A breath of French air
Akaroa 8161
+64 (0)3 304 8600 (Akaroa Information Centre)
http://www.akaroa.com
Review © 2007, Wcities
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A breath of French air |
80 Rue Lavaud Akaroa 8161 +64 (0)3 304 8600 (Akaroa Information Centre) http://www.akaroa.com |
This charming Anglo-French village, established in 1840, is Canterbury's oldest town and New Zealand's only French settlement. The community retains a strong Gallic flavour, notably through the architecture and ambience, which is best observed by taking the Akaroa Historic Walk. The road to Akaroa climbs over the hills and twists along valleys--the spectacular views of Akaroa Harbour make up for the inconvenience. The rare Hector's dolphin frolics in this harbour and for a close encounter call Akaroa Harbour Cruises or Black Cat Group. Enjoy cafes along the waterfront, or for a truly Provencal experience, visit French Farm Winery and Restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nick Ward |
 Photo: Stephan ROLETTO |
 Photo: Ken Jarvis |
 Photo: Maeve Crowley |
 Photo: jeric valle |
 Photo: Emily Drucker |
 Photo: Rod Burgess |
 Photo: harriet8 |
 Photo: Joshua LaTendresse |
 Photo: Hans Brough |
 Photo: Gene Dershewitz |
 Photo: aguycalledbruce |
 Photo: Dave Horton |
 Photo: Amy Nash |
Main reserve in city |
Park Road (Across Grafton Bridge) Auckland 1001 +64 9 379 2020 (Tourist Information) http://www.aucklandcity.govt.n... |
Just a short walk east from the city center, Auckland Domain is New Zealand's oldest municipal park. Founded in 1840 by Governor Hobson, the Domain features the Auckland War Memorial Museum, an outdoor fernery and botanic Wintergardens (The), a band rotunda (watch for free concerts on summer weekends), sculptures, lawn bowls, kiosk and more. The Domain is the location of the huge concerts such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park when 300,000 people jam in for a night of music and fireworks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cédric Raoul |
 Photo: Karen Watson |
 Photo: John-Paul McCarthy |
 Photo: kartelnz |
 Photo: Kaguru |
 Photo: Daniel H. |
 Photo: Euan Mann |
 Photo: uncoolrachel  |
 Photo: Gene Dershewitz |
 Photo: Lou Owen |
 Photo: Luke Thoreson |
 Photo: Nathaniel Changco |
 Photo: jdeitch |
 Photo: Fernando_m |
 Photo: Wanda |
A wedge with edge |
Queen Street Aotea Square Auckland 1001 +64 9 307 5060 http://www.the-edge.co.nz/auck... info@the-edge.co.nz |
Officially opened in 1911, this Italian renaissance revival-style building not only serves as the Council Chamber and city mayoral offices, it has two performance venues, the Great Hall and the Concert Chamber, as well as several function spaces. The wedge-shaped building underwent a NZD32.8 million restoration in 1997 to maintain its heritage features and Edwardian elegance. The Great Hall is regarded as one of the finest concert halls (acoustically) in the world, and has hosted circus acts, formal government dinners, weddings, music awards and rock concerts. It seats 1700 people, while the Concert Chamber caters for up to 400 people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: VERA & GORDON ON TOUR |
 Photo: Mitchell Hawkes |
 Photo: NZBlues.com |
 Photo: Shawn Connally |
 Photo: Rick Kvistad |
 Photo: Karan Mehta |
 Photo: Mathew Wong |
 Photo: Jennifer Pountney |
 Photo: Peter Mausch |
 Photo: Frank Duck |
 Photo: Minh Do |
National treasures at war museum |
The Domain Auckland 1001 +64 (0)9 306 7067 http://www.aucklandMuseum.com |
The steps of this museum offer splendid views over the Cenotaph forecourt to the Domain, the city and Waitemata Harbour beyond. The museum houses New Zealand's largest collection of Maori and Pacific Island taonga (treasures); fantastic interactive discovery centers for children young and old; and the Scars on the Heart exhibition of New Zealand war history. A 20-minute Maori cultural performance featuring songs, poi dances, stick games, a weaponry display and haka takes place. There is an excellent gift and book shop and a café within the building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alejandro monreal |
 Photo: layshock |
 Photo: Ian Runeckles |
 Photo: Alice Hopkinson |
 Photo: alh1 |
 Photo: Jeremiah Rauch |
 Photo: nishinishi5656 |
 Photo: Tony Maurer |
 Photo: Kenny Macmillan |
 Photo: Kev Williamson |
Colonial seat of government |
