Three best kept travel secrets for Auckland, New Zealand

§ July 21st, 2010 § Filed under New Zealand § Tagged Auckland, New Zealand, Tripbase § 9 Comments

Lots of people think of Auckland as just the place you have to go through to get to the “real” New Zealand, but you’d be missing out if you passed through without taking a good look around. It’s a great place to learn about the culture of New Zealand, have a bit of a relax on the waterfront with a coffee or glass of NZ pinot, or shop for high quality souvenirs. Here are some of my picks.

1. The Auckland Maritime Museum

I have to admit that it took me a while before I discovered this museum. I thought boats, meh, I could take ‘em or leave ‘em. But when my boat-mad in-laws came for a visit I finally discovered that it’s more about the history of our maritime country than just a couple of ol’ boats. There’s a fair bit of information on how the first people, the Maori, came to New Zealand. For first time visitors to New Zealand, gaining an understanding of this cultural history can really give you a sense of what New Zealand is all about.

When you buy your entry ticket you have the option of going out on a harbour cruise in a little boat, which I’d highly recommend. This is great for families and gives you a perspective of Auckland that you wouldn’t get on the land. It is a harbour city after all! Plus, if you’re lucky, when you go under the Harbour Bridge you might just catch sight of a bungy jumper overhead.

2. Benediction Café

Benediction café is a wee bit out of the way which is probably why it is so popular with locals. It’s just over the motorway bridge when walking from Karangahape Road away from the city centre on St. Benedicts Street in Newton. You can spot the street by the old Catholic church by the same name on the corner. Two-thirds of the way down the road you’ll start smelling some amazing coffee which will alert you to your arrival. I’d highly recommend you head in for breakfast or brunch at this friendly place. You order and pay first, New Zealand style, and then choose whether you’d like to sit indoors or out. Bring your book or borrow one of the magazines or newspapers provided while you wait for the perfect brew.

3. Pauanesia

All cities that host tourists have their fair share of cheesy souvenirs and Auckland is no different. But, if you are interested in taking home something a bit more representative of what Kiwis have in their own homes, try a lovely shop on High Street called Pauanesia. Using a play on words, Pauanesia (paua is the Maori word for the coveted shellfish abalone and ‘nesia’ reminds us of our position as a Polynesian nation) is a tiny shop packed full of New Zealand made, New Zealand themed jewellery, and soft home furnishings.  This is where I go when I want to send a present overseas with love from New Zealand.

Come to think of it, there are lots of places in Auckland that are off the radar to visitors. Now, do I give away all our secrets?

This post was in response to being tagged by Liz at A Girl in Asia for  Tripbase project about destination secrets. The only problem was that it was just as my blog went offline for the big revamp. Even though I missed it, I still wanted to contribute because I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on Auckland’s secrets. Thanks Liz and good luck with the baby!