harbour.  The restaurants and bars are a rip off so don't waste your money and leave that to the millionaire/billionaire yachties docked there.  Instead enjoy the ample public area and getting meters away from amazing super yachts.  Imagine what your life might have been like if you were born into the modern elite, cruising the ocean on floating palaces.

Due to a fishing ban there are plenty of shell fish and algae growing in the area so you can usually see Parore, Kahawai and even Kingfish swimming around.  Check out the old drawbridge, watch boats cruising in and out of the marina, take up a park bench...Its not called the city of sails for nothing.  There are often free festivals and events hosted in the area also.

On your way there you can buy a cool drink or ice cream from a convenience store before strolling out along Princess Wharf (again avoid the restaurants and soliciting waiters) for some nice views and ocean breeze.  There are often interesting boats moored along here such as the QE2, old fashioned ocean going ships, foreign navy and research vessels.

Auckland Fish Market

If you like seafood or just looking at interesting marine life its always a good idea to check out the local seafood markets.  Auckland's isn't far from downtown so you can enjoy a walk around the beautiful viaduct to get there or take the free Fish Market shuttle bus.  As well as its own unique marine life, New Zealand sits atop the great southern ocean so there is a lot of variety to be seen.  There is a Night Market on Thursday nights till 9pm.

Ponsonby Road

This is the well-to-do cousin of Auckland's K'Road but is just as interesting (if you avoid the snobs and quasi celebrities) yet quite a lot bigger.  Most of the buildings are old fashioned (by NZ standards) and it is upmarket so many restaurants, shops and bars are over priced but there is still plenty to see and do on the cheap.

There are great cafes, restaurants, fashion & niche shops, a small Saturday market, an alternative radio station, an interesting park, a great video/dvd/blue ray rental, best fish & chips shop...in fact the list of worthwhile shops is endless so I will just describe a few below and let you discover the rest...

Check Out:

• Murder Burger - Quirky theme and well above average burgers http://www.murderburger.co.nz
• Burger Wisconsin - Amazing burgers and best view in Auckland (check out my post) http://www.burgerwisconsin.co.nz
• Amaze and the garden party - Two seriously good gift shops which are great for a play.
• Video Ezy Ponsonby - By far the most extensive collection of DVDs I've seen in a NZ store including documentary, art-house, manga, foreign, cult etc. 
• Ponsonby Fresh Fish and Chip Shop - Not the cheapest such shop out there but a relatively cheap option in Ponsonby (they have been voted best in Auckland a number of years). 
• Cafe Cezanne - Order a 'bowl' of hot chocolate and a big slice of cake...mmm

K'Road

Located at the top of Queen Street, its full name is Karangahape Road, but thankfully locals just call it K'Road.  Its used to be one of Auckland's busiest shopping streets but went into decline in the 70's and 80's becoming a prostitute filled red light district. Now in revival since the 90s (and with the legalisation of prostitution in New Zealand) most pro's work out of brothels or ply the backstreets off K'Road.

There are plenty of alternative shops, some of Auckland's best cafes, a small Saturday market, bars and nightclubs.  I like it best because of the atmosphere which is one of hope from despair, genuineness and reality.  From the homeless or down and outs you still get a sense of the seediness but you can also see a real mix of cultural and socioeconomic Auckland (fully safe except early morning).
Check out:

• Alleluya Cafe - Nestled in the kooky St Kevins arcade (alternative mecca) browse the kitsch stores before ordering one of Auckland's best coffees or a cheap brunch while overlooking Myers Park and Auckland city.
• Iko Iko - Cool little gift shop which is great for a play http://ikoiko.co.nz/
• Kiwi disposal - If you are going to be camping or spending time outdoors in New Zealand then you can get cheap but army quality supplies  http://www.kiwidisposals.co.nz/

