#auckland

The MOTAT in Auckland is split across two sites, one for aviation and then this one for transport and technology. Set across various buildings it has everything from musical instruments, cars, trolley buses and one of the first water pumping systems in New Zealand. It’s a really interesting range of exhibitions and there really is something for everyone, it’s even interesting seeing examples of the first iPhones - seeing how much we have developed in just the last few years. There are originally pac man machines, early communication devices and concepts for low carbon technology. For me the most interesting part was the trolley buses and trams, they’re in immaculate condition and there’s a nice range of models in the sheds. Quite a few of them are in working condition and operate the short tram link to the aviation hall. Auckland used to be lined with tram routes back in the day and there’s a lot of information on this golden age of tram travel In some of the more interactive area such as the music hall there are staff in hand to help you better understand the exhibitions themselves. Entrance is around $19NZ / £8.50 and includes a free team ride to the other campus of the museum, the MOTAT aviation hall. However you have to pay a separate entrance fee when you reach the aviation hall ( it’s worth it, see my previous post) #celebrateit #myitinerary #thingstodo #travel #museums #citydaytours #transport #history #newzealandtrip #auckland #educational #cars

I recently visited New Zealand for Chinese New Year and during my time in Auckland I had a few days to check out all the museums and galleries. I’ve always been fascinated by aviation so had to visit the MOTAT aviation hall, and I was absolutely blown away. You’re greeted by a mounted spitfire at the entrance and then a very unassuming warehouse, as soon as you step through the door you can see the sheer scale of this building. There is a small entrance lobby, ticket office and gift shop then a huge warehouse full of beautifully restored aircraft both military and civilian. The warehouse is spaciously laid out and there’s a lot of educational content, I spent a lot of time reading and taking everything in. The overall visit took me 2 hours but if you don’t read everything you can do it in less than an hour. For me the flying boats were a highlight for me; it’s so hard to find these in museums especially ones so immaculately restored. It was also fascinating to learn so much about pacific island flying during the golden age of travel I would totally recommend this to families and anyone who has any interest in aviation or transport in general. It coats $19NZ / £8.50 and included a free tram ride to the other half of the campus, however you have to pay again to enter the other campus. #celebrateit #auckland #Motat #aviation #museums #educational #family #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary

For Chinese New Year I headed to New Zealand, something I have wanted to do for a long time. I had a few days spare in Auckland and had heard grad things about the zoo so I decided to check it out. I was honestly blown away by the zoo and without a doubt it quickly became one of the best I’ve ever seen. The zoo itself is really well laid out and all animals have big enclosures with plenty of light and greenery. All the animals looked so happy and healthy and you can tell they are well looked after. There are lots of volunteers walking around helping to inform you about all the animals which was a really nice touch. Entrance was $35NZ / £16 and well worth the price! #celebrateit #chinesenewyear #yearofthesnake #travel #thingstodo #auckland #newzealand #zoo

Auckland Art Gallery offers an inspiring journey through classic and contemporary art. From stunning Māori and Pacific works to international masterpieces, the space blends culture, creativity, and history in a beautifully designed setting. 📍Address: Located at the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets in central Auckland 🕰️Business Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm 💰Average Price per Person: Free entry to New Zealand residents, members, and children under 12. International visitors currently enjoy free admission, with charges for special exhibitions. ⏰ Average time to spend: 1 to 2 hours #artgallery #newzealand #auckland

Because New Zealand was a British colony, there are many stylish Western-style buildings, and even just walking around the city is exciting✨ There are many private ferries in the beautiful bay area⛴ It was overwhelming to see so many of them parked like a car parking lot😳 Wild birds that don't exist in Japan are walking around normally. The blue bird is a pukeko. It's a gentle and cute bird✨ [Places visited] Ambury Regional Park🐏A vast ranch that you can freely view Mission Bay Beach🏝The sea is full of shells KAPITI 🍨A delicious ice cream shop from New Zealand #Overseas travel record #New Zealand #New Zealand trip #Auckland #auckland

If you are in Auckland and plan to have a road trip, come to Taopo! (3 hours 20 mins drive from Auckland) You can visit Huka falls and then head to hot springs spa. We went to this hot spring spa recommended by my local friend. We book through online and got some discount there. We started with the terrace walk which included in the package. Walk along Te Kiri o Hinekai stream and hear native birdsong in harmony with the natural surrounds of cascading and flowing water, a gushing geyser and billowing steam. We spent about 2 hours in the pool. There are 3 pools with different temperatures (32, 36, 40 degrees) You must try the hottest pool and trust me you will love it! 😻 📍Address: Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa 🕰️Business Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-9pm #hotspring #Taopo #auckland #newzealand #roadtrip

