Blog – Around the Island in 30 days!

“New Zealand: Your essential guide to the South Island” is now available online at Allegro in Poland.

VOLCANOES OF AUCKLAND

The main attraction south of the city centre is Mount Eden Domain – a large crater of an extinct volcano. The massive crater is roughly 50m/164ft deep and is a spectacular sight. A walkway takes visitors around the crater – now covered in a blanket of beautiful green grass – and offers stunning 360 degree views of Auckland and surrounds. Mount Eden (Maungawhau) is one of nearly 50 volcanic cones scattered throughout the area, and at 196m/643ft it is also the highest, so don’t be surprised if you get blasted by the wind.

A little further south, is another of Auckland’s famous volcanic craters –Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill Domain, at a height of 182m/587ft. The site is one of the largest former Māori settlements in New Zealand, with three ancient pa’s (fortifications). On the summit is a large obelisk dedicated to Māori, which was unveiled in 1948, and at its base is the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, regarded as the ‘Father of Auckland’. Next to the Domain is the wonderful Cornwall Park with its many walkways and picnic facilities.

For something less touristy, head to Mangere Domain, 14.5km/9miles south of the city. This is one of the largest and best preserved volcanic cones and is much quieter than Mount Eden and One Tree Hill. It offers magnificent views across the surrounding landscape and a walking track allows visitors to navigate their way around the crater. Just 2km/1mile west of Mangere Domain is the wonderful Ambury Regional Park , where many of the ancient lava flows and lava cavities can be seen. Mangere Mountain last erupted about 18,000 years ago.

BUTTERFLY CREEK

10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport. +64-9-275 8880. Entrance fee. $$. Open 7 days. Apr-Oct 9:30am-5pm. Nov-Mar Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm. Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 9am-5:30pm. Last entry one hour before close. Closed 25 & 26 Dec.

If you think Butterfly Creek is all about pretty little butterflies, think again. Giant dinosaurs line the pathways of the pre-historic Dinosaur Kingdom, some of them up to 24m/79ft in height. There are over 60 dinosaurs as part of the exhibit, many of them animatronics, and the Kingdom includes an indoor display of fossils and skeletons. It is also home to mythical and fantasy creatures, as well as live animals, including salt water crocodiles, farm animals, monkeys, reptiles, a bird aviary, nocturnal Kiwi House…. And of course, butterflies. Over 700 beautiful butterflies in a wonderful Butterfly House. Allow several hours to make the most of your visit.

AUCKLAND ZOO

Motions Road, Western Springs. +64-9-360 3805. Entrance fee. $$$. Open 7 days. Sep-Apr 9:30am-5:30pm. May-Aug 9:30am-5pm. Last entry 4:15pm.

The zoo first opened in 1922 and it has seen much expansion over the years. Today, it is a well laid out zoo and features different zones, including Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, where you can see the endangered Asian elephants. The large enclosures resemble the natural habitat of the animals and are absolutely superb, in particular the New Zealand enclosure with its forest and streams, and the Meerkat Tunnel. Other highlights include the giant Galapagos tortoise and the haunting calls of the Siamang Gibbons. There are several animal encounters throughout the day, so check on arrival to make sure you don’t miss out. Allow several hours for a truly wonderful day out.

BETHELLS BEACH & MOKOROA FALLS

Situated 35km/22miles from Auckland, Bethells Beach is a stunning sheltered black sand beach on a stretch of picturesque, unspoilt shoreline. This isolated beach is great for exploring a number of sea caves, accessible at low tide, or go for a walk on the sand dunes, or head to Te Henga Walkway (start opposite Lake Wainamu car park), for incredible views over the beach and the vast ocean. This is a remote paradise, with a small community and limited facilities. So worth it.

