Kia Ora and Welcome to the great Auckland Lifestyle!
You owe it to yourself to check out Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Auckland has it all… stunning views, gorgeous beaches, top theaters, cutting-edge fashion, first class tourist attractions, quality shopping and excellent cuisine… you’re sure to find the dream lifestyle you deserve in this vibrant city.
Imagine yourself aboard a luxury yacht, cruising the fabulous Hauraki Gulf to a lonely island where you can relax on your own deserted beach or riding the surf of the wild beaches of Auckland’s west coast.
The Auckland shopping experience is without a doubt the best in New Zealand. You’ll never be bored browsing the shopping precincts of East Auckland’s fashionable Parnell, exploring the arcades along Queen Street in the central District or taking the 10 minute ferry crossing to Devonport, a quaint old seaside town full of colonial charm and character.
Many of the top high street names in New Zealand shopping, fashion and jewellery can be found in Auckland. The city is well-known for its many designer fashion boutiques.
Make sure you check out Dress-Smart in Onehunga, a big name factory outlet where you can find all the latest fashions at bargain prices.
Looking for bargains ? Take a trip over to Victoria Park Market at the weekend, you’re sure to find something of interest here.
If you’re here as a tourist you won’t be disappointed. Auckland has stunning views, lush forests, great activities and first class New Zealand attractions, such as the famous Sky Tower, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere at 328 metres, Auckland Zoo, the historic village at Howick, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Kelly Tarlton’s underwater world and the many beautiful beaches and stunning islands.
There are over 1000 cafes, bars and restaurants in Auckland offering a wide variety of cuisine.
You’ll love the trendy restaurants and bars of the Princes Wharf and the Americas cup village in the Viaduct where you can sample award winning wines produced in a beautiful New Zealand island vineyard.
So whether you’re just looking for fast food or five star menus from Europe, Asia or the Middle East, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste and budget here.
New Zealand, and Auckland in particular, has perfected the “Pacific Rim” style of cuisine, a blend of Asian and Pacific flavours using the finest locally produced ingredients.
My personal favourite is the cheapest and best, fish and chips on the beach !
Auckland is also well known for its greenery, the well kept gardens and parks are always in bloom.
One of the best known is Auckland’s Domain, with magnificent views over the Hauraki Gulf. This is the place to walk, relax, picnic or socialize.
There are plenty of buses to get you around the central area but for me the most pleasant way to get around the city centre is on foot, with most things within easy walking distance.
Be prepared for Queens street though as this is quite a steep hill. For relaxation take a stroll or bike ride along Tamaki Drive on the waterfront but watch out for the New Zealand weather, it can change quickly, so carry an umbrella or rain mac with you just in case.