Indoor Activities
Auckland Museum Address: The Domain Parnell Phone 09 309 0443
New Zealand
Auckland
With a population of over one million, Auckland is easily the largest metropolitan city in New Zealand. Auckland can be broken down into four separate cities/districts 1. Auckland City - Central Auckland 2. Manukau - South and outer east Auckland 3. Waitakere - West Auckland 4. North Shore - Auckland north of the Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Search Auckland
A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Outdoor activities
Auckland Zoo Address: Motions Road, Western Springs
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Address: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Drive, Parnell. Tel: +64 9 309 0443 Timings: 10AM-5PM
New Zealand National Maritime Museum
Address: New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Corner Quay and Hobson Street, Viaduct Harbour. Tel: +64 9 373 0800.
Sky Tower
Sky Tower is located at the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets and stands at 328 meters and is the tallest free-standing tower and has a panoramic view of up to 80 km. On the top is the Orbit revolving restaurant.
Auckland Zoo
Address: Auckland Zoo, Motions Rd, Western Springs. Tel: 64 9 360 3800. Timings: September-May: 9.30AM-5.30PM June-August: 9.30AM-5PM.
The StarDome Observatory
The StarDome Observatory has an area for Maori archaeological site.
Kelly Tarlton's
Kelly Tarlton's is essentially an aquarium situated on Tamaki Drive and is home to the Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World.
MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)
MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology), Great North Road, Western Springs.This is an interactive museum with over 300,000 items..
Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens
Located in Manurewa (South Auckland) containing numerous varieties of plants and exotic flowers. It also hosts the annual Ellerslie Flower Show.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Auckland
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Auckland
Antoine's
Address: 333 Parnell Rd., Parnell, Auckland Phone: 09/379-8756 Cuisine: Continental, New Zealand
Esplanade Hotel
Address: 1 Victoria Rd., Devonport Phone: 09/445-1291 Cuisine: Contemporary, New Zealand
O'Connell Street Bistro
Address: 3 O'Connell St., City Center, Auckland Phone: 09/377-1884 Cuisine: New Zealand
Soul Bar and Bistro
Address: Viaduct Harbour, City Center, Auckland Phone: 09/356-7249 Cuisine: New Zealand
White
Address: Hilton Auckland, Princes Wharf, 147 Quay St., Auckland Phone: 09/978-2000 Cuisine: New Zealand
Oh Calcutta
Address: 149-155 Parnell Rd., Parnell, Auckland Phone: 09/377-9090 Cuisine: Indian
Manuka
Address: 49 Victoria Rd., Devonport Phone: 09/445-7732 Cuisine: New Zealand
Prego Restaurant
Address: 226 Ponsonby Rd., Ponsonby, Auckland Phone: 09/376-3095 Cuisine: Italian
SPQR Cafe & Bar
Address: 150 Ponsonby Rd., Ponsonby, Auckland Phone: 09/360-1710 Cuisine: Italian
Rocco
Address: 23 Ponsonby Rd., Ponsonby, Auckland Phone: 09/360-6262 Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Where to stay in Auckland
The Langham Auckland
This is a 5 star hotel with 410 rooms & suites and is within walking distance of parks, shopping areas and numerous eateries, the Auckland Museum, the Art Gallery and the waterfront. The hotel has restaurants, lounges and a health club.
Westin Auckland Lighter Quay
The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay is situated in center of the city and is close to the Waitemata Basin and Viaduct Harbor. Close by to the hotel there is also the New Zealand National Maritime Museum and Princess Wharf. Features included in this hotel include a spa (with private treatment rooms), sauna, health club, indoor pool, meeting rooms, 24 hour business center and wedding & banquet halls. Also located in the hotel is the Signature Q Restaurant, two bars and a casual café. There are a total of 172 guestrooms and each room has a private balcony or a patio with a view of the water, courtyard or the skyline.
