Best Destinations for Senior Travelers in Auckland

Frequently, when visiting Auckland, any number of individuals take advantage of the many age group tours available. One such tour, available from a handful of sponsors, is for those individuals considered “seniors”. One reason that these are so very popular is the fact that they take all the hassle out of your trip. There’s no planning needed, you don’t have to figure out how to navigate the roads, etc. Should you choose to strike off on your own to take in the sights and sounds of Auckland, however, consider looking into mini bus hire in Auckland. This way, you will still save yourself the hassle of getting lost in a strange place or having to fight traffic on your own. And as a visiting senior, don’t forget to ask about senior discounts. These are offered by any number of locations from tourist attractions to hotels to restaurants.

Auckland City Tours

While you can wind your way through the city on your own, doing it through a tour helps you hit all the hotspots far more precisely. For a more personalized experience, most of these tours involve small groups. A comprehensive tour is an exceptional value hitting all of the best places for pictures and more. Through one of these tours, you can discover Auckland’s bustling shopping areas, Victorian suburbs, leafy parks, historic buildings, stunning beaches, and their sparkling harbour. You’ll even get a chance to go to the top of a volcano to enjoy the incredible view.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum

There are any number of museums in the area including the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, New Zealand Maritime Museum and, finally, the War Memorial Museum. To see what exhibits are currently showing, it’s best to visit their website and compare it to your travel dates. And though residents are allowed museum entry for free, you as a visitor, will have to cover the $25 charge ($10 for children). Depending on exactly what you want to see, there are additional charges. Hours of operation differ as well, so again, it’s best to check the War Memorial Museum’s website for more information. Of all of museums in New Zealand, this was one of the first.

Some of the displays involve pictorial and decorative arts collections, military and social history collections, natural history collections, and preeminent Pacific and Maori collections. Additionally, it houses one of the top three heritage libraries in New Zealand.

Who’s Up For A Round of Golf?

If you love to play golf, you have come to the right place! New Zealand itself has nearly 400 golf courses. And though there are numerous highly rated courses to choose from, here are some of Auckland’s reportedly “top” golf courses:

Huapai Golf Club – This is definitely out in the country, surrounded by free-roaming cows and farmland. It’s hard to decide whether this is actually a country outing or if you’re playing golf. It’s an easy walk, and so is perfect for young and old with well-positioned, tidy bunkering; four large water hazards; tight fairways; and mature trees.

Gulf Harbour Country Club – This genuine championship golf course is the most accessible in New Zealand. From Auckland City, it is a 45-minute drive. The stubborn challenges offered by the inward nine will test many players. The ocean view and steep bluffs will have you reaching for your camera between shots. If you are an experienced golfer, give it a try!

Remuera Golf Club – Former host of the New Zealand Open, this old lady of New Zealand golf is possibly the best central golf course in Auckland. The course is known for its attention to detail and intense challenge, and yet offers all level of players a good game. On the closing stretch, there is a brilliant collection of holes while the outward nine is peppered with out of bounds challenges and funky holes. Bring extra balls!

The Auckland Art Gallery

With ever-changing displays and exhibits, the Auckland Art Gallery also contains a shop and café. Once again, if you are a New Zealand resident, you get in free. But visitors will be charged $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, and children 12 and under get in free. Take a tour through the gallery or go off on your own. Before you leave your hotel, use your computer to download a floor map to help you better navigate the gallery. The tours are English-speaking, begin daily at 1:30 PM and 11:30 AM, are limited to 15 people, and last approximately 60 minutes. Except for Christmas Day, they are open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. If you need to use a wheelchair, there are some available at the front desk; but the facility is wheelchair accessible if you have your own. The art gallery even has Wi-Fi access!

Auckland Civic Theatre

Rather than a single theater, this is actually a collection or combination of a cinema, live music venue, and performing arts theater. Though it experienced a major renovation in the 1990s, it first opened in 1929. If, when you’re in this theater, you feel like you’re outside with twinkling stars and a night sky above, don’t be surprised. This concept is known as the “atmospheric theater style”. Here, interior design and lighting create the open sky illusion. In fact, in all of Australasia, as far as atmospheric cinema goes, it is the area’s largest. The foyer is Indian-inspired with domed ceilings, twisted columns, and seated Buddhas. Though its seating capacity is now reduced, it is still New Zealand’s largest theater. Originally seating 2750 people, it now seats 2378.

And if you’ve ever seen the remake of King Kong, Peter Jackson’s 2005 rendition, you may recognize this building. It gained fame as The Alhambra, a New York theater in the film.

If you are a photo buff, the sites of Auckland will intrigue and amaze you. If exercise and trailblazing is your thing, the finest walks in the world can be found at Milford Track and other Auckland locations. If you crave sunsets in faraway destinations, breaking surf, and water sports, there is North Island’s 90-mile beach. Clearly, Auckland has something for everyone. And if you have a small group to transport during your visit to Auckland, check out a minibus fleet.