Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of 1.2 million people according to Statistics New Zealand as at June 2005. That’s nearly a third of the total population of New Zealand living in a land area of 1086km² or 419sq miles. It is built on an isthmus and has the Manukau Harbour which is fed by the Tasman Sea and on one side and the Hauraki Gulf which is linked to the Pacific Ocean on the other. It is also known as the ‘City of Sails’ because it is famous for its yachts, harbor activities and the American Cup win. This makes Auckland a popular venue for yachting and other water activities. There are many islands in the Hauraki Gulf and you can enjoy a ferry ride to many of these. It has a temperate climate ranging from 4º - 17º in winter months and 8º - 28º in summer months so there is a better range of outdoor events which are compatible for family activities in this city at this time of year.
Fun for Families: Part One
It caters for families really well; there are many activities that are interesting and fun for both children and adults.
Take a walk up Mount Eden; from here you can see the greater Auckland area. Mount Eden is an extinct volcano that has great historical value. From this point you can see the other extinct volcanoes like Mount Albert, Mount Roskill, One Tree Hill, Mount Victoria as well as Rangitoto Island which is not inhabitable but it can be seen from almost anywhere in this city. Auckland has fifty volcanic vents which take the form of lagoons, lakes and cones so you are walking on a volcanic field that is merely dormant. One Tree Hill had a song written about it by the band U2. It has a lovely domain and playground and its own history concerning the one tree! The Observatory is located here and has educational shows that usually open in the evening.
Visit MOTAT; Ministry of Transport And Technology offers a peek at the history of New Zealand. There are many great exhibits in this museum and they have a vast array of items that will give let you look at how the Kiwi way of life has come to be. There is a tram ride that travels alongside Western Springs and back into the museum. On the other side of this is the place where Speedway is held.
Next to this is Western Springs. A lovely place to bring a picnic and take a leisurely stroll around the water. My children bring a scooter or roller blades and as many bags of bread that I let them have. The ducks, geese, gulls, chickens, pukeko and shags all enjoy being fed as do the eels and fish. There is a playground for the children and many picnic tables. This is a good place to get some nice photographs.
Next to this is Auckland Zoo and who doesn’t like the animals. It has been upgraded and now has interactive shows with many of the animals participating. Children enjoy spending the day at the zoo.
In Mt Albert which is literally down the road, are the wave pools which is a great way to end a busy day.
These are afew of the activities to do in Auckland if you have children and are looking for activities to tire them out in a day. There are many more but will be continued in part two.