SKYCITY Grand Hotel
This hotel is appropriate for holidaymakers and business travelers. It is known for its service. The hotel features an indoor pool, gym, business center and places to dine within the hotel Address: 90 Federal Street Auckland 1010 New Zealand Phone: +64 9 363 7000 Fax: +64 9 363 6383
Stamford Plaza Auckland
The Stamford Plaza Auckland is situated close to the Queen Street. The hotel is ideal for business as well as for the leisure traveler. Address: 22-26 Albert Street Auckland, 1001 New Zealand Telephone: +64-9 309 8888 Toll free NZ: 0508 658 888 Facsimile: +64-9 379 6445
Hilton Auckland
The interesting this about this 5 star hotel is that it rests on the tip of the Princess Wharf and is almost ‘out to sea’. All the rooms are equipped with balconies and the hotel has a number of excellent facilities to offer residents including many eating options. Address: Princes Wharf 147 Quay Street, Auckland, New Zealand 1010 Tel: 64-9-978-2000 Fax: 64-9-978-2001
Quay West Suites Auckland
The Quay West Suites is approximately 25 km from the hotel, in the city center and is constructed in an apartment style and overlooks the Waitemata Harbor. The hotel has 52 suites and all of them have a balcony with harbor or city views. Other features within the hotel include indoor pool, spa, sauna, gym, and business center and conference facilities
Hyatt Regency Auckland
The Hyatt Regency is nearby most of Auckland’s attractions. Most rooms are equipped with balconies and excellent views of the city. Features within the hotel include a spa, health club, heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms as well as a full range of business facilities.
Auckland City Hotel-Hobson St
The Auckland City Hotel-Hobson is situated near to the Sky City Casino and Aotea Square. An interesting aspect about the hotel is that it is a heritage building built in 1912. The studios and suites come equipped with kitchenettes.
The Quadrant
The Quadrant, in the city center of Auckland. Recreational facilities include a health center, a steam room and a spa. The hotel has 240 rooms that have balconies. Address: 10 Waterloo Quadrant - Auckland CBD, New Zealand Postal Address: PO Box 195 Shortland Street Auckland, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 984 6000 Reservations: 0800 66 66 11 Fax: +64 (0) 9 984 6001
Sebel Suites Auckland
The Sebel Suites, with 133 apartments, has a very unique location and overlooks the Viaduct Harbor. All rooms have balconies. Address: 8 Albert Street Auckland, 1010, New Zealand Tel: (09) 309 6000
History and today in Auckland
When to go
Auckland is situated in the northern part of the island of New Zealand, which is located in the Southern Hemisphere; meaning temperature variations are the opposite. The weather all year round in Auckland is in a fairly normal range; meaning, that although the city experiences all 4 seasons, it never gets very cold but tends to get hot during the summer months. Winter months are June through August and summer months are December through March. The best time to visit Auckland, especially from people living in the northern hemisphere, is during their winter – which is summertime in New Zealand.
Fast Facts
-Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. North Island of New Zealand. -Dialing code: 09 -Emergency numbers: Calling police, reporting fire or to request ambulance dial 111 For other matters, call the Central Police Station (tel. 09/379-4240). For emergency medical services, call tel. 09/524-5943 or 09/579-9909. The CityMed Medical Centre is on the corner of Mills Lane and Albert Street, in the Inner City (tel. 09/377-5525). For emergency and after-hours dental service, call Auckland Accident & Emergency Clinic (tel. 09/520-6609). It's open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 11pm, Sunday until 10pm.
Exchange Rates
The monetary unit is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$) which is equal to 100 New Zealand cents. Currently the New Zealand dollar has a lower value than the US dollar. Note that the exchange rate fluctuates. One can find a plethora of moneychangers and banks located on the main Queen Street (in the city center). Hotels & restaurants generally convert traveler’s cheques but the rate won’t be as good as it would be at a bank.
Public Holidays
New Years Day: 1 January Day after New Year’s Day: 2 January Waitangi Day: 6 February Anniversary Day Auckland / Northland: 29 January Good Friday: Varies Easter Monday: Varies ANZAC Day: 25 April Queen's Birthday: 1st Monday in June Labour Day: 4th Monday in October Christmas Day: 25 December Boxing Day: 26 December
Annual Temperature
January Avg low: 16° Avg hi: 23° Avg precip: 5.64 cm February Avg low: 17° Avg hi: 24° Avg precip: 7.16 cm March Avg low: 16° Avg hi: 22° Avg precip: 6.22 cm April Avg low: 13° Avg hi: 20° Avg precip: 6.64 cm May Avg low: 12° Avg hi: 17° Avg precip: 10.98 cm June Avg low: 10° Avg hi: 15° Avg precip: 9.95 cm July Avg low: 9° Avg hi: 14° Avg precip: 11.61 cm August Avg low: 9° Avg hi: 14° Avg precip: 7.8 cm September Avg low: 10° Avg hi: 16° Avg precip: 8.01 cm October Avg low: 12° Avg hi: 18° Avg precip: 8.65 cm November Avg low: 13° Avg hi: 19° Avg precip: 6.29 cm December Avg low: 15° Avg hi: 21° Avg precip: 7.83 cm
Auckland Residents
Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and there is a very strong Polynesian rhythm and culture prevalent. The city can be termed as a mixture of cultural influences from Europe, the South Pacific and Asia along with a combination of Maori cultural heritage. The rich cultural infusion can is evident in the cultural activities, festivals, events, food, music, shopping and many other areas within the city.
