5 Things to do in Auckland on a Sunny Day

The sun shines in Auckland for over 2000 hours every year and each of those hours invites outdoor activities to make the most of the warmth.

Auckland is a city obsessed with the sea, sited as it is on an isthmus between two harbours, boats and beaches provide many of the activities for recreation that the locals and visitors love. The East Coast beaches are ideal for swimming, with popular beaches like Orewa, and Brown's Bay to the north of the city; Takapuna, Milford and Cheltenham Beaches close to Devonport, and St Heliers and Mission Bay to the east of the city on the harbour. The west coast beaches are wilder, offering surfing opportunities. Piha, Karekare and further south, Karioitahi all have dramatic black sand, but watch out for the rocky outcrops and potential rips. Swimming in all its forms, from paddling your feet in the shallows to surfing in the wild waves, to diving in the deeper waters of the Hauraki Gulf are all options for a sunny day. Take to kayaking, sailing, windsurfing or rafting. Or throw in a line and catch a fish. Take a cruise or look for shellfish. It's all part of the sun, sea and surf culture.

Take to the water, take a cruise. So where do you cruise to? The Hauraki Gulf has a number of Islands that make great destinations for a day trip out from Auckland. Great Barrier Island is the largest, further out in the Gulf. Rugged and wild, many enjoy trekking, camping and kayaking on and around the island. Tiritiri Matangi is a very popular destination, a wildlife sanctuary for endangered species, such as the Takahe, as well as blue penguins, kiwi and teal. Rangitoto is the iconic island often highlighted in views of the harbour. Being a dormant volcano, it has a pleasing profile, but on land its beauty is glamourized by the huge forest of Pohutukawa trees, which bloom bright red in the summer, leading to their being named the New Zealand Christmas Tree. Waiheke Island is probably the most visited island, with an art and craft community on the island, and a number of lovely white beaches. Art Galleries, coffee shops and vineyards can all be on your Waiheke must-visit list...read more

24 Hours in Auckland

If you only have 24 hours to spend in Auckland, you had better get your running shoes on as we have a great deal to see.

Get an early start, just before sunrise and be waiting to see the dawn from One tree Hill or Mt Eden. Both of these viewpoints will give you fantastic views over the city as well as a glorious panorama from the early rays of the sun as it greets the world. Enjoy the formations of the extinct volcanic cones as the scenery lightens and your views become clearer.

Full of the beauty of the new day, head on down to the waterfront. Auckland is primarily a harbour city, 'the city of sails', and boats and boating occupy a large place in the national culture. The Viaduct is a lovely area to appreciate the harbour views and some of the boats that visit the city. There are a large number of restaurants in the area, but a suggestion is Bellini, on Princes Wharf, which opens at 7.30 am and has a buffet breakfast starting from $10...read more