Tons of wonderful food options, coffee, flower shop and more. Clean and lovely place to wander around! More relaxed than the many restaurants and because of this informality Ponsonby Central is a way more spontaneous fun place to go to. Totally recommended for it's warm welcome and personal service. Come here for some of the best salads in Auckland. Look at the photos! Bring in your Digital needs, Duct Tape is one of the suburbs best businesses. Overall, it think the prices are decent and the place offers you so much. It's a lot more fun and convinient to have it all in one place. #newzealandtrip #markets #goodfood #auckland

This is a cafe that works for everyone. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for brunch. Their menu features a range of delectable options, from hearty breakfast plates to fresh, innovative salads. Not only does the food look good, but also tastes good. The standout dishes often include their signature avocado toast and baked eggs, which are beautifully presented and packed with flavor. With excellent coffee and a friendly atmosphere, Honey Bones offers a delightful dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more. #newzealandtrip #auckland #couplestrip

Very healthy options which taste fresh and are well thought out. Nice seating, wheelchair and dog friendly, helpful staff and delicious menu. All day breakfast with all your favourites and a twist on a few things, coffee, tea and smoothies. Full lunch menu with everything from Nachos to a Caesars Salad to burgers and spaghetti. Also recommend Fish Cake and Pancake here, both are nutritious and delicious. We will definitely visit again in the future. #newzealandtrip #auckland #cafes #goodfood

Presentation and quality of the food is top notch; service is prompt and friendly. Beautiful breads, and tasty seasonings made these exceptional. Coffee and smoothies was good. Enjoyable atmosphere inside and nice outdoor seating as well. The service could be a little better and slightly long wait for food even if it’s not busy in the morning. Coffee is well made. A great place for Sunday brunch. #newzealandtrip #auckland

This has easily become one of my favorite cafes in birkenhead. The atmosphere is so lovely and the food is always great. Lovely staff. Recommend their Burger and Chicken Waffles. Lots of vegetarian options also to choose from. It’s great that Birkenhead village has free parking and there’s plenty of space available on Rawene road. Family friendly, delicious food, and one of the more affordable cafes on the block. Very tasty sausage and bacon, eggs poached to perfection and a hash brown you actually know you’ve had. #newzealandtrip #cafes #auckland

Everything was fresh and perfectly cooked. Smokey aioli was great. Despite forgetting our drinks, it was easily remedied by one of the hosts, who was really nice and dealt with the situation professionally and kindly. Chilli scrambled eggs were delicious, especially with the free range bacon. All the coffee we tried was excellent. Service was great. They really have a Unique decor. Just a heads up that it's kinda tricky finding a parking spot if you want to dine in. #newzealandtrip #cafes #auckland

The menu is mostly vegan with a few vegetarian options and it was a delight to visit. The vegan nachos were great, apart from the sweet coconut yoghurt it was served with. It tastes very good. With vegan sour cream now on offer across NZ grocers, that would be my go-to for this dish. The avocado stack was lovely but I could have done without the vegan omellete on the menu. #newzealandtrip #vegan #auckland

The café has a quirky and vibrant theme with circus-inspired décor, including playful items like circus creatures, lions, and clowns scattered inside and out. The bright red color scheme adds to the lively ambiance, making it a fun spot for both adults and kids. I imagine children would love visiting this café, given its whimsical decorations. Though I didn’t have a chance to try the food, I did have a coffee and took a look around. The cabinet food looked exceptional—beautifully presented and far from ordinary. Everything appeared fresh and delicious, making it tempting to return for a full meal next time. #newzealandtrip #cafes #auckland

The food is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, and the coffee is top-notch. A wonderful spot for a pick-me-up or a relaxed catch-up with friends. Great spot for a break when shopping the clothes stores in the area. Chuffed is a nice cafe with some great bird died on the walls and murals on the buildings just outside the cafe that you can see through the windows. The food was delicious and this place is definitely worth a visit. #newzealandtrip #couplestrip #auckland

Just an hour drive from Auckland ! Narrow roads towards the location & do arrive early to get a parking space. It’s definitely an easy track with just lots of stairs to climb and the views made me speechless. Stayed here for hours to just enjoy the breeze and take everything in. Meanwhile, my husband climbed to the top of the mountain and got a whole lot better views 🥲 Went back down and walked towards the beach. So calming. Would love to come back here again. We went here towards the end of winter so it was a very beautiful day with good weather. Lots of love. #auckland #northisland #newzealand