Auckland Today
With a population of over one million, Auckland is easily the largest metropolitan city in New Zealand. Auckland can be broken down into four separate cities/districts 1. Auckland City - Central Auckland 2. Manukau - South and outer east Auckland 3. Waitakere - West Auckland 4. North Shore - Auckland north of the Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Auckland History
Auckland used to be the capital of New Zealand but lost its status to Wellington. Auckland is also the main hub for industrial and commercial activities of the country. Wellington is the political capital, Auckland is the main metropolitan city.
Useful information
Shopping
Little Brother
Address: 5 High St, city centre, City Centre Phone: 64 9 377 6536
Hailwood
Address: 516 K Rd, Newton, Newton Phone: +64 9 360 9931
Kaf Kids
Address: 85 Jervois Rd, Ponsonby, Ponsonby Phone: +64 9 360 8131
Zambesi
Address: 169 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Ponsonby Phone: +64 9 360 7391
Buana Satu
Address: 229 K Rd, Newton, Newton Phone: +64 9 358 5561 Fun souvenirs as well as conventional souvenirs.
Champions of the World
Address: 22 Queen St, city centre, City Centre Phone: +64 9 379 4937
Native Agent
Address: 507 New North Rd, Kingsland, Kingsland Phone: +64 9 845 3289
Fingers
Address: 2 Kitchener St, city centre, City Centre Phone: +64 9 373 3974 Mon-Fri: 10:00-17:30, Sat: 10:00-16:30
Signature sights in Auckland
Butterfly Creek
Butterfly Creek is a tropical butterfly and moth house located on the Tom Pearce Drive. It also features a tropical aquaria, farmyard animals, a train for the kids and a cafe.
Howick Historical Village
Howick Historical Village, is an interesting site to see as it gives an insight to life from 1840-1880 and is situated at the corner of Lady Marie Drive & Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, Admission: adults: NZ$14 children: over 5 NZ$7.
The Kumeu area
The Kumeu area is ideal for a day picnic. There are numerous vineyards to see around here such as Coopers Creek, Soljans and Kumeu River.
Otuataua Stonefields
Otuataua Stonefields is the site of ancient Maori gardens which is on a low volcano.
Muriwai Beach
Muriwai Beach is a huge black sand beach. One can also go dirt biking over here.
The Arataki Visitors Centre
The Arataki Visitors Centre on Scenic Drive is worth seeing because there are nature trails sporting native trees and birds found in the area with an excellent scenic drive. Trails are safe to hike and can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 4-5 hours. The center will also provide models, history and facts of native birds and the surrounding area.
Festivals and events in Auckland
The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
The Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta (tel. 09/534-8186) is an annual event that takes place on the last Monday in January and is a public holiday. This event is the largest single day regatta in the world. This day is observed as a holiday in the entire Auckland Province. The holiday generally falls on the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson, who later became the first Governor of New Zealand.
The Mission Bay Jazz & Blues Streetfest
The Mission Bay Jazz & Blues Streetfest is an annual festival that takes place on February 27 at Mission Bay. This event recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2010. The event showcases numerous local bands performing on the street and famous Auckland beaches. Cost of entry is NZ$10 and hours of operation are 6-11PM
The Documentary Edge Festival
The Documentary Edge Festival is another annual event that takes place in February, between the dates 27 Feb - 14 Mar 2010 at the Rialto Cinemas in Newmarket. The event highlights the best of cinema from around New Zealand as well as from international filmmakers.
Pasifika Festival
The Auckland Western Springs Stadium plays host to the Pasifika Festival, which is significant to commemorate the lifestyle of the South Pacific. The event highlights the Polynesian culture and lifestyle, ranging from ethnic crafts to food to music and various other culturally significant items.. An interesting fact about the logo of the festival is that it incorporates the spiritual significance of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
Fun Round the Bays Run
Also held in late March is the fun Round the Bays Run (tel. 09/525-2166), which attracts runners from around the South Pacific, who participate in this 8km (5-mile) run around the central bays. The run ends with a celebratory barbecue at one of the city’s parks.
