Auckland, New Zealand + Add a trip

Eventfinder is a good place to start for Auckland events: http://www.eventfinder.co.nz

Go to One Tree Hill, a great way to see the city. Go to Rangitoto Island, a short ferry ride, and hike to the top: another great way to see the city and surrounds. Go to Waiheke Island, see the gulf on the way and enjoy a very relaxed lifestyle surprisingly close to a major metropolitan area. Walk the Coast to Coast, a signposted walk between two harbours, 16 km in total, take the bus one way and walk the other.

Saturday morning markets: La Cigale French Market - St Georges Bay Road, Parnell Britomart Farmers Market - Britomart, CBD Jubillee Building - Parnell Road, Parnell

Numerous others - Avondale, Otara, Glen Innes (food) also available. Metrolive.co.nz has a list.

Take a harbour cruise

Head over the shore and walk up the coast from Mairangi Bay to Browns Bay - beautiful scenery of the sea and Rangitoto on one side, expensive houses on the other!

Catch the ferry to Devonport Village. Visit a local cafes, or relax on one of the three beautiful beaches.. Torpedo Bay, Cheltenham, Narrow Neck. Definitely worth it!

Walk from Takapuna Beach to end of Milford Beach & return - fabulous walk around the rocks looking at interesting houses. 75 min walk - then lunch at the Takapuna Cafe on the beach.

Or go to Waiheke Island by Ferry and great walks from the Wharf around the coast (either way) to the village. If you travel South towards Church Bay then duck across to some of the vineyards.

Head out to one of the wild black sand West Coast beaches - Karekare, Whatipu, Piha, Muriwai, Bethells etc - fantastic summer or winter, but only swim if there are lifeguards on duty! Go walking in the stunning bush (native rainforest), edging onto the beaches and framed up by steep volcanic cliffs, there you will see waterfalls, native birds and usually very few if any, people. Go up North 1 hour drive to the Matakana region for wineries, Saturday morning markets, organic fruit and vegies, artist studios, beautiful white sand East Coast beaches and 2 marine reserves! Try a tour with Potiki Adventures to learn about contemporary Maori culture and it's place in NZ society - whilst visiting the city, West Coast and the famed Otara Market (if you join a Saturday trip).

Eastridge is a good place to visit : http://www.solarheating.co.nz