Yay, you made it! Welcome to the big smoke of the South Pacific. Just here for a stop-off to go and explore the rest of the country? No problemo, we'd obviously love you to stay longer, but we understand your eagerness to get going. We're going to plan the perfect itinerary for your whirlwind weekend in Auckland!
Good morning!
Ahhh the first day in a new city, how exhilarating! Bright eyed and bushy tailed, today's adventures will see you discovering one of Auckland's most picturesque islands, Tiritiri Matangi, and trying some of Auckland's best food spots!
If you pop along to the Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, Tiritiri Matangi Island is only 75 minutes away! Rich with history, Tiritiri Matangi means “looking to the wind” or “wind tossing about.” The island is protected by the Department of Conservation and is home to many native New Zealand species such as the takahe, kokako, and little blue penguin! The island is a full day-trip due to the ferry timetable.
Good Evening!
After your day’s adventure, it’s about time we satisfy those hunger cravings! With unobstructed views over downtown Auckland and the waterfront, Seven is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Serving up pan-asian delicacies and delicious cocktails, what more could you want? If you’re after bar food and pizzas, head to Dr Rudi’s in the Viaduct and feast your eyes on pizzas by the foot, platters, and bar snacks. If you can’t choose, head along to Wynyard Quarter or choose from the many restaurants and bars along the Viaduct and in Britomart.
10am: good morning ... again!
A Sunday morning isn’t complete without a hearty breakfast and a strong coffee! Head along to the La Cigale French Markets in Parnell and wander around the stalls serving up freshly baked croissants, croque monsieurs, pastries, coffees and smoothies!
1pm: Afternoon!
After your strong morning cuppa, it’s time to head off! The wild west is not to be missed during your whirlwind trip to Auckland and the Muriwai gannet colony is only a 40 minute drive from downtown Auckland. Located in Muriwai Regional Park, the gannet colony returns from Australia each year in July and October and from the two viewing areas, you’ll witness the birds diving into the ocean at over 145km per hour in pursuit of dinner! Woah! With the rolling surf, rugged coastline and black sand, Muriwai Beach is spectacular and a contrast from other Auckland beaches and it’s easy to spend the afternoon wandering, exploring and watching the brave windsurfers tackle those waves!
7pm: Good Evening!
Wind down your evening with a nice dinner and a few cheeky nightcaps. Head up to the trendy and up-and-coming suburb of Kingsland and sit back and relax in the courtyard at Citizen Park. An urban outdoor eatery and bar, there's something for everyone. Alternatively, head to Herne Bay, grab some fish n' chips and sit down at Sentinel Beach or Herne Bay Beach and watch the sun go down. If you're after something sweet after dinner, pop into Miann on Fort Street or Britomart on your way back to JUCY Snooze and choose from their scrumptious tarts, macarons, pavlovas and mini cheesecakes! Go back to the hotel and plonk yourself on the bed, and reflect on a whirlwind two days in the buzzy city of Auckland.
Unfortunately, the weekend has gone by in a flash and it’s time for you to head home or onto your next travel destination! There’s too much to squeeze into just two days, so if you have time add Cornwall Park, the Pah Homestead and North Head Tunnels to your must-do list – you won’t regret it! Auckland has so much to offer, and if you didn’t get to see everything you’ll just have to come back and base yourself at JUCY Snooze again!