Devonport and North Head

This is a quaint seaside town across the harbor from downtown Auckland.  You can drive across the harbor bridge but I recommend you take the Devonport ferry from downtown ($11 return) as you get a cheap harbor cruise for free.  Once there you will arrive at Devonport wharf which has a few interesting shops and usually people fishing.  There is a nice seaside park, information centre, plenty of good cafes, art & alternative shops and a small cinema.  It is the site of New Zealand's only naval base (so don't be surprised to see plenty of navy sailors from New Zealand or other countries) and there is a navy museum for the public next to the base.  The same direction takes you to North Head, a historic gun emplacement and tunnel complex defending Auckland's harbor.  This was established in the late 1800s to defend Auckland from Russian invasion, it was then resurrected during WWII due to the imminent threat of Japanese invasion (it very nearly happened!).  Take a torch (or use the flash on your phone camera) and you can explore the impressive tunnels and gun turrets with spectacular views.  Be adventurous and follow some of the less trodden paths and tracks around the complex and you will be rewarded.  After this exercise head downhill to the sandy Cheltenham beach for a swim or suntan before heading home.
http://www.devonport.co.nz/index.htm

Bastion Pt - Savage Memorial

 This is a historical site for a number of reasons including one of the most famous peaceful land occupation protests by Maori in 1978 which ended with 800 police arresting 222 protesters (they had been protesting on the site for almost 2 years).  There were far reaching political and social consequences for New Zealand society following following this.



Today it is an idyllic grassy land overlooking the Hauraki Gulf containing one of the most beautiful monuments in Auckland. The Monument is the Savage Memorial in memory of first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand, Michael Joseph Savage (1872-1940), who lead NZ during WWII and died in office (he is probably the most popular leader the country every had). He is supposed to be buried under the monument but there is speculation and conspiracy theory around this. It has a lovely pond and gardens with some of the best views in Auckland. Great on a sunny day.http://www.mch.govt.nz/nz-identity-heritage/national-monuments-war-graves/savage-memorial

Burger Wisconsin Ponsonby - Best Views of Auckland

While I have a separate blog for cheap and good places to eat in Auckland, this place has acquired by accident one of the best views of Auckland making it more than just a place to eat.  It is obviously an American burger chain but if you haven't tried it already, Burger Wisconsin offers some of the best burgers available in NZ for $10~$15.  The Ponsonby outlet sits opposite the turn-off to Anglesea St which means the view of the Sky Tower and Auckland city is completely unobstructed.  Forget New Zealand's gourmet restaurants (an oxymoron) and enjoy great burgers with stunning views in Auckland's trendiest neighborhood.
http://www.burgerwisconsin.co.nz/stores.html

Tamaki Drive

This is the road that runs along the coast from downtown Auckland to St Heliers bay.  You can take a bus going either way but I would recommend walking or cycling the route in one direction.  The route itself is lined with Pohutukawa trees (the so called New Zealand Christmas Tree because it flowers around Christmas time) and provides a dual use cycle and pedestrian footpath. 

Starting from Downtown Auckland you pass the Historic Britomart Building, Vector Arena, Ports of Auckland (if you enjoy any of these) then you should be at the seaside.  On your right you will pass the Parnell Baths, Hobson Bay, Orakei Basin (see my other post), mini golf and arrive at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club where you can check out some of Auckland's Yachts and their Yachties.  Keep an eye out as there often small vans and trucks along the road here selling cheap fruits and vegetables (mmm berries in summer).

Next along is Fergs Kayaks which is run by Ian Ferguson, a four time Olympic kayaking gold medalist.  Ferg is friendly and usually on site for a chat or to provide various kayaking advice.  You can also hire Kayaks for a trip across to Rangitoto island but that doesn't fall under "cheap and free".

The first bay you will come to is Okahu which appears a nice place for a lie on the beach/grass or a swim.  But don't be tempted to stop here because there is more and better to come.  Continue past Kelly Tarlton's (not cheap!), and head out the long Orakei Jetty to have a look at the local fisherkids and catch a glimpse of Auckland city from afar. 

Next you will pass the the entrance to Bastion Point (see my post on this), Tamaki Yacht club and come to Mission Bay (also a separate post).  If you need a refreshment/ice cream/rest then Mission bay is good for this but be sure to continue on to the next bay around called Kohimaramara.  This is where locals are likely to spend a day at the beach as it is less crowded than Mission Bay and less commercial.  There is a nice boardwalk, sandy beach, toilets and outside showers to wash off the salt water.

If you get hungry then rather than heading back to Mission bay keep on heading away from the city to the next bay St Heliers.  There is a nice beach, boardwalk, toilets, showers, cafes and restaurants here but less tourists.  You can catch a bus back to the city or if you're more adventurous then keep heading away from the city along the cliff until you get to the Ladies Bay.  This is a nudist beach with a nice viewing platform above it so you can enjoy the view or become part of it yourself...live and let live.

