Kaplan City Guide: Auckland
Auckland, one of the biggest and busiest cities in New Zealand, is a unique and exciting destination with the best of both the natural and modern world. Witness the beauty of nature and its scenic landscapes during the day, and experience the vibrant city nightlife in the evening. From festivals to outdoor adventures, world-class dining and designer shopping, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.
We talked with students studying at our English school in Auckland and asked them to share some of their favorite things to do in the city. Take a look at what they had to say!
Go swimming
“Auckland is a fantastic choice if you like the sea and beaches.”
Tip provided by:
Jan Tenenbaum, Germany
New Zealand boasts 15,000 km of coastline and over 3,000 lakes, so you can expect a lot of different water sport activities made available to you. From kayaking to white water rafting, sailing and jet-boating, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained on the water.
Experience the local flavor
“I would recommend eating different local food, especially mussels and fruit. They are very good quality.”
Tip provided by:
Bussara Bunranrak, Thailand
The cuisine in New Zealand is made up of local ingredients and seasonal variations, sourcing produce from both land and sea. It is regarded as some of the best quality food in the world and comes highly recommended. Similar to the cuisine of Australia, New Zealand is diverse, British-based, with multicultural influences from the Mediterranean and Pacific Rim.
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Capture amazing views of the city
“I would recommend visiting Sky Tower where you can see the whole beautiful landscape of the city, harbor and islands near the city.”
Tip provided by:
Jungeun Kim, South Korea
In the heart of the city is Sky Tower, an iconic feature of the city skyline offering fantastic views, quality dining, entertainment and numerous shopping options. Auckland boasts some of the country’s best museums and cultural institutions, offering visitors a unique experience of history, arts and culture.
Discover the outdoors
“There are some beautiful natural places to visit: Rangitoto and Mount Victoria for example.”
Tip provided by:
Bruno Basilio, Brazil
If you love nature and the outdoors, you can admire the breath-taking landscapes at Waiheke Island, Cornwall Park, Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. These all offer some great hiking trails and are only a short drive from the city. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try visiting the iconic Glowworm Caves, black water rafting or abseiling at Waitomo.
Have you ever visited or studied in Auckland – do you have any other tips we should share? Let us know.