Corner of Durham and Armagh Sts Central City Christchurch 8001 +64 (0)3 941 7680 http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Christc... |
Built in 1858, Christchurch's wooden and stone, colonial Provincial Council Buildings housed the first European-styled government in Canterbury, (one of ten New Zealand self-governing districts at that time), for eighteen years. In the early days of the colony, government fragmentation was necessary due to widely scattered settlements and communication difficulties. New Zealand's only purpose-built provincial council buildings to have survived to the present day, these striking buildings with long wooden corridors and stone floors, are a fine example of Victorian gothic-revival architecture. Today the building is the home of the Historic Places Trust. Tours: Guided tours are free, however, telephone first to arrange a suitable time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex Robinson |
Historic landmark |
Grafton Auckland 1001 +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Grafton Bridge spans Grafton Gully, joining Karangahape Road on the city side and Park Road en route to the Domain and Auckland Hospital on the other. The old picturesque Victorian cemetery lies below, as well as a stretch of motorway. Walk across for a great view of the city and harbour. Designed and built between 1908 and 1910 by the Ferro Cement Company of Australia, the main arch was then the largest reinforced concrete arch in the Southern Hemisphere, and is internationally recognized as an historic structure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: yradumitru |
 Photo: Musa Nor Azmi |
 Photo: Katya Hammerstein |
 Photo: Evil Ninja |
 Photo: Zero-X |
 Photo: Himiona Grace |
 Photo: Harrison Gulliver |
Living colonial history |
Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park Pakuranga Auckland 1706 +64 9 576 9506 http://www.fencible.org.nz fencible@ihug.co.nz |
Auckland's colonial past (1840-1880) comes to life in this museum of living history, where characters in historical costume recreate life in a 19th century settlement. Authentic buildings number over 30 and include a store, church, forge, settlers' houses, sod and raupo cottages. Live Day, the third Sunday of each month (except December), includes a regimental march and military manouvers, plus a working blacksmith. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Wattie |
Historical harbour building |
Reserve Road Christchurch 8012 +64 (0)3 328 7311 |
The historic, stone, Lyttelton Timeball Station, on a hill overlooking Christchurch's picturesque Lyttelton Harbour, was built in an era when the region's only links with the outside world were by sea. For over 50 years, from 1876, the Lyttelton Timeball signalled Greenwich Mean Time to all ships in the busy harbour below, helping to ensure maritime safety. The building is one of about twelve "timeballs" in the world still working. Built by prisoners from the nearby jail, the Timeball Station is an important example of mechanical engineering of the times. This interesting castle-like building is also worth the climb for the great harbour view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: range commander |
 Photo: Jack |
Technology and social history |
Great North Road Western Springs Auckland 1002 +64 9 815 5800 / +64 800 66 8286 (MOTAT Infoline) http://www.motat.org.nz/ enquiries@motat.org.nz |
The old pumphouse, which pumped water from Western Springs to early Auckland residents is the focal point of this fascinating museum. The museum houses a magnificent working Beam Engine (one of only three in the world) and numerous vintage and veteran road vehicles and early Auckland buildings. Various displays feature agricultural, forestry, medical, dental, photographic and telecommunication technology. A display of historic aeroplanes, including the only Solent Mark IV flying boat in the world, is laid out at Site 2, reached by vintage tram. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark & Sarah Whittaker |
 Photo: Gareth Jones |
 Photo: Ian Munnings |
 Photo: Ian Munnings |
Heritage gardens and house |
63 Fendalton Rd Riccarton Christchurch 8004 +64 (0)3 348 9660 monavale@continental.co.nz |
