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<\/p>\nAuckland is the gateway to New Zealand, with many international flights to Auckland being the primary way that visitors enter the country. But many of of the country’s visitors move straight on from Auckland to discover some of the other best things to do in New Zealand without stopping to uncover the delights of the city of Auckland. There is so much to do in this city, from beautiful walks, to delicious dining, to fun activities, so it is worth adding a day or two at least to you itinerary to spend in the city. <\/p>\n
In this guide I share some of the best things to do in Auckland, highlights some of the cities main points of interest, some details on how to get there and where to stay in Auckland. <\/p>\n
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Begin your discovery of Auckland with a trip to the centre (also known as CBD or central business district). Here you will find the iconic Sky Tower which provides stunning views out over the city and of Viaduct Harbour. The tower is 60 stories high and at the top you will find a restaurant Orbit which has 360 degree views of the city. If you are feeling really adventurous then you can even bungee jump from the tower – not something I ever plan to but if you are a thrill seeker this would be a unique experience!<\/p>\n
Also, in the downtown area you can visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum T\u0101maki Paenga Hira<\/a> which provides a detailed history of New Zealand, both natural and military. The museum is open daily from 10-5pm and costs NZ $25 entry for adults and $10 for children. Check out the museum website to discover the latest exhibitions that are open during your visit. <\/p>\n Popular areas to shop downtown are Queen Street, the nearby Britomart and for those looking for designer stores you can visit The Chancery. <\/p>\n When you are ready to take a break after exploring the centre of Auckland you can visit Albert Park, which is very popular with Aucklanders – especially during lunch breaks to get outside. Nearby you will find the Auckland Art Gallery which houses the countries largest collection of art works.<\/p>\n Just a short walk through the hustle and bustle of New Zealand\u2019s largest city, Auckland, is somewhat of a marvellous, innovative culinary delight. Some call it the best ice cream in the world, some call it beyond your wildest imagination but I believe Giapo simply have a constant craving for anything new and challenging. Above all, Giapo<\/a> is inspiring change.<\/p>\n I am not being over excited, but nothing beats the fun that is Giapo Ice cream. From the moment you walk in the door you a greeted with a brand new spin on what ice cream is experienced like. There is no usual parlour set out but instead a detailed menu and the experienced and knowledgeable staff offering you a presentation of what they call, the third narrative of ice cream something definitely different from the American ice cream and the Italian gelato, the two dominant narratives for ice cream in the world, the hostess explains.<\/p>\n A full degustation starts before you even buy anything. The ice cream is delicious and while you receive testers of flavours you could only ever dream of, you realise that ice cream has never been experienced this way. Have you ever thought you could buy an art piece and eat it too? Like the colossal squid? Or use ice cream to take a selfie? Or wear your ice cream before you ate it? Like you would wear some puppets? That\u2019s what I am talking about. And so with a team of chefs and dreamers, Giapo made imagination come to real life. Above all, Giapo is inspiring change, that\u2019s why I am so adamant about this place. It\u2019s not just the flavours obviously they are all delicious, what giapo really offers is the opportunity to see that change is possible. If they changed ice cream and how we use it and why we buy it, everything and everyone can change.<\/p>\n Whilst Auckland may be a big city that doesn’t mean it lacks some beautiful areas to walk and hike with views to rival other parts of New Zealand. In addition to the city’s parks there are many other walks that could certainly come close to some of New Zealand’s great walks. One of the most popular walks in Auckland is the Rangitoto Summit. Just a short ferry ride will bring you to Rangitoto Island where you can hike Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano. Here are a few of the trails you can take in and around Auckland. <\/p>\n![\"Auckland\"](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/auckland.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2) VISIT GIAPO<\/h3>\n
![\"GIAPO](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/GIAPO.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3) AUCKLAND WALKS<\/h3>\n
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