DESTINATIONS AUCKND | AUSTRASIA adrenaline rush... AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND


Wondering how to sell the City of Sails? David Whitley rounds up his top spots


we love...


The Auckland War Memorial Museum Reached from the city centre via the primped gardens of the Auckland Domain, the city’s top museum features lots of fun displays on New Zealand’s tempestuous geology on the second floor. But it’s the first floor – featuring a massive Maori meeting house with sections explaining how the Polynesian people settled across the Pacific – that provides the lasting cultural impact. aucklandmuseum.com


getting there...


The quickest flights to New Zealand go via Asia, with Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates offering one-stop routes to Auckland from more than one UK airport. The cheapest deals – under £800 if you’re lucky – are usually found for departures in October or November, or between mid-April and mid-June.


where to stay...


Hilton Auckland Right on the harbour’s edge, the Hilton plumps for an endearing maritime theme. At first glance, it looks like a cruise ship heading out to sea, while the lobby’s light-wood floor looks like a deck and knotted ropes are used for decoration. The rooms keep it a touch more subtle, but still feature wave-patterned carpets. Doubles cost from £170, room-only. hilton.com/auckland


make time for...


The Coast to Coast Walk Stretching 10 miles across the city and, given that it’s on an isthmus, technically the country, the route from Onehunga Station to the city- centre waterfront links many of Auckland’s highlights. These include One Tree Hill, an old volcanic cone where sheep and cows roam, and Mount Eden, the highest natural point in the city, which provides grade-A harbour views.


SkyJump It wouldn’t be New Zealand without a terrifying adventure activity, would it? And the SkyJump – leaping 192 metres from Auckland’s Sky Tower – most certainly ticks that particular box. The descent may be slowed by the thin wires that jumpers are trussed up to, but stepping over the edge still takes a huge leap of faith. It costs £113. bungy.co.nz


and relax...


Waiheke Island Waiheke has a sense of good-living bliss about it. You might go for the beaches and clifftop walks, but it’s the food and wine that make it special. Tours with ferry crossings and winery visits start at £92. viator.com


travelweekly.co.uk


2 JANUARY 2020


49


PICTURES: Chris McLennan; Mark Smith; Todd Eyre; AJ Hackett Bungy


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