Five ways to experience Auckland

By: Rathina Sankari, Travel writer, Pune

BITE BY BITE
Auckland has some of the finest restaurants and cafes that serve seasonal produce, follow the farm-to-table concept and has various innovations to its claim. From the outside, Giapo looks like an ordinary ice cream parlour except for the long queue at its door. The outlet has its own R&D kitchen where the Italian couple Gianpaolo and Annarosa Grazioli have been inventing quirky ice creams such as the large squid ice cream and pani puri ice cream — the little puris are filled with scoops of different flavours of ice cream.


It also has the Indian roti ice cream wrap as well as ice cream stuffed in Maori bread. Walk along Auckland’s vibrant waterfront and there are many restaurants dishing out specialities. One such is Soul Bar and Bistro — winner of the New Zealand Good Food Awards in 2016.

CLIMB THE VOLCANO
Auckland is home to more than 50 volcanoes, the oldest of which are said to have erupted some 150,000 years ago. The indigenous Maoris, who have their own legends about the volcanoes, had built forts and occupied these sites. When the Europeans arrived, they quarried the volcanic basalt.

Today most volcanic cones have been converted into parks. Rangitoto is the youngest of the volcanoes — 600 years old — and can be reached by kayaking from the mainland. Explore the island to learn about its flora and geology and reach the summit to watch a spectacular sunset.

MURIWAI GANNET COLONY
The Australasian gannets are seabirds that mate for life and lay one egg every year and live in colonies. They have yellow heads, black-tipped white wings and sharp, serrated beaks. These are found at Muriwai, an hour’s drive from Auckland, between August and March, their nesting period.

After that, they migrate to Australia. They will return later to mate with their partners. When seen in a colony these territorial birds look like a painting that has come to life. Don’t miss this experience when in the city.

SKYWALK
It’s not enough to enjoy Auckland by road. How about going up and taking in a 360-degree view of the city? Head to the highest building in New Zealand, the Sky Tower, and walk 192 m above the city on a narrow walkway. If you don’t fear heights, this is the place to be. Enjoy a bird’seye view of the city with the harbour and the hills nearby and the islands at a distance. If you want more adventure, you can bungee jump from the Sky Tower, hurtling down at a speed of 85 km an hour. Visit http://skywalk. co.nz/ for more details.

WHALE & DOLPHIN SAFARI
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has more than 50 sheltered emerald islands and is New Zealand’s first sea national park. Easily accessible from Auckland, one can spot abundant marine life, especially Bryde’s whales, in its six reserves.

Orca, blue whales and humpbacks dominate the region and you are sure to spot them on a whale-and-dolphin safari. You can head to the waters in a chartered boat or a hired boat. The place can be explored on a kayak as well. One can also see great white sharks, giant manta rays and whale sharks. The marine park is home to 250 different varieties of seabirds too.

RIDE THE HARLEY
While Auckland has lots to offer to its visitors — rainforests, marine parks, beaches and waterfront restaurants — it is best enjoyed on a beast, the Harley-Davidson.

With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you can explore the region either by riding a bike on rent or by going pillion on a chauffeur-driven bike. One can also go on tour for a couple of weeks — self-driven or fully guided tours. For more details visit http://www.bularangi.com/motorcycle-tours and http://www.motorbikesnz.co.nz