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10 Days in Auckland: A Journey of Adventure and Discovery

Carloalberto Vinco

Carloalberto Vinco

28 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure in Auckland, New Zealand. Explore ancient marvels, immerse yourself in nature, and indulge in authentic cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and discovery.

Day 1Unveiling Heritage Treasures and Majestic Waterfalls
+

$25

·

$ 10

Alberton - Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Visitors can explore this 1860s mansion with original furnishings & other artifacts, plus a garden.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$25
30 - 36 min

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Directions

Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
Nature reserve known for surfing off black-sand beaches & waterfall hikes through native rainforest.
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Free
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Kitekite Falls
Large, dramatic waterfall in the forest with hiking paths, wildlife & a swimming hole.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Free
Day 2Cathedrals, Squares, and Lighthouses: A Day of Architectural Wonders
+

$0

·

$ 15

Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph
Stately, full-service Catholic church featuring an ornate design with lots of stained glass.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Aotea Square
Sculptures and statues line this open public space, sometimes used for rallies and outdoor concerts.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Western Park
Park (also called Tuna Mau) with trails, sports fields, tennis courts, a playground & picnic areas.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
135 - 162 min

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Directions

Manukau Heads Lighthouse
Secluded beacon accessible by long drive, surrounded by grounds popular for picnicking & sea views.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
166 - 200 min

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Directions

Muriwai Gannet Colony
Seaside retreat featuring a coastline with black-sand beaches & a gannet breeding ground.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Free
Day 3Serenity in Nature: Parks, Gardens, and Temples
+

$0

·

$ 15

Cornwall Park
This tranquil, grassy park with a cafe & creamery is popular with runners, bikers & picnickers.
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Auckland Botanic Gardens
Sprawling botanical garden featuring many flowers, plants & trees, plus event venues & a cafe.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
14 - 17 min

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Directions

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
Serene Buddhist temple complex with landscaped gardens, a vegetarian cafe & an art gallery.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Free
20 - 24 min

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Directions

Omana Regional Park
Hilly park overlooking the gulf, with a beach, campground, farm animals & pa (Maori earthworks).
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Free
Day 4Stepping Back in Time: Historical Villages and Natural Beauty
+

$100

·

$ 10

Howick Historical Village
Recreated village with colonial schools & stores, plus period clothing & artifacts on display.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$38
24 - 29 min

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Directions

Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
This 182m-tall volcanic peak with a road to its summit features an obelisk & an observation area.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
18 - 22 min

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Directions

Butterfly Creek
A mix of zoo exhibits, including a butterfly house, plus a dinosaur area, playground & train.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
$63
Day 5Exploring the Outdoors: Parks, Observatories, and Gardens
+

$38

·

$ 10

Ambury Regional Park
Camping & hiking are popular at this farm park with wildlife, pastured animals & lava flows.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Astronomy venue with planetarium shows, courtyard telescope viewing & an interactive space gallery.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$38
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Domain Wintergardens
Historic Victorian-style glasshouses with tropical & seasonal flowers, plus a courtyard & pond.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Auckland Domain
Established city park containing museums, memorials & the entire blast crater of Pukekawa volcano.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Free
Day 6City Heights and Artistic Delights: Towers, Galleries, and Gardens
+

$175

·

$ 10

Sky Tower
Landmark 60-storey tower with panoramic views, bungee jumping & a high-end revolving restaurant.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$75
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Auckland Art Gallery
Vast array of national & international art, plus Maori works, in a château-style 1800s building.
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
$38
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Dove Myer Robinson Park (Parnell Rose Garden)
Recreation area featuring 2 colorful rose gardens, plus an observation deck overlooking the water.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Aquatic life habitats are explored via glass viewing tunnels, displays & shows at this site.
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
$63
Day 7Parks, Museums, and Thrills: A Day of Adventure and History
+

$150

·

$ 15

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Landmark obelisk, sunken pool & gardens with harbor views, commemorating a former prime minister.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
40 - 48 min

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Directions

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum
Compact museum with a cafe offering historical Navy exhibitions, artifacts & educational programs.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
23 - 28 min

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Directions

MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology
Interactive zones & exhibits on a 40-acre site including original 1877 pump house & Kiwi cars.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$50
29 - 35 min

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Directions

Snowplanet
Family facility offering indoor skiing & snowboarding on artificial snow & other activities.
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
$100
Day 8Bridges, Markets, and Maritime Tales: A Day of Urban Exploration
+

$350

·

$ 15

AJ Hackett Auckland Bridge Bungy & Climb
Bungee jump experiences & climbing tours of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with sweeping city views.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$300
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Auckland Fish Market
Indoor-outdoor hub featuring stalls for fresh fish & counters serving informal seafood dishes.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
16 - 24 min

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Directions

New Zealand Maritime Museum
Museum exploring the country's seafaring history through exhibits & sailing trips on replica ships.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
$50
24 - 29 min

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Directions

Takarunga / Mount Victoria
Grassy volcanic hill featuring walking trails, a live music venue & panoramic harbor views.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
9 - 11 min

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Directions

North Head
Notable coastline with cottages, colonial villas & historic WWII defences along a reserve trail.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Free
Day 9Beaches, Markets, and Parks: A Day of Relaxation and Local Culture
+

$0

·

$ 15

Long Bay Regional Park
Clifftop walking trails plus swimming & kite flying in a beach park with BBQ & picnic sites.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Takapuna Beach Sunday Market
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
11 - 14 min

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Directions

Cheltenham Beach
Lengthy coastal strip dotted with Victorian mansions & popular for swimming, strolling & picnicking.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
17 - 21 min

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Directions

Victoria Park
Popular public green space featuring a walking/jogging path, skate park, playground & sports fields.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Free
Day 10Wildlife Encounters and Stunning Views: A Day of Nature and Adventure
+

$63

·

$ 15

Auckland Zoo
New Zealand's largest zoo, with 130+ species & nearly 900 animals in a range of exhibits.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$63
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Silo Park
Public park incorporating parts of a former industrial site, with outdoor concerts, films & markets.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
21 - 26 min

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Directions

Maungauika / North Head Historic Reserve
Former military fortifications atop a grassy headland, with tunnels & guns, plus harbour views.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
38 - 46 min

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Directions

Rangitoto Summit Track
Hikes over black rock created by lava flows on a volcanic island with panoramic views over the gulf.
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $1029 In total

Activities & Food:$900
Transport:$129