Aug 17

Aug 17 Visitor Guide for Overseas Guests

Now that international travel is back, we’ve got a number of visitors heading our way. (Check out my post on tips for hosting overseas guests if you haven’t already!) It almost feels like we’ll be running a hotel for the foreseeable future, and I’m sure we’re not the only family that is simultaneously excited about seeing friends and family for the first time in years and wondering what on earth we’re going to do to entertain them while they’re here. Here’s my list of top things to do in Auckland for tourists:

Get Out on the Water - Life in Auckland revolves around the water, so I don’t think a trip is complete without an excursion into the harbour. The Whale and Dolphin Safari is a great way to not only see some aquatic wildlife but also to see the city from a new vantage point. If no animals are sited - or only a few like the time we went - then you get a voucher to go again for free. It’s a can’t lose adventure! If your guests are a bit more athletic and adventurous, trek to Ferg’s and rent paddle boards or kayaks, maybe even take a guided tour to Rangitoto.
Visit a Winery - If you’re in the mood for more time on the water, take a ferry over to Waiheke Island and visit a winery. You can’t go wrong with Mudbrick Vineyard or Man O’ War. If you don’t feel like taking the ferry, driving out to The Hunting Lodge (the home of New Zealand’s first Sauvignon Blanc) is a good option.
East and West Coast Beaches - If being by the water is better than being on the water, choose one west coast beach with some famous black sand and one east coast beach with beautiful white sand. I’ve never had a guest who didn’t think both were spectacular and awe struck that two different environments were so close to each other.
For the west coast, Muriwai is the popular choice with its famous gannet colony, but I’d say go for Karekare because you can combine both an incredible waterfall and a black sand beach in one trip. For the east coast, the trip out to Anchor Bay is incredible, and the windy road is worth the beach in the end.
Learn About Maori Culture - In town, nothing beats the Auckland War Memorial Museum. There is so much information in the permanent galleries that it is worth setting aside a good chunk of time to explore. If you’re in need of a little break from your guests, send them on a day trip to the Tamaki Maori Village. It makes for a long day (giving you a break) but gives your guests a unique, immersive experience.
View the City from Above - My first choice is to climb Mt. Eden. This is an activity I like to save the end of a trip on a clear day. It is great exercise and you can see the whole city from the top. I love to point out all of the places we’ve visited and give my guests a better understanding of where they’ve gone while in Auckland. If your guests aren’t up for the hike, there’s always a trip up the SkyTower to view the city below.