Wednesday 14 October 2015

BEST VIEWPOINTS IN AUCKLAND

Auckland is usually the first port of call for tourists arriving from overseas.  Around 1.3 million people, 31% of the total population, live here, which makes it the largest city in NZ, but believe it or not, after living for over two years in Berlin, Auckland still felt like a small town to me. I didn’t want to stick to the museums, Queen Street or wharf during my short stint here so I decided to try and find the best viewpoints in the city. Here’s what I found. 

Mount Eden lookout

Accessible by foot, approximately 4 km from city center, Mount Eden is the highest non-manmade point in Auckland. It is actually an inactive volcano and once you get to the top you get to see the crater. Not only do you get an awesome 360 degree view of the city, but you can also say that you climbed a volcano ;)
The crater
The crater

Cyril Bassett VC lookout

I stumbled upon this one by just driving around on the other side of Stanley bay whilst looking for a good place to take photo of Auckland’s skyline. It was my favorite spot, but the sad news is, you need a car to get there. 

Stokes point reserve

Located directly under the north side of the harbor bridge, and although frightfully windy, Stokes Point Reserve is a fantastic lookout to take photos at night. Another viewpoint I discovered while driving around. It was also recommended to me by the google+ community after I already visited.

Skytower observation decks

The highest manmade structure in New Zealand and the only viewpoint I visited in Auckland that
I had to pay for. Two observation decks offer great 360 degrees views of the city both day and night. The downside is, you will always be behind a window therefore it can get a bit challenging taking the photos, especially at night, because of the reflections you will get from the light inside.
There are two observation decks. From the lower one you can watch people doind the skyjump, but the view is spoiled by the ropes used for the activity.  From the top deck, labeled as 'skydeck' you have uninterupted view of the city.

Tip for visiting: One entry ticket costs 28 NZ dollars, but for extra 4 dollars you can purchase the ‘sun and stars upgrade’ and have unlimited admission to the tower within 24 hours time.
Sky tower from down below
Sky tower from down below
On a clear day you can see up to 82km in the distance!
On a clear day you can see up to 82km in the distance!
The view from the skydeck
The view from the skydeck

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