New Zealand

New Zealand Activities & Attractions

New Zealand activities span the spectrum to say the least. From scuba diving in colorful marine reserves to four-wheeling through the remote wilderness. Raft through white water one day, go on a hiking safari the next. By sea or by land, there’s an adventure to be had. And if you happen to be an airborne adrenalin junkie, there’s also plenty of parasailing and bungee jumping. Okay, so you may not want to start by jumping 192 meters off the Sky Tower, but whatever your interests, you’ll never be short of exciting things to do in The City of Sails. The Spencer on Byron Hotel is an entrée to all sorts of Auckland activities. Visit Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, where you can get up close and personal with a variety of fish species including sharks, stingrays, even penguins. (Yes, there are penguins in New Zealand.) Adventurous types will want to try the Auckland Bridge Climb, provided no one is afraid of heights. Take a 30-minute ferry ride to breathtaking Waiheke Island, where you can sample wines at one of the many vineyards and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Or check out the fascinating range of native and exotic birds and animals at the Aukland Zoo.

If you’re into sporting activities, you’re in the right place. For starters, Auckland has a whopping 23 golf courses to choose from. Is tennis more your racket? ASB Tennis Center is right downtown. Auckland beaches are spectacular playgrounds for surfers, windsurfers, and kayakers. New Zealand waters are so glassy and clear, it seems as if you’re “floating” on the top. And if you prefer a real playground, head to Rainbow’s End Theme Park, home of the double-loop roller coaster. There’s even a world-class indoor snow resort called “Snowplanet.” This is just a sampling of Auckland’s offerings. There is much more to see and do. And if it can’t be found right in the city itself, it’s close.

Take a day trip to Waipu to explore its little Scottish town, awe-inspiring caves, and white-sand beaches. Experience a “real New Zealand town” like Maungaturoto during your day trip to Matakohe. As you travel through the Kaipara District’s Kauri Coast, take time to stop at other quaint settlements along the way. Climb Toka Toka Peak for stunning views. Whangarei is also an easy drive from Auckland and makes for a relaxing day at the beach or in the countryside. Waterfalls, wildlife gardens, heritage sites, stables, museums, wineries, and art studios compete to fill your day. Your most spectacular city and coastal view here is from Mount Parihaki. Your day trip adventures can consist of whatever you want. Volcanoes and other geothermal wonders. Fresh water fishing in an upcountry river. Bird-, seal-, dolphin- or whale-watching. It’s all here. And if you want to see the water sports hot bed of New Zealand, loop through Northland to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, there’s plenty more that will.

Auckland Bridge Bungy
Curran Street Extension, Westhaven Reserve
0800 GOBUNGY
Launch yourself off the bridge from our specially-constructed-and sensationally-suspended retro 'Bungy pod'. We operate the only Bungy in Auckland; and think you won't be able to capture the true spirit of the place without giving it a go.

Auckland Bridge Climb
Curran Street Extension, Westhaven Reserve
0800 GOBUNGY
Here is your chance to be Spiderman. Spanning a harbour so beautiful it brings tears to the eyes of even the most hardened, this full clamber will have you clamouring for more.

Auckland Wine Trail Tours
11 Pentland Avenue, Mt. Eden, Auckland
64 9 630 1540
City sightseeing and wine tasting Montana, Coopers Creek, Matua Valley are some of the Vineyards out west.

Bruce Mason Centre
Hurstmere Rd., Takapuna
64 9 488 2940
North Shore City's premier performing arts and convention centre. The theater caters to up to 1000 people. Used for concerts, theatrical productions, arts and crafts exhibits, weddings, etc. Only a 10-minute walk from The Spencer on Byron.

Kelly Tarltons Underwater Aquarium
23 Tamaki Drive
0800 80 50 50
Underwater Aquarium with penguins and marine life

Long Bay Beach
Auckland's North Shore
The most Northern of North Shore beaches, just 10 15 minutes from the hotel. BBQ areas and picnic areas. Feed the ducks, play in the swing and slide areas and enjoy the new adventure area for kids.

Bush and Beach - Eco Tours
Auckland
Bush and Beach is Auckland's premier small-group eco-tour company. Daily tours to Auckland's coastal rainforest, wild black sand beaches, untamed Great Barrier Island and to Cormandel Peninsula give an unique experience of spectacular natural worlds.

Devonport
Auckland suburb
Coastal suburb, 10 minutes drive from hotel. Waterfront shops and cafes as well as Ferry terminal to Auckland city and other islands.

Guthreys tours
Auckland
09 846-4144
Bay of Islands tour that can include a stay over, ride the fast boat, swim with the dolphins. Pick-up from The Spencer on Byron.

NZ National Maritime Museum
Hobson Wharf, Cnr Quay & Hobson Street City
0800 SALTY SAM
Situated at the heart of Auckland's downtown waterfront area, the NZ National Maritime Museum is a must for visitors with an interest in all things nautical.

Rangitoto Volcano
Located in the Waitemata Harbor
64 9 979 2333
15 minutes from Downtown Auckland. Dormant Volcano. 45-minute to walk to the summit, spectacular 360-degree view of Auckland and the Harbor.

Sky City
Victoria and Hobson Streets, Auckland City
0800 SKYCITY
Check the view from the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower (328 meters), test your luck at the Sky City Casino (7 days a week, 24 hours a day), or relax in your choice of style at one of the 5 restaurants and/or 6 bars.

Takapuna Beach
64 21 933 533
Just a 5-minute walk to Takapuna Beach from The Spencer on Byron. In the summer take a walk around the rocks and coast to other neighboring beaches. The North Shore has one of the longest coastlines in New Zealand with numerous beaches that are safe and accessible to the public and families. Some of the more popular beaches are Muriwai Beach (black sand, great surf), Piha Beach (another favorite of surfers), Bethels Beach and Karekare Beach.

The Auckland Explorer Bus
671 Great South Road
0800 4 EXPLORER
The Auckland Explorer Bus is a HOP ON HOP OFF sightseeing tour visiting Auckland's big 14 attractions, with full commentary.

The Pumphouse Gallery
Killarney Park, Takapuna, Auckland
09 486 2386
North Shores heritage centre for the performing and visual arts.

THL (Great Sights) Tour Company
Auckland
Offering a variety of tour options: Auckland to the Bay of Islands; Auckland to Rotorua via Waitamo; must-see-three afternoon tour (The Sky Tower, Kelly Taltons underwater world, coffee cruise in the Auckland Harbor). Pick-up from The Spencer on Byron.  

War Memorial Museum
Domain Drive, The Domain, Parnell, Auckland
64 9 309 0443
Auckland History of New Zealand, Maori arts and crafts; open seven days a week.

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