Auckland on a budget Karangahape Road Discover thrifting in Auckland, browse through dozens of second hand clothing along K-road. For lunch, go in for $10 Indonesian meal at Java Restaurant or choose one of the many choices available under $20 Devonport Hop on a ferry to Devonport. Make use of great fare with your AT Hop card and enjoy the other side of Auckland. Walk up to the North Head observation point to get great view at sunset. Along the road, there are many well-restored Victorian houses. Domain garden The beautiful garden at Domain Wintergardens is for free. Grab a coffee at one of the cafe and enjoy the beautiful garden. Mount Eden Walk up to Mt Eden to enjoy stunning view of the city. Stop at Mt Eden bakery & lunchbar to grab a nice sandwich under $10#auckland #aucklandbudget #MtEden

[Wednesday, August 2, 2023 ~ Sunday, August 6, 2023] Auckland is winter in August, so the bitter wind and cold are worse than you think. When I went to Sydney, Australia in mid-September 2017, I was shivering while traveling because it was the coldest weather in Korea in March, but I thought it would be even colder in the Southern Hemisphere in August, so I packed a lot of winter clothes, such as light padding, sweaters, and fleece t-shirts. However, the wind was strong just at the Hobbit Village and the beach, and it rained heavily on the day of arrival, so the sea breeze and the heavy rain made the waves at the beach rough and made it difficult to travel. But in the meantime, the rainbow between the dark clouds was so pretty that I used an umbrella to block the wind and rain on the windward side and barely managed to take a picture with one hand. However, the next day, the sun came out brightly and I was able to see the blue sky and green fields that were perfect for traveling, which was great. Transportation is pretty good in the city, but there are few in the outskirts, and even those that are there are hard to reserve, so I chose the Hobbiton Village + Lunch Buffet + Glowworm Cave day tour and had a good time. I did the Skyjump at Sky Tower for about 10 seconds from the 192m high building and got a video + photo package, which was really nice. If I had more travel time and money, I would have enjoyed more extreme activities while touring the South Island, but that's too bad. Haha If you don't have a fear of heights and enjoy activities, I really recommend sky jumping. All the stress that had built up over the years disappeared, and I felt really refreshed after the jump. 😆 The sunset and night view from the observatory right after the jump are also beautiful. Next time I go, I'll try skywalk. I also recommend climbing Rangitoto Island. Of course, since the entire island is a volcano and not paved, you need to wear cushioned sneakers when walking, and since the trekking time is quite long, it is important to plan the round-trip ferry time well and plan the hiking route well. Some people may think that zoos are boring, but I was able to see many rare species living in the clean nature of New Zealand, so it was fun to see animals. Among my selfies, there is a picture I took while interacting with a black parrot? It was not locked in a cage, so I could see it up close, and the parrot was cute. And since it was the off-season, I booked a pretty good price for my accommodation in the middle of the city. (It was Lylo Hostel, a private double room, friendly staff, free luggage storage, free towel changes, etc. It was cleaner than expensive but poorly-equipped hotels, so I had a very comfortable stay.) The photo ratio is 9:16, but it was registered as 1:1, so there are quite a few parts that were cut off. I took good pictures, but it's a shame. #auckland #skytower #skyjump #from192m #hobbitonsettour #glowwormcave #rangitoto #aucklandzoo #rare #animals #greatnature

It makes you appreciate the making of the movies much more. I couldn't imagine how good this tour was, on every level. Totally committed tour guide, very informative and interactive. There's so much to see and absorb, at every turn something incredible. Going inside the Hobbit house was the highlight, so much detail, so much skill. I totally recommend this wonderful experience.#hobbit #hobbiton #auckland