The old homestead and beautiful English-style gardens of Mona Vale, not far from the city centre, are a special part of Christchurch. The once privately-owned property was first landscaped and developed at the end of the 19th century, and further extended and developed over the following 60 years. Eventually bought by the city in 1967, the delightful five-and-a-half hectares of gardens and landscaped lawns are situated alongside the Avon River (Otakaro), with a rose garden, bath house, fernery and a marquee lawn. Garden tours and punting (including a picnic lunch) are available. The architectural features of the old homestead, now a restaurant, can also be admired. Sit and enjoy the gardens, while enjoying lunch, morning or afternoon tea. Garden Tours: November-April (by arrangement): 11am-1.30pm NZD13.50 per person; tour and Devonshire tea NZD22.50; tour and lunch NZD40. Punting: October-April NZD15 per person; including lunch NZD55 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: George Kuek |
 Photo: Lynn Chiu |
 Photo: John Taylor |
Lookout over Gulf |
Devonport Auckland 1250 +64 9 379 6476 (Department of Conservation Visitor Centre ) |
North Head is important strategically, as it stands at the entrance to the inner harbor and looks out over the Hauraki Gulf. It is covered with military remains dating from pre-European times to the World War II era. Tunnels link many of the gun emplacements built during World War II. A few big guns still remain. Allow a couple of hours to walk from the Devonport ferry landing to the top of North Head and enjoy the panoramic vista. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ron Wynyard |
 Photo: Christian Ziglowski |
 Photo: madzia Paprocka |
 Photo: Khalid Naseem |
 Photo: Mike Cochrane |
 Photo: Tom Foolery |
 Photo: Flavio Greco |
 Photo: Jo Brooks |
 Photo: Andrea Wong Design |
 Photo: m4themagician |
 Photo: Aoraki |
 Photo: Hamish Rawnsley |
Historic Onehunga |
87 Church Street Onehunga Auckland 1006 +64 (0)9 979 2333 http://www.doc.govt.nz/Communi... |
Onehunga means "landing place" in Maori and has a rich history of both Maori and European settlement and trade. The Onehunga Heritage Walk visits a variety of early colonial-era buildings including settlers cottages built in the 1850s, a defensive blockhouse built to protect Auckland during the Land Wars of the 1860s, and an assortment of early hotels, churches and factories. Be sure to visit the Pump House, built in 1888, which still provides crystal clear spring water to Onehunga residents. The walk takes about four hours. Collect a brochure detailing the walk from Auckland Visitor Information Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: donelle fairall |
Old guest house |
Summit Road Port Hills Christchurch 8002 +64 (0)3 332 9889 (Port Hills Ranger Service) |
Although this old stone building now lies in ruins, it was once a caretaker's cottage, a guest house, and from 1918-1921 a post office. Built in 1913, it is historically significant as one of a group of interesting buildings, which include the Sign of the Takahe (now a fine-dining restaurant) and the Sign of the Kiwi (shop and cafe, close to Victoria Park), along the Port Hills Summit Road. Acquired by local politician and visionary, Henry Ell in the early 1900s, the Sign of the Bellbird was used as part of a staging post along a tourist route. Visitors have a good view of the plains below, from here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Grammy and Koropop's new way to brag |
Historic hillside tea rooms |
Summit Road Port Hills Christchurch 8002 +64 (0)3 329 9966 |
High on the Port Hills, at the junction of the Christchurch-Lyttelton Harbour road and the scenic Summit Road, near Victoria Park, sits the curiously-named, quaint, stone building, Sign of the Kiwi. Opened in 1917 as a tearoom and rest house, it is one of a chain of interesting buildings, which includes the Sign of the Takahe (now a fine dining restaurant) further down the hill. Built by local politician and visionary, Henry Ell, in the early 1900s and used as staging posts along a hillside tourist route, Sign of the Kiwi is now a shop and cafe--and the view is great. Directly behind is Coronation Hill Reserve, with walking tracks, which traverse this old volcanic area. All-day menu available, including sandwiches, scones, and nachos. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Snee |
 Photo: Heather McCutcheon |
 Photo: J Dub!! |
English-style manor with stunning city views |
200 Hackthorne Rd (Cashmere Hills) Christchurch 8002 +64 (0)3 332 4052 http://www.signofthetakahe.co.nz info@signofthetakahe.com |
