Tāmaki Hikoi recruit their guides from the local Ngāti Whātua tribe while Aucky Walky and The Big Foody also provide excellent introductions to this vibrant region.
You’d prefer to be your own guide? Follow your nose along the waterfront, starting at the fetching Edwardian ferry terminal. Head towards the Viaduct Harbour where boat fanciers can ogle a variety of impressive vessels. Explore the New Zealand Maritime Museum - full of accounts of epic sea adventures - before wandering to Te Wero Bridge, a pedestrian drawbridge that connects the Viaduct with Wynyard Quarter. Cross your fingers that the elegant ‘double bascule’ structure displays its magnificent feat of engineering as you pass. Pressing on past Wynyard Quarter’s ribbon of restaurants, where street performers and outdoor exhibitions are also frequently found. Walk (or cycle) towards Westhaven Marina along picturesque boardwalks (prettily lit at night) before arriving at the Auckland Harbour Bridge where bungy jumps and bridge walks are both on offer.
As for the Sky Tower, you can’t miss it. Currently New Zealand's tallest building, it’s home to SkyWalk and SkyJump. But if adrenaline’s not your thing, make yourself cosy in the Sky Café, admire the views and wave at the brave as they’re dangled before you. Auckland’s buildings are a special delight for those with an architectural bent and there are several self-guided walking tours you can find online, with special attention paid to the Chief Post Office Building, The Civic Theatre and Auckland Town Hall. And Queen's Rise, a character-filled heritage building that’s reminiscent of New York’s Chelsea Markets, is home to an assortment of eateries, making it one of the tastiest tickets in town (open 11am-4pm). Britomart is where the stylish go to shop and gossip, or to enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour on the Ostro balcony. Lorne and High Streets are also popular shopping spots, with boutiques for all budgets. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is a treat, the sumptuous spaces as compelling as the art. To experience a wide variety of shows and performances, see the Auckland Arts Festival line-up, a globally recoginzed celebration of art and culture. And don’t forget Auckland War Memorial Museum, presiding over the region, this impressive neo-gothic marvel is home to all manner of artefacts.
And to top it all off, stop in at Giapo, where ice cream has been elevated to an artform and a science, where innovative flavours and outlandish garnishes are the order of the day.
All in a day’s walk!