Auckland Attractions Overview Auckland has many unique attractions that deliver maximum satisfaction in a short amount of time. Some are active, others are passive - but all of them are totally entertaining. Put time aside to do the things that can only be done in Auckland. Start your Auckland experience at the top of the Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it`s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from a stunning view, the Sky Tower now offers you Sky Jump - the world`s highest tower-based jump. It`s a leap beyond description...3?4 The Auckland Harbour Bridge is another icon that can show you an exciting time. Bridge climbing is one of the latest things to do - and it doesn`t require a high level of fitness or daring. You`ll be carefully guided along the spans before proceeding to the highest point for a knockout view of the city and harbour. For different view of Southern Hemisphere life, make a point of visiting Antarctica while you`re in Auckland. At Kelly Tarlton`s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World you can meet King and Gentoo Penguins in a world of real snow and ice. You`ll also walk through enormous perspex tubes while sharks, fish and stingrays of every description swim around you. Auckland Zoo`s Sealion and Penguin Shores gives you a similar close encounter, except this time it`s sealions whistling past your nose. The Auckland War Memorial Museum has the world`s finest collection of Maori treasures. A cultural performance is held three times a day, introducing you to the legends, song and dance of the Maori people. Feed your mind in the highly informative Natural History Galleries - Origins, Land, Oceans and Human Impact. You`ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes to conquer the summit of Rangitoto. When you get to the top, there`s a stunning 360 degree view over the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland cityscape. For most people the hiking track from Rangitoto Wharf is the route of choice, but there is an easier way... you can get most of the way to the top on a 4WD Safari called the Fullers Volcanic Explorer. As the `City of Sails`, Auckland almost demands you get out on the harbour. Yachts and launches are available for charter, or you can team up with a local cruise company and watch someone else do all the hard work. The water that separates the bigger islands is home to pods of dolphins, families of blue penguins and the occasional sub-pod of orca. Wine tasting on Waiheke, with an art trail on the side, is an experience that constantly gets high marks from visitors to Auckland. The famed wine estates welcome guests. Many offer tastings and some have restaurants that you`ll never want to leave. While you`re travelling around the island, you`ll notice signs that invite you to visit artists` studios. Waiheke is home to a thriving creative population - potters, painters, writers and sculptors. High in the Waitakere Ranges you can discover the ultimate wild ride. Canyoning is a blast! You`ll abseil under waterfalls, water slide into hidden pools and float through mysterious water sculptured gorges. A different kind of adrenalin-packed day begins with the grunty 4-wheel drive farm bikes of 4-Track Adventures. After a little training, you`ll be let loose for an exciting episode of puddle punching, pine tree dodging and surf chasing on fabulous Muriwai beach. Auckland`s leisure-driven lifestyle has been voted amongst the best in the world. With 23 regional parks, 2 marine reserves, 100km of coastline, more than 500km of walking tracks and 48 volcanic cones, Auckland is a fascinating recreational landscape. Some of the best things in Auckland are free. The Auckland Domain, which is within walking distance of the CBD, is a natural masterpiece with many special places. Walking trails will take you to historic statues
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