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Jam08 
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Joined: 13 April 2008
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 Topic: Auckland Recommendations
Posted: 19 November 2010 at 1:39pm |
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We're off to Auckland soon for a few days and I'm after some suggestions for some wicked/different things to do.
I know everyone will have different opinions but I'd love to hear them. I'd be happy shopping but the other half won't so.......
Staying at Sky City so pretty central. Thoughts at the moment are a trip out to Rangitoto for a bit of a hike. We're much keener on getting out and about but also don't mind a bit of culture and heritage as well! Been over to Waiheke many times so will give that a miss and also to Deveonport. Is Piha worth a visit? Why/why not?
Also any recommendations for great places to eat? Love eating out so looking forward to doing so for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Like a bit of variety eg fine dining and also great thai, other international cusines.
Thanks in advance for any ideas.
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Flutterby
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Joined: 18 March 2008
Location: West Auckland
Points: 2627
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Posted: 19 November 2010 at 1:50pm |
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Any of the West Coast beaches are worth it. If you want to avoid the built up areas then try Bethells or Karekare instead, and there is the Gannet Colony at Muriwai. There are also some nice walks in the Waitakere ranges.
And there is always the Zoo, Motat and the museum and Winter gardens, and the dolphin watch boat that leaves from the Viaduct.
There are a couple of good restaurants close to the sky tower. Going down hill on the Left side there is the mexican cafe which has great atmosphere, and next door to that is 'Midnight Express' which does great mediterranian food at good prices.
And in Mission bay is the Movenpick icecream parlour, yummy.
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kiwikt
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Joined: 02 March 2010
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Posted: 19 November 2010 at 1:58pm |
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If you want good Thai in the city then go to Monsoon Poon. It is right by the viaduct so you are nice and central for a few drinks after wards.
I am a big fan of the Waitakere Ranges in general, including all their walks. Visit the Arataki Visitor Centre as a starting point.
Check out the Rain Forest Express. http://www.watercare.co.nz/community/rain-forest-express/Pages/default.aspx. Not many Aucklander's know about this and it is amazing. You need to book ahead of time but it can be a great way to spend the day.
Rangitoto is a great idea - however a hike on Rangitoto can be a killer in the summer.
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MummyFreckle
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Location: Auckland
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Posted: 19 November 2010 at 2:05pm |
http://www.elliottstables.co.nz/ Elliot Stables are really close to Sky City (just down the hill) and the food choices are fantastic and its a great atmosphere!
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Lulu
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Location: New Zealand
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Posted: 19 November 2010 at 7:33pm |
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I second Monsoon Poon, it is awesome and has an extensive cocktail list!
If you are in to a bit of excitement and weather permitting the bridge climb, sky walk or the sky tower bungy would be great.
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yermasyada
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Posted: 19 November 2010 at 7:48pm |
ooohhh the Rainforest Express is cool! 
Our fave Thai place is Wang Thai, by the Viaduct.
The Rangitoto hike is a good idea. You can stop for a picnic on the beach, half way 
How about heading north to Matakana neck of the woods? Some great vineyards for a nice lunch  There's a lovely market there on a Sunday morning.
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myfullhouse
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Joined: 29 July 2007
Location: West Auckland
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Posted: 19 November 2010 at 8:59pm |
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You could try the bungee off the harbour bridge or the walk along the top of it
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JadeC
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Joined: 04 November 2007
Location: Auckland
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Posted: 20 November 2010 at 7:10am |
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If you're here and its really warm, Goat Island would be a great place to visit if you're into swimming! It's a marine reserve, so you snorkel in the water and the fish just swim around you! Very cool!
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Jam08
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Posted: 21 November 2010 at 6:08pm |
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Wow, thanks everyone for the great ideas. Can't wait to get there and get amongst it! And, my mouth is watering at the thought of all this eating out! I love eating out but don't get to do it much anymore.
Awesome food recommendations - Elliot Stables sounds wicked. The Rainforest trip and Goat Island are def on my list, maybe leave the bungy and other adventurous activities for now! Still to check out motat, zoo etc online.
A quick question..
Would we need a car to get to the beaches out west? What about the Waitakere Ranges?
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JadeC
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Location: Auckland
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Posted: 21 November 2010 at 6:14pm |
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Yep, you'd need a car.
And Goat Island is up north a bit, about an hour/45mins I think? So you'd def need a car for that one! It's been ages since I've been there sorry!
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Auckland Recommendations
