Going ashore
Seafaring history is showcased at the terrific National Maritime Museum just along the quay. The attractions of downtown are also a walk away,and include Sky Tower and Auckland Art Gallery,which is especially good for New Zealand landscapes and Maori portraits. Family-friendly Sea Life Aquarium,a little further away,has endearing penguins.
Auckland’s popular Sky Tower.Credit:Phil Carrick
Don’t miss
Auckland Domain for leafy green space and Auckland Museum. Its exhibits cover wildlife,volcanoes and civilisation but are especially good for Maori and Pacific Island artefacts. Just beyond the far edge of the Domain you’ll find Parnell Farmers’ Market (Saturdays only) and Ewelme Cottage,which showcases the Victorian middle-class life of its fabulously named 19th-century owner Blanche Lush.
Get active
Turn right as you step off the ship and you can jog through Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. Hire a bike and turn left and you can follow Tamaki Drive all the way to St Heliers and Mission Bay,which is 10 kilometres away. Breezy waterfront harbour and island views follow you the whole way. Alternatively,you can also rent kayaks and sailboats and hit the water. Numerous golf courses are scattered outside Auckland.
Best bites
If you’re after an upmarket treat,The French Cafe delivers outstanding contemporary New Zealand cuisine with dishes such as smoked venison and roast duck breast. Hit inner-city Ponsonby and Karangahape roads if you’re after informal dining and a bohemian atmosphere. Otherwise,you could stay at Viaduct Harbour for a sunny cocktail or lunch at venues such as Soul Bar&Bistro,or FISH at the Hilton Auckland.
Further afield
A popular shore excursion takes you to Waiheke Island for cellar doors,zip-lining and beautiful bays. Excursions further afield visit the Matakana Coast,Hobbiton film set or Waitomo Glowworm Caves,but you’ll spend long hours in a coach (Hobbiton is considerably closer to Tauranga if your ship is stopping there). The easiest do-it-yourself excursion is to Devonport,a ferry ride across the harbour,which features colonial-era architecture,fine beaches and a host of cafes. Hoof up Takarunga/Mount Victoria for Auckland’s best outlook.