Auckland Travel Forum

Hi!
I'll be in Auckland in March to attend a business meeting. I'll be arriving in the morning on the day before our meeting starts so I have around a half a day to spend on my own. I am checking into the Sky City Grand Hotel so I would appreciate if someone could suggest where I should go given my location and the limited time. Maybe some place where I can buy souvenirs (at a reasonable price) and not too far from the hotel. In addition, maybe you can tell me where I can grab some lunch.
Thanks,
CARLO

Half a day...for souveniers I think they have some special ones at the Museum shop. Visit the museum and you will have a wonderful view of the harbour,as well as the museum exhibits, and possible a Maori song item/show. The museam is set in a wonderful park where you can relax. I think there is a place there by the duck pond where you can have lunch...but I cant guarantee the value as I have not eaten there. I hope you enjoy and let us know when u are coming.

Hi!
How do I get to the museum from Sky City Grand Hotel? Are there restaurants in Sky City or around that area that you would recommend? I'll be arriving 19-March.
Thanks for the suggestions.
CARLO

You can bus to the museum...if you check with your hotel [I presume you mean the Sky City hotel} they will be able to help you...I think the tour bus would pick up at the hotel,and the same bus can take you to other places. But really it is an extremely short taxi ride to the museum. A good idea would be first to go up the Sky Tower cos that gives you a tremendous overview of the whole of the city and of the harbour. You will see the museum in the park from the sky tower. It is close. For your lunch I would definitely go to the waterfront...to the Viaduct area where all the boats and restaurants are. It will be a short walk from Sky City. This is where the America`s Cup race was and the area has a great atmosphere and good restaurants fro luch or dinner. M>

There are also several souvenir outlets within walking distance of the Sky City Hotel. I would trot down to the waterfront and have a wander around the Viaduct Basin, grab a bite to eat at the Waterfront Cafe which is excellent value. Maybe take one of the FREE bicycle rickshaws around Downtown Auckland and have a look in the Maritime Museum (right next to the Waterfront Cafe at the Viaduct Basin). You might well have time for a boat trip out on the Waitemata Harbour (lots of boat trips available).

.. or even have a lunch or dinner in Davenport (acessible by ferry from Auckland).

Yes, all great ideas...everything is pretty accessible and you can`t go wrong. I would get on the rickshaw AFTER lunch...that way you`ll go faster. [Hey Alison! I didn`t know about free rickshaws!]

Hi Marion :-) Yep, they are found down around the Viaduct area - quite noticable, they are painted bright red and the guy on the cycle will be wearing a matching red shirt. I think I wrote a tip for them, if not I must rectify that soon.

wow I`ll have to get down there and take a ride. I`m sure a rickshaw will be quicker than any car in Auckland`s traffic!!!!!A rickshaw ride along the waterfront would be lovely.

To get to the museum from Sky City, walk about a block to Queen Street (the main street) and catch a link bus. They are silver and go in both directions. Take one on the left hand side, heading DOWN Queen Street towards the harbour. Ask the driver where to get off - should take about 15-20 mins depending on traffic, NZ$1.60. You will go through Parnell which has some good souvenir type shopping, cafes etc. You could get off there and walk the short distance to the museum. I agree that the viaduct area is a good place to go for lunch.

thanks planetree...i always wondered how to get those buses! I`ve been stuck in my car for too long it seems.