Attractions

If you're short on time, the best thing to do is leap aboard the Aukland Explorer Bus and see as much as you can.

Sky Jump

When we talk about special moments, this may not be what you had in mind, but one thing's for sure: You won't forget this experience in a hurry. Sky Jump is one of New Zealand's wackiest adrenaline rushes -- perhaps the ultimate! For details on this 192m (630-ft.) controlled free-fall from the Southern Hemisphere's tallest tower, call tel. 0800/759-586 in NZ, or 09/368-1835, or check www.skyjump.co.nz. It costs NZ$220 (US$156/£79) and operates daily from 10am to 6pm, weather permitting (closed Dec 25). Minimum age is 10 years with parental consent. Maximum weight is 120 kilogram (265 lb.).

Afraid of Heights?

Sky Tower has been designed to provide a high level of performance in the event of earthquakes, severe winds, storms, or fire. It is built to withstand winds gusting to 200kmph (124 mph); it has protected fire refuges; and analysis shows it would stay standing in an earthquake of 8.0 magnitude on the Richter scale occurring within 20km (12 miles) of the tower. So put aside your fears (if I can, anyone can), and have a breathtaking experience.

The Viaduct Basin

For the first time in the 152-year history of the America's Cup, a village was created to support syndicates, corporations, superyachts, and the public together in one venue. This is Auckland's Viaduct Basin, a glistening creation that includes new apartment blocks, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, markets, and every facility an earnest yachtie could ever want.

Between October 1999 and March 2000, and again from October 2002 to March 2003, the village was the place to soak up the excitement of the America's Cup challenge. Millions of visitors crammed in over the two periods, along with more than 2,000 competitors and team personnel, plus 200 international media representatives during each challenge.

In addition to the America's Cup action, the village played host to up to 80 superyachts on each occasion, the largest gatherings in the Southern Hemisphere, turning Auckland into a Pacific Monte Carlo. Superyachts are luxury motor and sailing vessels in excess of 30m (98 ft.) long, ranging in value from NZ$4 million to over NZ$40 million (US$2.8 million-US$28 million/£1.4 million-£14 million). Viaduct Harbour can accommodate 88 superyachts of up to 50m (165 ft.).

Visitors can experience grand-prix sailing on an authentic America's Cup yacht, NZL 40 or NZL 41, built for the 1995 San Diego Challenge. You can be as involved as you want in the crewing action, no sailing experience required. For information on the daily sailings from Viaduct Harbour, call Explore NZ (tel. 0800/397-567 in NZ, or 09/359-5987; www.explorenz.co.nz). The price per person is NZ$140 (US$99/£50) for 2 hours of sailing, NZ$195 (US$138/£70) for a 3-hour match race. Lower rates available for children ages 10 to 15; children under 10 are not permitted. Sailing usually begins at 2pm depending on tides.

The Viaduct Basin development has changed the face of Auckland forever, providing a fistful of fabulous restaurants, clubs, and bars that have endured -- despite the fact that Team New Zealand relinquished the America's Cup in the 2002-03 challenge. It is a marvelous place to explore, and given that some of Auckland's best eateries are here, you'd be silly to miss it.

Viaduct Harbour has also been a stopover point in the epic Volvo Ocean Race (formerly the Whitbread Round-the-World Race).

Walking Over Water

Bring on the nerves of steel for Auckland Bridge Climb (tel. 09/361-2000; www.bungy.com). Based on a concept similar to the successful Sydney activity, walkers are guided underneath and over the top of Auckland Harbour Bridge. The 1 1/2-hour adventure begins with a full briefing by a professional guide at the base complex. Guests are then fitted with overgarments, radio headsets, and safety harnesses. It's achievable for people of almost all ages and all fitness levels, but you must be over 7 and preferably not have a fear of heights. The walk costs NZ$65 (US$46/£23) for adults and NZ$45 (US$32/£16) for children 7 to 15. Discounts for seniors are available. A bungy/bridge climb combo is NZ$150 (US$107/£54). See "Outdoor Activities & Spectator Sports," later in this chapter. You can take a bus or a short walk from city hotels; pickup service is available on request. There's limited parking at the site.

