AKL Trip March 09

Viaduct Harbour was developed as a base for the America's Cup yachting regatta and racing syndicate. The buzzing cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants ply their trade late into the night. The bronze plaques around the boardwalk detail the maritime history of the area. Water taxi tours of the basin are available outside the Loaded Hog Brewery - keep your eye out for luxury super yachts. The Visitor Information Centre is also based here.

Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, with a population of over one million in the greater urban area.

Auckland is often known as the "City of Sails" for the large number of yachts that grace the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. It could also be known as the "City of Volcanoes". Much of its natural character comes from the fact that it is built on the Auckland Volcanic Field, which consists of about 48 volcanoes. All of the volcanoes are individually extinct, although the volcanic field as a whole is not.

Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia. For some Polynesian island nations, there are more expatriates living in Auckland than in their homeland. Auckland's rich Pacific cultural mix is regularly celebrated at festivals and sporting matches.

Tourist attractions include the Auckland War Memorial Museum (despite its name a general museum, and the best one in New Zealand at that), the Sky Tower, the paradise of the Waitakere Ranges and the Otara Flea Market.

Just a few minutes north of Orewa is the fantastic Waiwera Thermal Resort, a hot springs complex with pools of various temperatures and depths as well as exciting water slides and private pools. Waiwera is a great family destination with good facilities and plenty of food and refreshments available. Further to the north is the beautiful Wenderholm Regional Park.

This is a small, but friendly vineyard in Kumeu - a family business that has been around for quite a few years. Groups of up to ten for tasting are accepted by appointment only, and vineyard tours can also be arranged. A small store sells whatever wine you may be after - Chardonnay, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, or Sauvignon Blanc.