February 24, 2019March 13, 2019 by A Mindful Traveler

Visiting Auckland…

Exploring New Zealand’s most populated city can be quite different to exploring the average city. A mixture of metropolitan activities combined with breathtaking natural wonders, provide a unique city experience in Auckland. Auckland’s volcanoes, beaches, and pristine islands are all within an easy half hour reach of the CBD. What city is built on a volcanic field where around 50 dormant volcanos create the beautiful hills, basins and lakes, like the city of Auckland?

In the local suburb of Mt Eden, you will find Auckland’s highest natural point. The dormant volcano of Mt Eden, its crater now completely covered in a blanket of lush green grass, is reached within a fifteen-minute hike to the summit. It’s hard to imagine such a fertile area could once cause ferocious devastation, but that was 15,000 years ago! Mt Eden is an exceptional, (and free) way to see the city skyline.

The main street in the city centre is Queen Street where you will find a plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants. Auckland’s oldest and well-loved boutique department store, Smith & Caughey’s along with the historic 1929 Civic Theatre can also be found on the bustling Queen Street. Around the city you can stumble across trendy shopping malls. Karangahape Road is great to visit if you are into vintage/second hand shops or head to Ponsonby Road for boutique and specialty stores with fantastic cafes.

Parnell is another trendy neighbouring suburb of Auckland. It is Auckland’s oldest suburb and has a distinct village charm evident through gorgeous heritage architecture. Parnell is also home to Auckland’s French style market held every weekend. Parnell offers great dining choices and numerous cafes and quality restaurants line the village.

Another area for exceptional dining is Britomart. Right next to Britomart station, within the heart of the city, this precinct comes alive with bustling eateries and designer boutiques. If you’re a foodie, make sure to check out the eclectic area of Britomart.

The Auckland museum is the perfect place to check out New Zealand history and Maori culture and is situated within the Auckland Domain, Auckland’s oldest park set on 75 hectares and developed around the cone of yet another inactive volcano. Alternatively, the Auckland Art Gallery houses world class exhibitions as well as contemporary local Maori art.

If you are an adventure seeker then you have come to the right place. Home to the bungy jump, New Zealand’s city of Auckland has its own adventure experiences. New Zealand’s tallest tower, the SkyTower not only has a restaurant and observation area with a 360-degree view of the city, it also has the thrilling SkyWalk (walking around the rim of the tower) or the SkyJump (bungy jumping off the 220m tower).

The Viaduct Basin, the heart of Auckland city, is the place to relax and watch the world go by. The harbour area is spoilt for choice with great restaurants and bars. Experience Auckland’s vibrant marina, day or night!

A half an hour ferry trip across to Waiheke Island is a must for any avid wine connoisseur. The “island of wine” is home to 30 boutique vineyards. Tours are available or simply explore Waiheke Island at your own pace.

Other activities to nearby beaches, nature reserves and islands are all within easy reach. Hiring a car is the best way to discover the local region though tours from the city centre are another option.

Want to know where to stay in Auckland?

We stayed at the Cordis Hotel. The Cordis Hotel is a centrally located five-star hotel suitable for all types of travellers. Stylish and contemporary furnishings and fittings render an elegant ambiance. A complete wellness centre with health club, day spa and resort style pool allow patrons to relax and unwind in-between a busy holiday schedule. Dining is taken to a whole new level at Eight Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge, and if opportunity arises, treat yourself to an exquisite Afternoon High Tea. (“Mary Poppins Returns” was the theme for High Tea this month). I would recommend staying at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. Spacious and extremely clean and comfortable rooms were serviced with complimentary bottled water. Efficient and friendly staff provided prompt assistance and we even received special chocolates for our Anniversary as well.

Cordis Hotel

Address: 83 Symonds St, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone: +64 9-379 5132

Disclosure: Sponsored post in collaboration with the Cordis Hotel Auckland. This post contains my own personal photos. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I choose to write this honest review to inform you of my experience.