Amazing wine tasting ‘จิบไวน์’ at ‘Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant’ 🍷🍽️ 🍷 เป็นสถานที่ที่เหมาะกับ Wine tasting มากๆเลยค่ะ ทั้งผู้บรรยาย และคุณภาพของไวน์ แถมได้จิบไวน์ชิลๆพร้อมวิวสวยๆอีกด้วย ประทับใจมากค่ะ 👍 🍷 ไวน์ว่าดีแล้ว อาหารของที่นี่คืออร่อยค่ะ ราคาน่ารัก จับต้องได้ และพนักงานก็บริการดีมากๆด้วย 🍷 ราคา: Wine tasting มีหลายแพ็คเกจแล้วแต่เราจะเลือกชิมไวน์ตัวไหนค่ะ - Mudbrick flagship tasting 45 NZD~1,000฿ - Cellar tasting 25 NZD~556฿ - Light tasting 22 NZD~510฿ 🍷 Tips: หากเป็นช่วง High season ควรโทรหรือE-mailถามทาง Mudbrick ว่ามี wine tasting ว่างหรือไม่ เพราะบางวันอาจจะเต็มนะคะ เพราะสถานที่เค้าดีๆจริงค่ะ 😊 🍷 ขอให้การเดินทางของทุกคนมีแต่ความปลอดภัยและความสนุกนะคะ ❤️ #Newzealand #Explorewithmemay #Auckland #เที่ยวนิวซีแลนด์ #waihekeisland #winetasting #wine #dreamvoyage #Mudbrick

Auckland was certainly not my favorite city in the world, but it had some pretty gems! Check out the deets below to check what you should hit up 👌 Getting There - Auckland Airport is the oblivious choice here and there’s public transport options to take from the airport to the city. I opted for the $18 skydrive bus as it only took 40 minutes to reach the CBD. Attractions - 1️⃣ Take the short ferry ride to Devonport and walk up to Victoria Summit for great views of the city at sunset 🌅2️⃣Take a slightly longer ferry ride to Rangitoto Island and hike up to the summit of the dormant volcano for more breathtaking views! (Be sure to check the ferry schedule to this island as it’s not very frequent and you don’t want to get stuck!) 3️⃣ Check out Mount Eden to see the skyline from a different perspective (Auckland has a lot of dormant volcanoes to hike 😂)4️⃣ Explore the CBD and check out the architecture and if you want to, go up the top of the sky tower (I didn’t as I didn’t think it was worth the price when the city has so many hills and mountains to climb up). Hotels - I stayed in the Holiday Inn Express Auckland City and it was great. It had good sound insulation, big rooms and wonderful buffet style breakfast! 🏩 Food & Restaurants - There are lots of food options in the city and to be honest I didn’t eat much as I was so full from my hotel breakfast. But one place I would recommend is the Seafood Collective 🐟at Mt Eden. They have excellent fish and chips and, coming from Ireland, I was very impressed. Shopping 🛍️ - Check out the Dress Smart outlets near Onehunga. It’s easy to reach by bus number 30 from the downtown and they have some really good deals for well known brands. Downtown on Queen Street you’ll find the farmers department store which is also pretty good! #trip #newzealand #mytravelhacks #auckland #instatravel #travel #nature #city #city #explore #photography #historicallandmarks #travelinspiration

Discovering Pikuniku Cafe was a treat during our Auckland exploration. Just a 10-minute drive from One Tree Hill, this cozy spot offered delicious Japanese cuisine within a reasonable budget (approximately nz25 person ). Their flavorful soba and udon noodles delighted our taste buds. Remember, they closed at 3 PM, a valuable tip for future visitors. Knowing this allowed us to plan our visit accordingly, ensuring we arrived in time to relish our meal and soak in the cafe's serene ambiance. The welcoming ambiance and tasty dishes made it a memorable stop on our Auckland adventure. ##freehotelstay ##flowerlover ##Auckland

#auckland #newzealand #hiking #viewpoint #volcano #seaview #historical #history Auckland is located in the north island of new Zealand and the country itself is well known for the many beautiful scenic view of nature hikes and seaview from high above. There is a place that you have to visit and located at Maungauika at the north head path where it is used to say to have a volcanic eruption more than 50 over thousands years ago. Also, during the war this place was also used as a defence where you can see turrets and bunkers facing the sea protecting the island.

Milford Beach Reserve is a wonderful place to have a picnic with the whole family during summer. There's a beautiful park and playground for the children. Plenty of shaded area below the trees for a relaxing picnic. We even saw many families putting up tents and extensive BBQ party! For beach lovers, the beach is just beside the park. Lots of children can be seen frolicking in the clean glistening waters and building sandcastles. Toilets are available on site and the whole park is clean and tidy. The site is simply a wonderful place for an enjoyable day out with the family. #tripblazers #2023travelwish #summervacation #auckland #picnicspot #family

