Not exactly nextdoor but worth a visit (Auckland)

Member Name: gmoczulski

Product:	Auckland
Date:	30/01/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sky tower, rest of new zealand is fantastic

Disadvantages: long journey, expensive to get there. oh and they dont have pennies there no change on your 99p good

Having been lucky enough to be in a fairly successful school rugby team on the national level we were offered the chance to go on tour to New Zealand in the summer of 2005, and of course this was their winter. However temperatures were tolerable in Auckland which was then towards the end of July, and at best it was possible to get away with just a T-shirt as the days were majoritively clean and clear.

So after the epic 26 hour flight we stepped off the plane and set foot in New Zealand. Strangely enough the very first thing we did after collecting our luggage was to go for a mandatory swim at an indoor water park there. Wehther this was a cruel ply by the coaches or just a way to freshen us up so as to minimise jetlag, I will never know! However the park was a good visit and I would recommend doing so if you land in the morning like we did. Our hotel was a great place to stay, however I just cannot remember the name of it after 3 year,, sorry about that. But it was in the heart of the city, and in typical of New Zealand manner there was a man made bungy jump literally across from the street from us, showing that even in the most urban of areas in NZ they will create an adventure.

Auckland is a vibrant city and boasts a great atmosphere, of which is very different to that in England, particularly us who came from a much smaller city in England. Furthermore due to its location it had many different ethnicities there and a thriving chinese contingent.

The main attraction for me had to be the sky tower, and if you find yourself in Auckland this is a must. For a reasonable fare you will find youself hurtling a good 300m off the ground in a glass floor elevator. Once at the top you will be greeted with another glass floor towards the edge of the floor, but dont worry its not all glass! The panoramic view from up there is breathtaking, as you can see right across Auckland and for miles on. For a few extra bob you can also be lowered down from the top outside, although it would probably be scary it was not exactly at the quickest speed.

Another tip is to take the harbour tour as you gain an insight into the history of the city and how it came about to be so important. With interesting facts such as the train station having once been the tallest builing in the southern hemisphere, which is not only dwarfed by the sky tower but by pretty much most of the other buildings in the downtown area.

The downside to the place would have to be that its apparently a bit of a trek to get there due to it being ever so slightly a tad for away. Furthermore if you are not a fan of the hustle and bustle of big cities you may not like it but I say stick with it and give it ago as you might as well visit it whilst you're down there. Furthermore the rest of the islands are spectacular and you will, without doubt, have plenty of lush scenery to marvel at.

Summary: Great atmosphere, recommended