New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is brimming with personality and diversity. Auckland lies over volcanic hills and around twin harbors. Your journey will take you to an exhilarating mix of urban adventures and natural wonders.
AUCKLAND, FOR THE DARING AND ACTIVE YOU
From helicopter rides, hiking, kayaking, motorbiking, bungee jumping, and even sky diving! Auckland will make your daring self fall in love with the city.
Have you ever had dinner at a revolving restaurant? Or bungee-jumped off a building in the middle of a city?
Sky Tower in New Zealand’s capital of Auckland does not only offer spectacular views from its observation deck at 721.8 feet (220 meters) but an extensive entertainment center. Whether you are looking for a thrill of sky walking, sky jumping, dining with some gorgeous rotating views, or simply want to go shopping, gambling, sit at a bar, or watch a movie at a theater, Sky Tower has got you covered.
Auckland Sky Tower at Night
Inspired Travel Designs through Virtuoso can help you satisfy your craving for that exhilarating adventure.
AUCKLAND’S NATURAL BEAUTY
Find yourself in a city full of natural beauty. Do not miss the extraordinary coastlines, parks, stunning gardens, beaches, volcanoes, and unique alpine forests. This city will take your breath away.
Explore Waiheke Island. An overnight stay on Waiheke is a beautiful way to begin your New Zealand vacation. From the stunning beaches, vineyards, and art experiences combined with eco-adventures, this city is worth that plane ride.
Waiheke Island
UNLOCK THE FLAVORS OF AUCKLAND
Most of the excellent restaurants are in Auckland. Prepare to sample many award-winning restaurants and eateries all around the city. Authentic to the nation is what they call Hangi dish (cooking food underground) or Lolly cake – this is a must-try!
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Always-Happening Central City
Downtown Auckland blends the bustle and sophistication of a big city with the tranquilizing effect of the scenic harbor at its fringe. Try Sid at The French Café; the food is progressive, with global accents. Think pomme soufflé with chorizo – but the light-filled dining room warms the setting, and diners are invited to explore the kitchen garden.
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Chic Parnell
Try the Saturday- and Sunday morning La Cigale French Market. Graze your way through this little slice of France in Auckland, filled with stalls devoted to crepes, pastries, bread, charcuterie, etc.
Weekends are made for sampling pastries at La Cigale French Market in Parnell – Auckland Tourism
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Shuck Oysters in Mahurangi Harbour
Auckland’s plump Mahurangi oysters are harvested in some cleanest water and have a creamy, buttery flavor. With a scenic boat ride north of the city to Mahurangi Harbour, travelers can visit oyster farms to learn about these prized bivalves and shuck their own.
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Make Your Own Gin at Waiheke Island
A 40-minute ferry ride from downtown, Waiheke Island is home to more than 20 wineries and vineyards. The Botanical Distillery, where founders Helen Elscot and Jill Mulvaney offer gin-and-tonic distilling and tasting experience.
G&Ts aren’t the only drink on Waiheke Island – the verdant city escape is covered in vineyards (and winetasting rooms) – Auckland Tourism.
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Prepare a Garden-to-Table Meal in an Artisan Garden
The two-acre Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Gardens sets the scene with multiple plant species (camelias, tropical rhododendrons, ferns, roses, and more) for a garden-to-plate food experience with food writer and Le Cordon Bleu ambassador Julie Biuso. What to expect? Lavender honey, fruity olive oils, cured meats, and handmade chocolates.
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Take an Ice Cream Master Class Downtown
Ice cream is an art form at Giapo, a parlor in downtown Auckland founded by chef Gianpaolo Grazioli. He proves that this beloved dessert can be delicious, creative, and innovative.
Get a closer perspective on Grazioli’s genius. Take his 90-minute master class. As the music plays, participants collaborate to make one of his off-beat flavors, from the famous “hokey pokey” (fresh cream and house-made crunchy honeycomb toffee) to the vegan, gluten-free coconut-cookie.
Giapo’s seasonal Blackberry and Marine Rosso sorbet, Annarosa Grazioli with the Colossal Squid, and the Italian-inspired Giapo Buono with caramel ice cream, amaretti crumbs, and hazelnut pralines – Giapo
HOME SWEET HOME IN AUCKLAND
French Art de Vivre and picture-perfect location on the harbor – Sofitel Auckland is your best choice! Floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized baths with rain showers, and deep soaking tubs are indeed heaven.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is part of Virtuoso’s exclusive Regional Program for Asia & Pacific. Book this hotel through Inspired Travel Designs and enjoy the perks of a Virtuoso traveler.
Luxury Marina View Room with Club Millésime Access – Virtuoso
Have a vacation that unfolds precisely according to your desires? That’s what I’ll build for you on your custom Inspired escape. Your passions, desires, and travel style will drive your bespoke itinerary. Feel free to reach out here.
Produced with Virtuoso Travel and Inspired Travel Designs