Okay, time for my 7 wonders of Auckland, remembering that this is just MY opinion of my trip to Auckland and will not be applicable to everyone and I am sure if I do a return trip anytime soon it will change because I will do other thing so in no particular order here they are........
1/ Trip down memory lane
For me the wonderful thing about this trip to Auckland was the chance to stroll down
memory lane, find some old haunts and make some new memories. Just walking and soaking it all in was wonderful and I know you can never go back completely but it's fun to see things as an adult, but still have that childish appreciation of things.
2/ Ferry rides across the harbor
I loved being on the water, whether it was the trip to Devonport or the one to Rangitoto, just being on the ferry and enjoying the magnificent views in and around the harbour was special.
3/Rangitoto Island
When I was young and living in Auckland I never went to Rangitoto Island, I guess it was
one of those things that was always there so you would get around to it one day but you never did. Thankfully my son suggested getting away from the city for our last day and we were able to enjoy the rugged region of Rangitito and I would recommend the hike to those who were more capable then me (who was exceedingly grateful to the tractor-tram after my injury on the summit,)
4/Devonport
This is such a pretty little place with some amazing places to walk around, some incredible views, wonderful restaurants and coffee shops, beaches and beautiful houses to look at and well worth spending some time in.
5/Heritage and modern buildings
I love the mix of old and new and I feel that Auckland does this so well, there are some beautiful well preserved old buildings and modern designs which keep you interested and give plenty of contrasting photo opportunities.
I enjoyed walking around the city and there is nothing cookie cutter about this city, each street or lane is entirely different and it was fun getting "lost" in the streets of Auckland (really didn't have a problem with the getting lost part as the sky-tower always led me back towards my hotel.)
6/ The Maori Culture
I love the fact that Auckland is happy and proud to show off it's Maori heritage, from the tomokanga (carved gateway) at Auckland International airport,to the entrance gateways
at Rangitito Island and other landing spots. From the beautiful carvings found in many parks and buildings to the cultural show at the museum and the beautiful marae (meeting place) at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point) to the Waharoa at Aotea Square. I think it is wonderful to see Maori art, whether traditional or modern on display, proudly showing where the Maori came from and where they are headed and it makes me want to explore and investigate the Maori culture more.
7/ Sunsets and sipping.......
Sitting at a bar/coffee shop on the wharf with the bridge in one direction and the Cloud in
the other watching the sunset and just enjoying life...(although I guess sitting at a bar watching a sunset anywhere is a wonderful thing) but it feels so tranquil here and you
almost feel like you are at a beach resort instead of in New Zealand's largest city.