Topdeck Travel Blog

So you’ve signed up for an epic New Zealand adventure with Topdeck? Well, the chances are your trip will either start or finish in the country’s largest and most diverse city – Auckland.

If you have a few spare days under your belt before or after your trip why not make the most of your time in town with these top tips.

Explore the Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter by Day and Night

A stroll around the Downtown Harbour area is the perfect way to get into the City of Sails.

Auckland's Viaduct at Night. Photo/Tourism Auckland

The Viaduct was given a new lease of life for the America’s Cup Yacht Races in 2000 and 2003 and the Wynyard Quarter was primped in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The area is home to world class bars and restaurants and nightlife that really comes alive on weekends.

It’s also the perfect area to relax with plenty of open space and views of jealousy inducing super yachts, city sky line, the busy Auckland Harbour and Rangitoto Island the

Topdeck Recommends: Pay a visit to Oceanz at the Auckland Fish Market for some of the best classic kiwi fish ‘n’ chips around.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Is your money burning a hole in your pocket? In the need of some retail therapy?

Auckland is a shopper’s paradise, home to many world famous and up-and-coming fashion designers.

On Vulcan Lane, High Street and Chancery, some of the most historic parts of the city, you’ll find designers Karen Walker, Zambesi, World and Workshop along with modern art galleries and other quirky stores.

Topdeck Recommends: Grab a flat white coffee from one of the many cafes and watch the world go by.

Auckland Bridge Climb

There’s no better way to take in the stunning panorama of the Auckland Harbour than with a Bridge Climb.

Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb. Photo/Tourism Auckland

The climb takes you below, inside and above the bridge. Starting as a gentle stroll, the climb takes you higher and higher and despite the knowledge you are safely hooked to the rails of the purpose built walkways there’s certainly a thrill in being so high above a busy motorway and the ocean below.

If you’re after an even bigger rush you could sign up for the Auckland Bridge Bungy.

Island Escapes

If you want to get away from the rush of the city in Auckland an island retreat is only minutes away by ferry.

The volcanic island Rangitoto is an iconic sight in the Auckland landscape.

Beautiful Beaches on Waiheke Island. Photo/Tourism Auckland

Make your way to the summit solo or on a guided tour for stunning views of the city and surround harbour.

Thirty-five minutes from downtown Auckland is the chilled out Waiheke Island complete with vineyards, olive groves, farmland, art galleries and beautiful sandy beaches.

The boat ride to the island is half bad either!

Culture

As well has being home to some of the world’s most beautiful untouched landscapes, New Zealand also boasts a wealth of cultural activities.

Established in 1852, Auckland Museum tells the story of New Zealand from prehistoric times to the present including amazing exhibits on the culture and history of Maori and Pacific people.

A must see for any visitor, the museum is a great way to get a better understanding of the country and its people.

Right in the centre of town is the Auckland Art Gallery - home to the visual arts in New Zealand.

With a collection of more than 15,000 artworks from old European masters to Maori and contemporary artists the gallery is world class.

Whether you’re in town for a day or a week you wont have any trouble finding something to do while holidaying in New Zealand.

• Check out Topdeck’s latest New Zealand deals to save up to 20% off your adventure!

Topdeck’s sales manager Aaron popped down to New Zealand to find out what makes this little country the place to be.

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Aaron, Az to his friends, was sent to New Zealand with a mission - take in its most famous features including the unique culture, heart stopping adventure and breathtaking scenery and tell us all about it!

While there, Az had the chance to take part in one of Topdeck’s most loved exclusives – an overnight stay on a Maori marae.

As the original inhabitants of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Maori hold a special place in the country’s history and culture.

Az admits he had a limited, and possibly stereotypical, view of Maori culture to start with, but this all changed when he stepped foot on Taheke Marae in Rotorua.

Taheke Marae in Rotorua

“I thought it would be touristy, but instead found a vibrant, working marae full of everyday people living as one big family from little children to elders of the tribe,” he says.

The Ngati Hinerangi people, a Hapu (sub-tribe) of the Te Arawa tribe, have opened their doors to Topdeck travellers giving them the chance to learn about and experience Maori culture first hand.

First, they were giving the traditional welcome onto the land which involves both groups greeting each other with a waiata (song) and finally hongi (pressing noses).

“Now we are cousins and can come back whenever we like,” says Az

One of the highlights for Az was getting taught the history and story behind the famous haka. He was even shown a few moves by one of the tribe’s haka experts!

Az testing out his new haka moves

Az says it was impossible to fault the tribe’s hospitality.

Just when the group were settling in for their evening meal there was a black out across all of Rotorua.

But it was going to take more than a power cut to stop these hosts from feeding their hungry guests.

In a flash, the chefs were off to their homes and in no time were back on the marae with gas BBQs and cookers cooking up a storm.

After dinner, the evening was spent with the tribal elders, sharing stories and asking questions.

“I have a new respect for these people. It was a life changing experience.”

*Come back next week as Az checks out the more adventurous and scenic side of New Zealand*

Book any northbound New Zealand trip before that is 10 days or longer and departs between 01/01/2012 - 31/03/2012 and get 20% off with Topdeck’s NZ is the New Black promotion. (offer ends 30 November 2011)