Try It Out Vietnamese Restaurant This place was highly recommended by my sister, so we just had to try it out while we were en route to Hamilton from Auckland. We ordered pho with rare beef, spring rolls vermicelli and grilled pork vermicelli. All our orders were really really good. The beef tasted fresh, and the broth was very flavourful and fragrant. We especially love the grilled pork skewers. Very generous portions of meat which were tender and seasoned to perfection. We really enjoyed our meal. All our orders were exactly what you would expect out of great Vietnamese lunch. Price wise, it was rather pricey compared to other Vietnamese outlets, but the taste was satisfying. LOCATION: 79 Atkinson Avenue, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland 1062, New Zealand OPENING HOURS: 10am - 9pm Friday- Wednesday (Closed on Thursday) PRICE :NZD $20-$25 #deliciousfood #summervacation #passionpassport #foodie #auckland

Auckland Art Gallery which won the World Building of the Year 2013 personifies the beauty of restoration and adaption of heritage buildings. With the ‘tree-like’ canopies made of kauri wood that were designed to mirror the trees at nearby Albert Park, the atrium and gallery appears to float. The building itself is a masterpiece! The exhibitions were thoughtfully curated, with a collection of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art. There’s always new exhibitions begin put up and we love how we got the opportunity to preview the works of artist, Robin White wich were beautiful and inspiring. There is also a paid exhibition area for Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s collection at the moment. This world-class art gallery is a “must see” if you’re in Auckland. You can spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours here. You’d be able to to buy gallery prints and reproductions as well as many locally made gifts. There’s a locely café serving wonderful coffee. Its perfect to have a sip at the café as it overlooks Albert Park and there’s free Wi-Fi. LOCATION: Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD OPENING HOURS 10am - 5.00pm Monday – Sunday At present, gallery admission is FREE for all. #tripblazers #passionpassport #summervacation #urbanexplorer #auckland

Garden Place @ Hamilton When we visited a few days before Christmas, there was a huge, beautiful Christmas tree put up in the garden. This large open space in the middle of town, is Hamilton’s hub of the central business district and has free wifi hotspot. It is located just around the corner from the Garden Place Noodle Bar, and a few minutes walk from Victoria On the River. Look out for activities in the garden. We were lucky to visit when the Festive Fun activity was ongoing. There were Crafty Kids Station, kids face painting, photobooths and props as well as live music...and best of all, everything was free!!! There are a rotation of activities so be sure to look out for activities online to find the perfect activity for the whole family. LOCATION: 14 Garden Place, CBD, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand #hamilton #tripblazers #auckland #urbanexplorer #summervacation

A place to pause, interact and enjoy river views, this park is located in the middle of Victoria Street in Hamilton and overlooks the mighty Waikato River. The place links beautifully with the city and is a perfect place to enjoy your coffee while exploring Hamilton City Centre. This urban intervention crafted by Edwards White Architects also boast a terraced amphitheatre, with ramps, stairs and terraced seatings descending towards the river foot path. There’s also a beautiful portal like sculpture entitled Te Tatau ki Kirikiriroa, designed and created by Robert Jahnke. The sculpture conveys the story of how the site was once know as the ‘Garden Basket’ of Auckland. LOCATION: Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand #mytripvlog #summervacation #urbanexplorer #hamilton #auckland

This privately-owned garden just outside Hamilton town center, is home to lush lavender fields and blueberry bushes. Driving from Hamilton town takes about 15 minutes while it is just 10 minutes away from Hamilton Gardens. The place is wonderful for photos with the family. You can sit down and relax among the fields of lavender and enjoy a cup of coffee or ice cream from the kiosk. But other than that, there was not much to do as the blueberries have yet to blossom. If you're looking for gifts, Lavender Backyard Garden distils their own essential oils, natural aromatherapy and skin care items which are for sale in their quaint little shop. LOCATION: 398 Marshmeadow Rd, RD6, Hamilton, New Zealand. *TAKE NOTE: Months of operation: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec OPENING HOURS 9am - 5.00pm Monday – Sunday Pricing and Admission (6Dec -15 Jan 2022) General: NZD $12 Child 4-8 years: NZD $8 Pick your own lavender $12 per jar Things to note: No pets are allowed. No wedding photos allowed during business hours. #tripblazers #waikato #auckland #summervacation #passionpassport #lavenderfields

Located at the metropolitan centre of Waikato region, the award winning Hamilton Gardens is just an hour and a half drive south of Auckland. With multiple themed gardens, the gardens is the perfect place to spend the day. Wonder through the various themed gardens which are ever expanding and enjoy the beautiful blooms on display. There's a cafe within the vicinity, but should you prefer other cuisines, simply head to downtown Hamilton just a few minutes away. #passionpassport #urbanexplorer #summervacation #auckland