Five of the best: Places in Auckland to take a tourist

Herald on Sunday

25 Apr, 2015 08:00 PM3 mins to read

Piha beach on Auckland's West Coast. Photo / Brett Phibbs

I landed in New Zealand from Sydney a few years ago, very keen to explore. As an out-of-towner, I take a lot of pride and passion in my hosting skills — I love showing off this city to friends who’ve come for a visit. So, based on my experience of taking visitors around town, here are my top five things to do.

1: Rangitoto

Kick off a trip to Rangitoto by mentioning to your foreign friends that this massive mountain emerging from the glistening Hauraki Gulf is the last volcano to erupt in Auckland. It's a fabulous fun fact that shows off our unique New Zealand landscape and a cool bit of history. We suggest packing a rucksack with some sandwiches and heading across on a morning Fullers Ferry (adults will pay about $30). Take the time to walk to the top of the mountain for 360-degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf islands. Enjoy your packed lunch at the peak before descending and heading home on the afternoon ferry. Check times online at fullers.co.nz.

Take a hike to the top of Rangitoto Island. Photo / Herald on Sunday

2: Piha Beach

The hour-or-so coastal drive from Auckland to Piha is pleasant, so stop off at some of the vantage points along the way to take some snaps. Enjoy brunch at Piha Cafe - grab a seat outside in the sun if you can. Walk off your meal with a stroll along the sparkling black sand, a swim in the surf (stay between the flags) or tackle the slightly rugged but short hike up Lion Rock for a lovely outlook. Nearby, explore the Kitekite Track - a cool, short walk that takes you through the Waitakere Ranges, among the nikau palms, silver ferns, running streams and ends at the falls.

3: Sky Tower

Finished in 1997, this iconic Auckland landmark stands at 328m, making it the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built for tourists, and attracts more than 1100 visitors each day, but that doesn't make it any less of a highlight. You could try to peer-pressure your pal to base-jump by wire from the tower, but we reckon the SkyWalk around the perimeter 192m up is the more awesome adrenaline activity on offer. To celebrate your daredevil achievements, book a table for lunch or dinner at Peter Gordon's Sugar Club. The city views are spectacular and the fusion menu sublime.

SkyWalk around the perimeter of the Sky Tower. Photo / Supplied

4: Muriwai Beach

Set on Auckland's west coast, Muriwai is a surfer's delight. Take a lesson or hire a blokart, kite or mountain bike to make the most of the rugged coastline. If you're feeling less active, the famous cliff-top gannet colony is worth a look, but the birds are only in town from August to March. The stroll along the coast-hugging boardwalk is lovely any time of year. On your way back to Auckland, make sure you stop by the Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant for a boutique brew on the wooden back deck.

5: Waiheke Island

It's an obvious choice but we can't talk about top tourist activities without mentioning this gem. A couple of options when on Waiheke, depending on your mood. If your friend is a wine lover, show off the local vino on a tour, ideally ending at sundown on the grassy knoll at Cable Bay. If it's something outdoorsy you're after, hire bikes beside the ferry terminal at Matiatia and pedal into the main town of Oneroa. Get yourself some fish'n'chips - classic Kiwi tucker - and find a spot to feast at the beach nearby. Keep cycling or cool off with a swim or kayak before taking the relaxing boat ride back to the mainland.