For an additional excursion you can visit Mokoroa Falls, less than half an hour’s drive from Bethells Beach. As you head back to Auckland on Bethells Road, turn left into Duffy Road (9.5km/6miles from Bethells Beach), then left on Wairere Road, and continue to the car park at the end of the road. A well maintained track takes visitors through gorgeous forest of the Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve towards a viewing platform, from where you have great views of the falls. Stairs lead to the base of the waterfall for an up close encounter.

NEW ZEALAND MARITIME MUSEUM

Cnr Quay & Hobson Street, Auckland. +64-9-373 0800. Entrance fee. $$. Auckland residents. Free. Open 7 days. 10am-5pm. Last entry 4pm. Closed 25 Dec.

Located in a great location by the harbour, the museum’s collections contain artifacts from earliest Polynesian settlement to modern times, including early seafaring vessels. There are several great spaces, with exhibitions that include immigrants to New Zealand, the story of Sir Peter Blake, a quirky display of 1950’s Kiwi beach store and bach (beach house), a stunning collection of model ships, and so much more. Highly recommended, especially if you’re a fan of maritime history. For an additional fee ($$$) you can take a trip across the harbour on heritage vessels Ted Ashby, Nautilus, or the cute steam tug SS Puke.

EWELME COTTAGE

14 Ayr Street, Parnell. +64-9-524 5729. Entrance fee. $. Open Sun 10:30am-4:30pm. Closed 25 Dec.

The modest 19^th century cottage is simply marvelous, given the fact that much of the interior and objects inside the house remain largely unchanged from when it was last used (1968), thereby giving a wonderful snapshot of what life was like so many years ago. The cottage also contains books dating back to the 16^th century, sheet music, costumes and photographs. Film fans may recognise the drawing room and veranda from the Academy Award winning New Zealand film ‘The Piano’. Worth a visit, even if only to walk around the house and 19^th century garden and imagine yourself living here, far removed from modern comforts and technology. Limited opening hours, so plan your visit carefully.

HIGHWIC

40 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket (carpark and entrance around the corner in Mortimer Pass). +64-9-524 5729. Entrance fee. $. Open Wed-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm. Closed 25 Dec and Good Friday.

This impressive historic mansion was built in 1862 and gives a glimpse into the life of wealthy colonialists. It was the home of Alfred Buckland, a businessman who came to New Zealand from England. Interpretive panels throughout the house provide more information on the history of the home and its occupants. A number of outbuildings also survive, including the stables and billiard house, and the Victorian garden comprises many trees that date from the same period. Highwic is one of the last remaining original pioneering mansions in Auckland and is worth a visit.

ALBERTON

100 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert. +64-9-846 7367. Entrance fee. $. Open Wed-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm. Closed 25 Dec and Good Friday.

Alberton mansion was built in 1863, a year after Highwic (see above) and showcases the lifestyle of a wealthy colonial family. The original farmhouse was considerably smaller but it was gradually expanded over the years, and barely a decade later it consisted of 18 rooms. The interior doesn’t seem as grandiose as the exterior would suggest, but then again, this was a working farm. Home to Allan Kerr Taylor, the house includes thousands of authentic artifacts and period furniture, and you almost expect the family to come back any minute. This is one of the best preserved colonial homes in the region and even the wallpaper in many of the rooms are original. The extensive lawns and original outbuildings are also a delight. Even if you’ve been to Highwic, Alberton is worthy of a visit.

EDEN GARDEN

24 Omana Avenue, Epsom. +64-9-638 8395. Entrance fee. $. Open 7 days. 9am-4pm. Closed 25 Dec.

Situated adjacent to the Mount Eden Domain, Eden Park boasts a large collection of plants, most notably rhododendrons, camellias and bromeliads. This small but lovely garden was created from an old quarry, on the slopes of Mount Eden. Several paths meander through an assortment of mature trees, native bush, and streams, and at the top of the garden are great views towards the city. This is one of the wonderful hidden gems of the city, so make time for a visit, and enjoy some fine baking at the onsite café.

ODYSSEY SENSORY MAZE

Metro Centre, 291-297 Queen Street, Auckland. +64-9-365 1145. Entrance fee. $$. Open 7 days. 10am-10pm.

