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NEW ZEALAND | Auckland, New Zealand Travel Guide
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
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Auckland Orientation
Auckland Orientation
[ Pages of interest: Multiculturalism in Auckland and Maoris in Auckland ]
Auckland has more than 200 suburbs and a lively downtown to boot. Of course, only a small number of the city's suburbs hold interest for the visitor. Among the more rewarding are historic Devonport on the North Shore; Parnell, which is in the heart of the city, for shopping, eating and charm; and Ponsonby Road, also centrally located, for shopping, eating and entertainment. Karanagahape Road (K Road) is the funky part of town, populated with international food stores, little dives for eating and drinking, music shops, massage parlors, and all the rest of the color that a city needs.
As for popular tourist attractions, at the top of the list are the Auckland Museum, the Maritime Museum, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World Aquarium, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, the Museum of Transport and Technology, and the Sky Tower. The islands of the Hauraki Gulf would be the perfect place to spend some time at the beginning or end of your travels.
Auckland's City Center
Queen Street is the commercial center of Auckland and runs from near the waterfront at Queen Elizabeth II Square (QEII Square) uphill to Karangahape Road (K Road). One block east of Queen Street is High Street, where you can shop in designer stores and grab a few good cups of coffee. There are restaurants worth a look and more than one place to sip a nice glass of wine. Vulcan Lane, a cut-through between the two main streets, is lined with bars and cafés, and on a nice day you’re sure to see all the suits out having an after-work drink.
Auckland's Landmarks
Wandering around Auckland, you’ll notice the Sky Tower, as it pierces any clouds that might be hanging around. The American Express Viaduct Basin was the hub of activity for the America’s Cup and is full of cafés, bars and clubs, as well as the New Zealand National Maritime Museum.
Auckland's Inner City Neighborhoods: Parnell and Newmarket
East of the central city is Parnell, once a run-down suburb, now one of the trendiest neighborhoods. There are quite a few boutique shops and cafés, and the churches and restored villas built with kauri wood make for sightseeing. A bit farther is Newmarket, where clothing designers have their shops and where you won’t go hungry or thirsty.
Ponsonby and Victoria Market
West of the city center is Ponsonby, and on the way, Victoria Market, a place for those who like to shop at stalls and wander around looking at clothes and crafts. If you’re walking from the city center to Ponsonby, it makes a nice diversion to duck in for a browse. Ponsonby started life as a low-rent area and, as it often happens, the up-and-comers moved in, renovated the houses and drove the prices high. It’s a happening spot and probably my favorite for going out to eat (and drink) or for looking at decorating and clothing shops.
Last updated May 24, 2011
Posted in New Zealand | Auckland
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