Historic Houses

Alberton, 100 Mount Albert Rd (tel. 09/846-7367; fax 09/846-1919; www.alberton.co.nz), is perhaps the finest of all Auckland's historic homes that are open to the public. The once-simple farmhouse, built in 1863, grew into the fairy-tale mansion that stands today. Owned by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, it provides an intimate glimpse into Victorian life. It's open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 4pm, closed Good Friday and December 25. Admission is NZ$7.50 (US$5.30/£2.70) adults, NZ$3.50 (US$2.50/£1.25) unaccompanied children, free for accompanied children and members of overseas heritage organizations. NZ$15 (US$11/£5.40) for three Auckland Historic Places Trust Properties, including Ewelme and Highwic . Ewelme Cottage, 14 Ayr St., Parnell (tel./fax 09/379-0202; www.historic.org.nz), was built for the Rev. Vicesimus Lush from 1863 to 1864 and named for Ewelme Village in England. The roomy kauri cottage is authentically preserved, right down to its 19th-century wallpaper. It contains an important collection of more than 800 books. Admission NZ$7.50 (US$5.33/£2.70) adults, free for accompanied children. It's open Friday through Sunday, 10:30am to noon and 1 to 4:30pm, closed Good Friday and December 25. Highwic, 40 Gillies Ave., Epsom (tel. 09/524-5729; www.highwic.co.nz), is one of New Zealand's finest Gothic Revival houses. Built in 1862, it gained additions modeled from an American pattern book in 1873. Its distinctive architecture and gardens offer insight into the lives of the wealthy Victorian family who retained possession of it until 1978. Admission is NZ$7.50 (US$5.35/£2.70) adults, free for accompanied children. It's open Wednesday through Sunday 10:30am to noon and 1 to 4:30pm (closed Good Friday and Dec 25).

Photo Ops

Of course you can't beat the 360-degree view from Sky Tower, and once you've seen that, all others seem to pale by comparison -- with the exception perhaps of shots taken on your Auckland Bridge Climb. An old favorite is One Tree Hill, accessible through the very pretty Cornwall Park. The obelisk is visible from everywhere in the city. Like Mount Eden, it was once a Maori pa (fort) dating from the 14th century. The one tree that dominated its profile was, sadly, damaged by a Maori activist in 1996. It has been replaced by a grove of small trees that have yet to reach a significant height. Mount Eden is an extinct volcano and Auckland's highest natural point. It boasts terrific views of the city, the harbor, and Hauraki Gulf. North Head Maritime Park in Devonport offers a different perspective -- looking back at the city from North Shore. You'll get great photos of the cityscape from here.

The Gallery Guide

The bimonthly booklet, The Auckland Gallery Guide, which includes information about leading galleries and their exhibitions, is available free from information centers and art galleries. Its user-friendly maps are a great help. For galleries and exhibitions, call tel. 09/378-4070, or fax 09/378-4063.

Especially For Kids

Most of Auckland's major attractions -- Kelly Tarlton's, the Discovery Centre at Auckland Museum, the Auckland Zoo, Sky Tower, and the Museum of Transport Technology and Social History -- will give the kids hours of fun.

Auckland Super Pass

Get four of Auckland's leading attractions for one unbelievable price -- a discount of over 25%. Sky Tower, Kelly Tarlton's, Fullers Auckland, and Rainbow's End have combined for this great offer, which can be used over a 2-week period and includes a pass to revisit whichever attraction you liked the best. Purchase the pass from any one of the included attractions or from the Auckland Visitor Information Centre. It costs NZ$70 (US$50/£25) for adults and NZ$40 (US$28/£14) for children ages 5 to 15. Also pick up Tourism Auckland's Hot Deals Auckland brochure, which details a wide range of special packages. It's available from Auckland i-SITE Visitor Centres (tel. 0800/282-552 in NZ; www.aucklandnz.com).