Auckland tours and experiences
Organized Tours
This information can be obtained by either visiting the web sites of the major monuments or by googling the term “tour operators” along with the name of the city. At the visitor center, one can book half or full day tours. Generally speaking, the half day tours cover sightseeing highlights. 1. Mike's Garden Tours (tel./fax 09/846-5350; 2. Tamaki Hikoi (tel. 0800/282-552 in NZ) – walking tour of the Maori area. 3. Bush & Beach (tel. 09/837-4130)– coastal experience tour. 4. Potiki Adventures (tel. 0800/692-3836 in NZ). – specializes in Maori tours. 5. Fullers Auckland, Ferry Building, Quay Street (tel. 09/367-9111)- water tours. 6. The Pride of Auckland, at the National Maritime Museum, Quay Street (tel. 09/373-4557;) offers a dinner cruise. 7. Soren Larsen (tel. 0800/767-365 in NZ, or 09/817-8799;), for tall ship tours available December through February. 8. Sail New Zealand (tel. 0800/397-567 in NZ, or 09/359-5987;), 9. Island Escape Cruises (tel. 09/358-1717; ) for longer cruises.
Auckland masjids and Muslim travel
Auckland Central
AUT City Campus Muslim Prayer Room
Denomination: Sunni Address: Ground floor, WU building, St Paul Street, AUT City Campus, Auckland, New Zealand
Mt. Eden Masjid
Denomination: Sunni Address: 16 Horeoka Street, Mt. Eden
Mt. Roskill Grammar School
Denomination: Sunni Address: Frost Road, Mount Roskill
Transportation
Public transport
There is a range of ways to get around the city Auckland, which are riding the bus, train, ferry, taxi, shuttle service or even renting your own car. As a result of privatization that took place during the 1980s, Auckland’s public transport system is run by a mixture of different operators, none of which seem to co-operate with one another and therefore there are a few integrated public transport passes.
Buses
Auckland’s public transportation system isn’t the greatest; however, they offer sufficient bus and train services to get you around the city. An interesting mode of transportation available for shoppers, is the City Circuit Red Bus. This bus service, which is free, goes around the inner city area of Auckland in continuous 10 minute loops. This service is available for shoppers and visitors to hop on and off of 7 days a week from 8AM until 6AM.
Metro
The train service in Auckland is somewhat limited but is still quite decent. Trains are generally clean, cheap and usually on time; however, they are not very frequent and you would need to refer to a timetable to figure out your agenda/route. In recent years, the train service has improved mainly due to increased investment in train carriages and the upgrading of many of the 36 train stations.
Taxi
Traffic can get quite congested on the roads in Auckland but since public transportation isn’t as expansive and frequent as some other cities, tourist and locals are forced to use the reliable taxi services. Rates for taxi services range are decent. Taxis can be flagged down, ordered by phone, or picked up at taxi stands. For further information, call Auckland Taxi Co-Op (tel. 09/300-3000) or Corporate Cabs (tel. 09/631-1111).
Car for hire
Auckland’s highways tend to get cramped and crowded during peak times, especially the Northern and Southern lines and it is generally recommended to avoid driving between 7AM and 9AM, and from 5PM to 7PM. Another downside with renting a car is that parking is a problem in central Auckland. To find parking, it is recommended to look around the Beach Road area, which costs around NZ$8 for 12 hours. Other public parking locations can be expensive. There is also metered parking available on streets but be careful to check when you get charged. Since there are a few tourist dedicated means of transportation, such as the Explorer, The Link, and the City Circuit buses, it is recommended to explore the city without a car. Also, one can take in far more of the city on foot and via public transport. Auckland Car Rentals Jucy Car Rental A2B Rentals Budget Rent a Car: Apex Rentals
From the airport
To get from the Auckland airport to the city, there are a number of means of transportation that can be used such as buses, shuttles and taxis. If one is interested in taking the bus to the city, there is the Airbus which is available 7 days a week, 23 hours a day. The one way fare for adults is NZ$16, backpacker with ID NZ$14 and child NZ$6. This local bus and train will cost NZ$8 to the city centre. Approximate prices for one person in a shuttle to various destinations are: • to Papatoetoe NZ$29 • to Manurewa NZ$26 • to Howick NZ$42 • to Takapuna NZ$35 • to Henderson NZ$41 • to central Auckland (city) the fare is between NZ$50 and NZ$65
Driving Tips
The Auckland City Ambassadors dress up in bright yellow jackets and are available on the streets for guidance and to find your way around the city. (tel. 09/379-2020). They are dressed in bright yellow jackets and are on the streets in the downtown area daily from 9am to 6pm.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
On the whole, Auckland is pretty much a safe city to visit, and therefore one must take the normal amount of precautions when visiting the city. For example, women traveling alone should generally go out in groups (especially late at night). Overall, everyone should avoid dark side streets. There are also thieves who break into cars, so be careful and don’t leave valuables in the car. Please note the local emergency contact for all police, fire and ambulance services is 111.
