Auckland Self Drive Holiday

Mt Eden

Follow breakfast up with a trip to one of Auckland's dormant volcanoes. You can drive right up Mt Eden, or if you feel like a stroll it's a robust fifteen-minute walk to catch a view of the entire City and both her harbours. Maungawhau - as Maori know it - has historical terracing and kumara pits from its past role as a functioning Pa (fortified village) in pre-European times.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

From Mt Eden you'll see the gardens and Greens of the Domain to the east, where you'll find Auckland's War Memorial Museum. It is the best introduction to Indigenous Maori culture, New Zealand's colonial and military history and the stories of the Pacific peoples that make Auckland the biggest Pacific city in the World. Gardens, greens and walking tracks abound for an escape so close to the city. It is just ten minutes' drive from Mt Eden and it is possible to drive right into the Domain grounds and park within easy walking distance of the Museum.

Devonport

Cross the Harbour Bridge to a pretty slice of historic New Zealand. This shopping village boasts great cafes, bookstores and a character-filled museum. It's a great place to grab lunch - maybe some fish'n'chips on the white sand beach of nearby Cheltenham. You'll be treated to views of Rangitoto - the island that takes prime position in the Hauraki Gulf - and during the warmer months you'll see locals swimming in the safe, sheltered waters.

Sky Tower and Eating in the City

Next it is time to head back to the city, and to the landmark that you'll be aiming for - the 328 metre high Sky Tower. This attraction is part of a world-class casino and entertainment complex. There's a revolving restaurant if you like to take your meals very, very high, or venture out into the city to try one of the many fine restaurants Auckland now boasts.

La Cigale Market

If you are in town on a Saturday make sure you visit these markets on the edge of charming Parnell, just ten minutes drive east of the CBD. French food, cheeses, great coffee and produce await you. Grab a bite here and fill up the back of the car with some picnic essentials - you can buy bread, lettuce, meats and fruit.

Waitakere Visitor Centre

It's time to head to a different Auckland, one of wild West Coast beaches with Iron Sands and Primeval landscapes. Your first stop on the way there is the excellent Waitakere Vistors centre, a guide to the Rainforest only 40 minutes from Auckland's CBD. Tracks, train-rides and waterfalls are all to be found, with a mix of walks on offer for all abilities and timeframes.

Piha Beach

Then it is off to the beach, another twenty minutes from the Visitor's Centre along some windy but not too demanding roads. Remember to keep left and feel free to stop at the great lookouts as you get closer to the beach. Piha is a surfing Mecca and a holiday escape for many Aucklanders. The beaches are to be treated with great care. Follow lifeguard instructions if you plan to swim - and if there are no lifeguards simply marvel at the majesty of the landscape, black sand, crashing surf and rock features. This is a great spot for a picnic on the beach.

Restaurants in the Viaduct

Now it is time to drive back to the City in time for a stroll around the waterfront as the day ends. This lovely area was the base for the America's Cup Yacht Regatta when it was hosted by New Zealand - and has many great bars and restaurants. Auckland is a city blessed with great produce, abundant seafood and the best beef and lamb in the world. Be sure to have dinner somewhere with a view to the boats and the setting sun.

Waiheke

Waiheke Island is a 40-minute ferry ride from the CBD and a similar distance from Half Moon Bay, a suburb to the East of Auckland that has a sailing that allows you to take the car ferry. This is recommended, as there are many beautiful wineries, sculpture and art installations, cafes and beaches to visit. Locals maintain that they enjoy a micro-climate superior to Auckland's mainland, and that may be one reason that this island so close to the city feels like a longer escape than the easy day trip it actually is.

Kelly Tarlton's

Kelly Tarlton was a pioneering Kiwi with a dream. He had the vision to convert a series of old sewers into a world-leading aquarium where you walk amongst sealife through glass-roofed tunnels to experience the ocean as a diver does. The underwater encounter is located ten minutes' drive east from the CBD with parking on site. Noteworthy attractions include an Antarctic Zone with penguins and a revolving array of sharks, stingrays and other majestic, scary creatures that will glide over you - making for a wonderful afternoon.

Waiwera

40 minutes North of Auckland you'll find the hot springs of Waiwera. This resort is on the same latitude as the Coromandel's Hot Water Beach and is an easily accessible and relaxing getaway. You can choose to drive and stay the night or make it a day trip. There are a variety of pools, with private facilities also available.

West Auckland Wine

New Zealand has a thriving wine culture and you don't even have to leave Auckland to visit some of their best producers. Cooper's Creek is an operational family owned vineyard in Auckland's North-West. They operate their cellar door and welcome picnics on the property. The wider region of Kumeu has a number of other prestigious producers such as international chardonnay star-producer Kumeu River - so pick a designated driver and make an afternoon of it!