Mission Bay

If you only have a short time in Auckland city I would recommend the short bus trip or even a walk (see my post on Tamaki Drive) to Mission bay.  Its a cute little beach with restaurants, cafes, a movie theatre and lots of people on a hot sunny day.  There is usually something going on in the small park next to the beach such as a festivals, open days, sporting events or just an informal game of soccer.  The beach is safe for swimming and there are usually kayaks, bikes, stand up paddle boards etc for rent nearby.  Take a picture in front of the famous fountain (quite pretty at night) which is usually full of kids and babies then head to the Movenpick or NZ Natural ice cream shop.   If your hungry you can buy fish and chips to eat on the beach (the restaurants are a little pricey) and watch the stars come out over Auckland's famous Rangitoto island.   
http://www.missionbay.co.nz/

Waitakere Ranges

This is a rugged west coast forest area only a 30 minute drive from central auckland.  There are numerous walking trails that go through some pretty impressive native forestry taking in streams, swimming holes, waterfalls, black sand beaches and sand dunes.  There are also some nice dams which provide Auckland with much of its drinking water.  But don't drink any water from streams or pools without using water purification tabs as Giardia was introduced to New Zealand in the 90s.

This area has also been used as the back drop for many of New Zealand's famous film and TV productions such as The Piano, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Lord of The Rings,  Bridge to Terabithia and Xena.  The west coast area itself is also home to eccentric locals (westies), artists, reclusive people and possums (a pest in NZ so feel free to hit and run). 
http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/parks-in-the-region/waitakere-ranges/

Dressmart

Ordinarily I wouldn't recommend a place like this but if youre from a place where there aren't many shopping options and you need to buy some cheap branded clothing then avoid malls or the city and head here.  As with all outlet stores prices are much cheaper as they sell end of lines, last season fashion and factory seconds.  The Dresssmart mall is reasonably sized and probably doesn't need to be plugged so I'll stop here. 

http://www.dress-smart.co.nz/index.php/page/homepage

Shakespeare Regional Park - Whangaparaoa Peninsula

Nothing to do with Shakespeare but a beautiful park at the end of a peninsula jutting out above Auckland.  There are plenty of small bays, bushwalks, native birds such as Tui beating about in the trees, views over the Hauraki gulf, native bush, grassy fields and calm beaches for swimming.

As with most beaches around Auckland there are lots of army relics from the second world war when concrete pill boxes or 'bunkers' were constructed along the coast in defense against Japanese invasion (having subsequently invaded it turns out they just wanted to take photos :). 

The place is also good for fishing and diving (water visibility can be clearer here than other parts of Auckland) but if your not in to either I'd recommend a "walk around the rocks" to explore hidden beaches and coves.
http://www.arc.govt.nz/parks/our-parks/parks-in-the-region/shakespear/

Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony

This is one of Auckland's best west coast beaches.  For those of you who aren't familiar with New Zealand, its west coast tends to be rugged and sparse, both in nature and inhabitants (that includes people).  The sea here is no exception and tends to be rough with strong swells, bigger waves and blustery winds.  But this provides a strong character from which it derives its beauty.  If you've seen any windswept beach photography from New Zealand it was probably taken from this area.

It is a popular spot for surfies, hippies, nature lovers, beach walkers, fisherman and Aucklanders escaping the city.  It is possible to swim here but make sure you do so in an area patrolled by surf lifesavers as swimmers can drown from time to time.  It is most  famous for the large Gannet colony which you can observe from observation decks at the end of a short boardwalk (Oct-Feb).  These large gliding sea-birds are a treat to observe but are merely the entree to a beautiful beach walk.  Late afternoon is the best time to be here as the sun setting ads pastel colors to everthing giving the place a mellow mood.  A walk along the beach can reveal fearless surfers, kite and kontiki fisherman, surfcasters, flotsam on the tidal line, dogs of all shapes and sizes, insurmountable sand dunes, orcas and dolphins out to see, foamy waves and patches of iron rich black sand.   Good all year round.
http://www.auckland.nz.com/beaches/muriwai.aspx

Clevedon Farmers Market

While I wouldn't go as far as saying its one of the best farmers markets in the country, it is as good as you're going to get close to Auckland. I'd recommend it for the experience mainly, especially if you haven't been to one before. There is relatively cheap produce, seedlings, baked goods, country crafts, friendly people, home made preserves, all sorts of nicknacks and a nearby cafe for food and drinks. My recommendation would be to get there early as there is little left of value by late morning. Nuff said really.
http://www.clevedonfarmersmarket.co.nz/

