Top Destinations In Auckland To Explore With Your Minibus Hire

For most visitors to New Zealand, Auckland is the point of arrival, as this harbour-side city is the vibrant heart of the country and New Zealand’s economic centre. A sprawling metropolis, visiting around the city is best done by road, and a charter bus is the best option for a small group travelling together. Book Auckland minibus hire for transport tailored to your preferred travel itinerary.

Auckland Sky Tower

The most prominent landmark in the city is Auckland Sky Tower, and one destination you definitely won’t want to miss. At 328 meters high, this is New Zealand’s tallest building, and the best location for a bird’s eye view of the city. Take the glass elevator up to the very top floor and snap breathtaking panoramic pictures from the observation deck – the views span 80 kilometres into the distance on a clear day!

For thrill seekers though, you’re in luck because even in the heart of the city New Zealand lives up to its adventurous nature. You can enjoy dizzying views by walking along the Sky Walk platform set 192 meters high above the ground around the tower’s pergola, definitely an exciting adventure for the family. And complete adrenaline junkies can even base-jump off the platform on a Sky Jump, with the cityscape rushing towards you instead of the usual nature scenery.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Even before you enter the museum, you can take in the impressive architecture of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The vast Neoclassical style building dates back to 1929, and was first erected as a memorial dedicated to soldiers from New Zealand who fought in World War I. It is now a museum which houses an impressive collection of artefacts tracing the history of New Zealand, from its first Polynesian settlers, to its most recent accomplishments, and also highlights the country’s natural heritage.

The Main Maori Galleries contain a wealth of Maori artistry, as well as a beautiful Maori gateway from the 12th to 14th centuries. Other highlights include an elaborately decorated Meeting House, and not to mention a 25 meter long canoe dating back to 1836, in which Maori warriors once sailed into Manukau Harbour. On the first floor is the natural history collection, where you can view a reconstruction of New Zealand’s famous and now extinct giant moa birds. Finally, the top floor of the museum houses the war memorials and tells the story of New Zealand’s involvement in world conflict throughout history.

One Tree Hill

Most people may be familiar with a certain television show of the same name, but may be less aware that One Tree Hill is also a very iconic landmark in Auckland. Many Aucklanders actually do consider the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill to be their city’s symbol. At 182 meters high, the hill offers lovely views across the cityscape from its summit, and the good news is that it won’t be too challenging a climb! Located in Cornwall Park, with its numerous flower beds and groves of mature trees easily accessible by numerous walking trails, the hill takes up the southwest corner of the park. Its slopes even contain remnants of a Maori Pa (fortified village) which was located here during the pre-European era. At the top of the hill, the most iconic spot, is a single obelisk which was built over the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell, the man who gifted the land to Auckland which is now the city park. This is a definite must-see as you explore and get to know Auckland city.

Auckland Harbour Bridge

One of the most noticeable characteristics of New Zealand is its prominent standing as a harbour city. In 1840, Auckland became New Zealand’s capital, thanks to the easily navigable waterway that cuts through the city. (The capital of New Zealand is now Wellington, but Auckland is still the country’s economic base.) The Auckland Harbour Bridge dominates the centre of Waitemata Harbour. Completed in 1959, the iconic bridge is more than one kilometre long and 67 meters high, and connects downtown Auckland to the northern areas, leading to the sandy beaches of the bays further up.

If you’re up for a thrill, there is even the option of taking a Harbour Bridge walk – actually, it’s more of an urban climb! With a tour guide, you can scale the bridge to the very top, on some custom-engineered catwalks. Just be sure to suit up, clip yourself onto the safety rail, and get your phones ready for these once-in-a-lifetime selfies! And of course, there is also a bungy jump platform here for the absolute daredevils.

New Zealand Maritime Museum

This is one museum where you can have a great time with the family. This well-curated Maritime Museum explores the nation’s deep connection with the sea, offering a comprehensive summary of New Zealand’s history of seafaring. From the history of the first Polynesians’ arrival, to Maori canoes and outrigger boats, whaling equipment, and other old instruments and implements, there is a whole host of things to see. One of the galleries is devoted to yachts, including the yacht in which New Zealand won the America’s Cup in 1995 on Blue Water Black Magic, skippered by Kiwi legend Sir Peter Blake.

Be sure to check out the programmes which the museum regularly plans. They have a school holiday programme for children which is jam packed with holiday activities that even tourists can get onboard with. There are also several other special programmes that are worth checking out when you plan your trip to Auckland.

In addition, there are several activities you can try with the family. One exciting one is the Ted Ashby Heritage Sailing trip, a one hour trip which heads out twice a day, six days a week. There is also the SS Puke Steaming Ship, a cute little steam tug on the water, where you can get on board on selected Saturday afternoons.

Viaduct Harbour

The Viaduct Harbour is no longer just a place to berth boats. Ever since New Zealand won the America’s Cup in 1995, and brought the defence to New Zealand for the first time, the harbour has been