Unlocking Some of Auckland's Best Kept Tourism Secrets

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Auckland lies on the coast of New Zealand, welcoming visitors into the twin harbours, Waitemata and Manukau. The first thing a visitor to New Zealand should know is that when lost or in need of information, look for an iSITE visitors centre. These operate as information points, helping visitors and locals find specific places and addresses and even help to put together itineraries encompassing as many points of interest as possible. They will be able to advise if any of the areas to be visited would be best served with a guide or if they can be managed solo. There are many places that should definitely be seen in order to feel the full flavour of Auckland.

All the locals will agree, you must visit the Sky Tower when in Auckland, and it is not hard to see why when admiring the view from the top. Cheap flights to Auckland mean that it is quite easy to fly into Auckland just to see the tower if necessary. Standing 328 metres tall, which makes it the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, the tower is an instantly recognisable symbol of Auckland. Primarily designed as telecommunications and television broadcasting tower the Sky Tower attracts half a million visitors per year, and houses two restaurants and a café - one of them New Zealand's only revolving restaurant, unrolling a twinkling panorama while you eat.

Daring visitors can get an adrenaline rush by indulging in a bungee-jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge, just off the Waitemata Harbour. Enjoy fabulous views from the custom designed bungee pod before launching yourself into space. For an extra thrill, book the 'water touch' which will get you dipped into the water for a quick cool down!

Popular beaches like Piha and Bethell's Beach attract an explosion of visitors, both foreign and local in the summer time and if you love water sports and beach activities, certainly add one or more of the beautiful beaches near Auckland into the itinerary.

Animal lovers will definitely want to include Tawharanui Regional Park and the Muriwai Gannet Colony in their visit, seeing the large mass of birdlife at the latter and learning about the flora and fauna of the islands and conservation efforts being enacted to save endangered species at the former.

Getting around Auckland is easily arranged as there is a wide variety of transport systems available - in fact, it might be quite difficult to choose one of them! The central business area of Auckland is quite compact, within half an hour's drive across, and is well serviced by buses, taxis and trains. Travel by river taxi or ferry for a unique view and wonderful nautical experience, or even splash out on a flight over the town to see the landmarks and sights from above.