Goat Island Marine Reserve in Leigh

Setup as a highly successful experiment to see what would happen if fishing was prohibited in a small depleted area, this place has to be seen to be believed.  A small sandy bay with rocky outcrops and an island just offshore hosts an enormous variety of marine species, noticeably the fish.  From the shore and rocks you can see large Snapper, Blue Mao Mao, Kawhai, Rays, Paroree, Goat Fish, Crayfish and the list goes on.  Enter the water to snorkel or dive and it is even more spectacular as hundreds of fish are just as keen to stare at you, as you are at them.

Our most recent trip started with amazement at the huge snapper cruising a few meters offshore.  We then rented snorkeling gear and swam around the rocks amazed at the variety of fish and how close they came to us.  After a few swims, a bbq lunch and a pat of the donkey in a nearby paddock there was a comotion as a pod of dolphins came close to shore (a frequent occurrence).  We swam out to do some more snorkeling and soon the dolphins were swimming, jumping and clicking all around us.  On the way back to the beach we found a $20 bill floating on the surface and just smiled.

Long Bay

 A short drive north of Auckland reveals this lovely beach spot that is a favorite for locals on a hot day.  If the weather is spectacular make sure you get there before lunch otherwise you may struggle to get a park.  There are coin bbqs, an ice cream shop, toilets, beach showers, picnic tables, grassy knolls and plenty of grass.  But the long, gently slopping, placid beach is the main attraction here.  Highlights include beach cricket/rugby games, the nude beach the next bay round, rockpools with Kina and other tidal zone inhabitants (make sure you take a walk around the rocks at the end of the beach), radio station promotions with give aways and of course the atmosphere.  The area is a marine reserve so no fishing or harvesting but this means you should be able to see plenty of marine fauna.

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

One Tree Hill - Cornwall Park

Well its really no tree hill now after a series of attacks on the "one tree" by Maori protesters over the years saw the tree cut down.  But its still one of the most spectacular volcanic cones in the Auckland region with stunning views across the isthmus to both East and West Coasts.  While the hill is a must do, it is pretty touristy and it is the surrounding Cornwall Park that in my view is the highlight.  On a sunny day half of Auckland is having a family picnic here yet there is still enough room to have your own quarter acre of grass.  There are a number of highlights such as the ice cream shop next to the information centre, archery club, highland cattle, variety of trees and "groves", steep banks to roll around on, craters to explore, rocks to spell out your name for the next Google Earth satellite pass over and of course sheep.  There are plenty of sheep in all sizes and breeds confirming the stereo types for international tourists (much to many a Kiwi's dismay).  And instead of taking the road or paths to the top the hill I would recommend taking the road less travelled and hop a fence (where a turnstile is provided) and head up through one of the many paddocks of sheep and you will likely find an isolated park bench at the top of a ridge all for yourself. 

Music Point

A great place for a weekend stroll.  You can park at the beginning of the golf course and walk all the way or drive right to the driveway entrance to the radio station building.  Plenty of grassy Knolls, views of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands, shade from trees, picnic and photo spots.  And to cap it all off there is also a historic building with history.   There is a steep walkway at the tip of the point to get down to the shoreline and at low tide you can explore the rock pools, cave and island/rock.  Look out for Tui's in the trees and bunny rabbits in spring...oh and golf balls lol. 
http://www.welcome2manukau.co.nz/tourism/product/?product=musick-point

Auckland Botanical Gardens

While it is not the most beatuful or exotic public garden it is very expansive and diverse for the middle of a sprawling urban city.  It encompasses numersous themes and backs onto an area of bush providing plenty of short bush walks.  One side of the garden is spoiled by traffic noise from the adjacent Southern Motorway but it is so big that you can easily get away from this.  Perfect for families or a lovers stroll and you could easily spend a few hours here. 
http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/

Chestnut Picking

Large chestnut picking, great fun for a lazy Sunday but don't forget solid shoes for these prickly suckers and a couple of strong plastic bags.  Get there at the end of the season when they are selling cheap (we got 10 kilos at $1 a kilo) and you can stock up for the winter.  If you haven't eaten chestnuts before google for recipes or just steam them as they are fantastic.  Owners are fantastic people and great to talk with.
http://www.chestnutridge-nz.com/chestnuts.html

Queen Street

A walk down this iconic street, which is the financial heart of New Zealand and borders its biggest University (the University of Auckalnd), is well worth the while.  Spend time on one the designer benches underneath the recently installed Nikau Palms along the raod and you can see a vast cross section of society including students, office workers, tourists, townies, out of towners passing through, homeless and affluent.  In recent years there has been a swell in the number of Asian students and migrants living in the central city contibuting to the diversity.