Housed in a magnificent castle-like building perched on the Port Hills overlooking Christchurch, this silver-service restaurant is the brainchild of acclaimed chef, Bruce Griffiths. Using stone quarried from the nearby hills, Henry Ell constructed the building in 1918 as a rest house, drawing his inspiration from English manor houses and inns. The interior is opulent, with magnificent leadlight windows, ornate timbered arches and big open fireplaces. Candle-lit tables and spectacular views of Christchurch add to the ambience making this a truly wonderful dining experience. This restaurant serves elaborate, refined cuisine with attention to every detail. Open for afternoon and morning teas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Evil King Macrocrani |
Historic Farmhouse |
Long Bay Regional Park North Shore Auckland 1311 +64 9 473 8176 http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/env... |
The Vaughan Homestead was restored in the 1990s thanks to members of the Torbay Historical Society who volunteered 12,000 hours to the project. The house is now in its fine original 1890s state—a working farmhouse in puriri and kauri. There are virtually no other such buildings remaining on the North Shore and therein lies its historical significance. The building is available for community use, with a seminar room, a kitchen and facilities. There is a museum area and the homestead is open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dawn Scotting |
Historic grave sites |
Great North Road Glen Eden Auckland +64 (0)9 818 5615 http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/c... |
Waikumete is one of the largest cemeteries in the Southern Hemisphere and dates from 1886 when Grafton in the central city became too crowded. A great deal of Auckland's history has been laid to rest here, and various areas include a large military cemetery and a recently opened Maori Urupa. Members of the Friends of Waikumete take guided walking tours around the cemetery on the first Sunday of the month, starting at 1.30pm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sasha Efimov |
Country town |
40 kms Southeast of Auckland Auckland 1852 +64 9 235 8924 (Tourist Information) |
Waiuku is at the southern end of the Awhitu Peninsula and the focal point of a rich dairy and agricultural area. Settled first by the Ngaati Te Ata tribe, the region has long sustained a comfortable lifestyle. The oldest licensed hotel building in New Zealand, The Kentish, still serves ale, and many colonial-era churches dot the landscape. There are several scenic reserves as well as some surf beaches on the Tasman side, and bathing beaches on the Manukau Harbour side. A well kept secret, Waiuku offers a relaxed yet interesting look at rural New Zealand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: hdtvnz |
 Photo: holden_blackie |
Georgian revival building |
Bunny Street Wellington 6001 +64 4 801 7000 |
This grand old station, completed in 1937, is the main transport hub to and from the northern suburbs of Khandallah and Johnsonville, the Kapiti Coast and Hutt Valley. Intercity trains also arrive here from Auckland and all stops in between. It is a short walk from here to Lambton Quay or take the City Circular Bus to other main attractions. Services run daily and tickets are purchased at the counter or on the train. An added bonus is the Georgian revival building with its classical portico and Spanish tiles - enjoy it before leaving town. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eben Venter |
 Photo: Sue Fernandez |
 Photo: Simon |
Seaside bathing |
Waiwera Auckland 1244 +64 9 366 2000 http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/ind... info@arc.govt.nz |
Located on the southern shore of the Puhoi estuary, Wenderholm (134 hectares) is surrounded by forested headlands and was the first of the many Auckland Regional Parks. It contains one of Auckland's best examples of mainland coastal forest. Swim, or picnic under the magnificent pohutukawa trees, or take one of the many bush walks. Couldrey House, an original kauri homestead, contains a small museum and information centre. Camping is available by contacting the Parksline number which is listed above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wayne Ross |
 Photo: Dave Horton |
 Photo: ko anna ahau |
 Photo: Kathleen Hay |
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