Enter a world of darkness where the only chance of finding your way out, is to be guided by (often deceiving) lighting effects and scents. Challenging spaces, quirky obstacles and great sound effects make this a fun activity for young and old. Don’t try to find your way out as quickly as possible – take your time and enjoy all that is on offer.

https://www.odysseysensorymaze.co.nz/

HOBBITON

501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata. +64-7-888 1505. Tours. $$$$-$+. Bookings essential. Allow at leat 3 hours.

Be transported to a world of magic and fantasy! This is the original movie set of the hugely successful ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and ‘The Hobbit’ films, and you almost expect to see Frodo and his family of hobbits frolicking here in the Shire. Enter the hillside Hobbit Holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn, enjoy a cold cider, stay for a banquet, or simply enjoy the magnificent scenery of the rolling green hills and the Kaimai Ranges. Welcome to Middle Earth – a magnificent setting that will appeal to all. The attention to detail is simply mindblowing – even the flowers are specially planted to create a living, breathing village. Go early to avoid the huge crowds. Highly recommended, even if you’re not a movie fan.

CLASSICS MUSEUM

11 Railside Place, Hamilton. +64-7-657 2230. Entrance fee. $$. Open 7 days. 9am-4pm. Last entry 3.30pm. Public Holidays 9am-3pm. Closed 25 & 26 Dec, 1 & 2 Jan.

Automobile fans will be like a kid in a candy store at this attraction. There are over 100 cars and other automotive memorabilia, all beautifully displayed. The overarching theme is the 1950’s, although some vehicles date back to the early 20^th century. And if you’re not a fan, you can grab a bite to eat from the on-site 50’s style diner.

KAWHIA

The small seaside town of Kawhia is simply delightful. Located 58km/36miles north west of Otorohanga in a picturesque harbour setting, the town has a population of 650. The main road is lined with pretty old buildings and for a moment you may think that you’ve travelled back in time. There is a surprising number of accommodation options for such a small village, including two campgrounds and a backpackers. The town has a selection of eateries and a petrol station, and a pretty Museum (+64-7-871 0161. Entry by Donation. Open Summer Wed-Sun & Public Holidays 11am-4pm. Winter Sat-Sun 11am-4pm. Other times by arrangement) that sits on the water’s edge right beside the old wharf. Activities in Kawhia include horse trekking on a beautiful unspoilt beach, natural hot water pools, kayaking, and heritage tours.

Kawhia is world famous for its splendid Kawhia Kai Festival, a gastronomic celebration of Māori cuisine. The festival is held in early February and draws huge crowds.

RAGLAN & BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

The seaside town of Raglan is located 45km/28miles west of Hamilton along State Highway 23. The road there seems remote and isolated, and without warning, you arrive at the bustling town with its many cafés, restaurants, surf shops, bars and holiday makers. There’s no denying that the town has a superb location at the picturesque Whaingaroa Harbour on the West Coast, and the many accommodation options and holiday parks tempt travellers to spend the night. Raglan has a long black sand beach and attracts surfers from all over the world thanks to its great surf. If you want to find out more about the history of Raglan and the region, head to the Raglan & District Museum (15 Wainui Road. +64-7-825 8925. Entry fee. $. Open 7 days. 9.30am-6pm. Closed 25 Dec and ANZAC Day morning), next to the Information Centre. If you want tranquility for the soul, head to the splendid Solscape, just outside of town. Located on a marvellous hilltop setting with superb views over the coastline, this fully functional eco retreat offers massages, yoga, surfing lessons, a vegan restaurant, and accommodation.

Raglan is surrounded by magnificent scenery and whilst there, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Bridal Veil Falls, 20km/12.5miles south of town on Te Mata Road, off State Highway 23. From the car park an easy ten minute walk through beautiful forest takes visitors to a viewing platform, and from there you can continue the short walk to the base of the spectacular waterfall.