The street is essentially a corrider between places you would want to be going such as Downtown, the Viaduct, the university, Auckland Domain, Karangahape road (aka K road), the casino or shops within the city.  While there are plenty of shops and activities to empty your purse, there are just as many cheap and free things to do.

• Aotea Square, Aotea Centre and Town Hall -The square is a nice place to spend time in good weather and often has small markets and free performances (or just watch the skateborders injure themselves as entertainment).  The Aotea Centre is a performing arts venue but has recently undergone a makeover so if you can sneak it it is quite plush inside.  The nearby town hall is also quite picturesque.
• Japanese $3.50 Shop-Like a $2 shop but 100 times better.  If you have been to Japan and used the ¥100 of ¥99 shops then you will love this shop, if you haven't then this is a must see as its hard to leave without buying something http://www.3japan.co.nz/  
• Britomart Transport Hub-Nicely renovated historic building that acts as a train station and bus depot.  Check out the historic pics inside (why did they get rid of the Queen Street trams?) http://www.britomart.org/
• Borders Bookstore-Find a vacant seat and read a chapter or two from the latest best seller or your favourite magazine http://www.borders.co.nz/
• Central City Library-Check out the books, use the free wireless or just wander around http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/aboutthelibraries/locationsandhours/centralcitylibrary.aspx
• Albert Park-Nice Central city park that adjoins the University of Auckland, especially in summer and when full of students, big trees and grassy spots for a lie down.  For an adventenure see if you can find the entrances to the extensive but now closed Albert Park Tunnels that were built during WWII http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Park_tunnels
• The Sweetest Little Chocolate Shop-Located in Midcity this is a fabulous little chocolate shop but try the hot chocolates as they are out of this world http://www.thesweetestlittlechocolateshop.co.nz/
• Bongane Korean Restaurant-Just off Queen Street on Mayoral drive, for this price you are not going get food as good and healthy anywhere else in the city.
• Skycity Cinema Queen Street-Probably not the best cinematic experience in the world but check out the cinema complex from the inside as it is spectacular http://www.eventcinemas.co.nz/.  Right outside the cinema I would recommend New Zealand's own Burgerfuel for a nice burger or Giapo for a Gelato Ice Cream
• Vulcan Lane-Great place for a beer or pot of mussels
• Queens Arcade at the bottom of Queen Street is worth a stroll
• The Ferry Building right at the bottom of the street is another historic/picturesque building and there is a fabulous Gelato shop underneath called Valentino’s Gelato.

Auckland Night Market

While this is still relatively small in scale it has only just started up and the thousands who turn up every Saturday night at Pakuranga shows there is a real demand for something like this in Auckland.  It is a shame that there are few affordable nighttime activities in this city other than drinking or going to the movies so I think this is a fantastic idea.

It is dominated by ethnic food stalls (some really great ones), trinket merchants and produce vendors.  But I usually just go for the atmosphere as for a few moments I feel transported to the orient as I wonder amongst the aromas.  Look out for the authentic Japanese Takoyaki (octopus balls) vendor who also sells crab and prawn varieties of this Japanese classic.

Located in the Warehouse underground carpark (so also good for something to do on a rainy Auckland evening) at the Westfield Pakuranga Plaza every Saturday from 6pm-Midnight
http://www.aucklandnightmarket.co.nz/%20%20%20

Orakei Basin

A nice walk around an area you have probably driven past a million times.  To do the full loop involves a lot of stairs and some alleyways and streets but for the most part it is an idillic stroll along the waters edge.  Great for a Sunday afternoon stroll that will take you around an hour.  Look out for the Parore fish feeding in the shallows, aged gentlemen racing their remote controlled yachts and wake boarders showing off their skills. 

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/News/NewsArticles/Pages/OrakeiBasinboardwalkofficiallyopened.aspx