“On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.”
– Jules Renard
One such piece is Auckland, studded in the North Island of the beautiful New Zealand.
Based around two enormous harbours, embracing the beautifully dangerous volcanoes, bedecked with sun-kissed beaches, Auckland is a place blessed with Mother Nature's legacy at its best! The dictionary is yet to invent the words that could actually describe the splendour of this major city and one of the best tourist attractions of New Zealand.
Don't believe me? Have a virtual tour for yourself. Here are the top natural sightseeing destinations of Auckland. Happy e-journey!
Muriwai
Trapped in the concrete jungle, we people hardly acknowledge the rugged and bona fide splendour of nature. If you are in search of such untouched natural glory, then you must check out Muriwai Beach. Muriwai is one of Auckland's West Coast Beaches that allures travellers for a peaceful yet exciting vacation. The coastline is known for showcasing a huge colony of spectacular seabirds, the Gannets. These birds reside here from August to March but their impressions stay forever. You can take a stroll on the beach to unwind yourself & feel the heavenly hug of the ocean's fresh air. In fact to add an element of excitement, you can hire bikes or blokarts and visit all the nooks and crannies of the coastline.
Goat Island
Let me first check out the flight ticket booking services from London to Auckland, as whenever I sit to pen about this destination, I crave for one more visit. Better known as Cape Rodney/Okakari Point Marine Reserve, the locally called Goat Island is not just Auckland's but New Zealand's first marine reserve. Established in 1975, Goat Island is home to a variety of sea creatures. More than the sea life, it is the underwater cliffs, deep reefs & canyons that attract tourists, as beneath the waves, these are the structures that cuddle a wide range of aquatic creatures. To explore this life beneath the waves, you need to get into the water. Therein lace corals, shellfish, gorgonian fans, sponges and various other marine creatures will be waiting to treat your eyes. Moreover, to ease your snorkelling and diving experience, there are various agencies at your disposal, so you don't have to worry about anything.
Mount Eden (Maungawhau), Auckland's Volcanic Cone
It's quite unfair if you talk about Auckland but forge to mention the volcanoes. With around 48 volcanic cones, Auckland embraces a dangerously beautiful side of nature. Though many of the volcanoes are extinct by now, the remaining ones give an extra edge to the city. One such volcanic cone is Mount Eden, locally known as Maungawhau, which means mountain of the whau tree. It is located at an altitude of 196 meter and that makes it the highest natural point in Auckland. Once you climb up to the top, Mount Eden will gift you a 360 degree, awe-inspiring view of the city and its harbour. Besides cuddling natural beauty, this volcanic cone is known to have a history of Maori people, which is best heard from the locals of the place.
One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Talking about Auckland's volcanic cones and not mentioning the One Tree Hill would be again a sin, which I certainly don't wish to make. Actually, Auckland is blessed by two prominent volcanic cones, the one has been talked about already, and the second is One Tree Hill, also known as Maungakiekie. This place inhabits beautiful woods, walking tracks, open space for cattle and picnic spots. Basically, it's among those places where a day spent would be a day earned. Be a local or a traveller, the forests and the historic Maori sites of Maungakiekie catch the attention of all.
The Last Note
This was just a glimpse of what nature has gifted to Aukland and there's more to it what meets the eyes. I really wish to pen more natural attractions of the place; therefore, let me have a look at the flight ticket booking services from London to Auckland. As the best way to know a place is, visit the place. Moreover, if it's a place like Auckland, one visit would not satiate the hunger.
I am sure even in the peak season, it would not be hard to book last minute flight tickets to Auckland from London, at least not for a travel freak like me. Wish to come along? Join in!
Nguyen An Tra My
Martin Wynn
