2 Days of 5 Star Fun
Auckland is more often than not the first stop on most travel itineraries to New Zealand, and for the distinguished traveller it affords a unique blend of five-star opulence with the kind of raw and rugged heart thumping excitement this beautiful country has become synonymous with.
Whilst there are a number of top tier Auckland attractions for visitors to choose from, we’ve compiled a two day travel itinerary that is sure to please even the most sophisticated of travel pallets.
Day 1
Checking In
The last thing anyone wants to do fresh off a marathon flight from some far flung corner of the world is to jump headlong into their adventure. For the travel-weary body nothing is as appealing as checking into a luxurious hotel room to kick back, relax and revel in a little bit of well-deserved five star pampering. An obvious choice for the discerning traveller is the pinnacle of Auckland 5 star accommodation – The award winning SkyCity Grand Hotel. Spoilt for choice, guests can opt for one of seven class of hotel room – each one the very epitome of opulence.
The Sky Is The Limit
The Sky Tower is arguably Auckland city’s biggest tourist attraction – and for very good reason. No other structure affords one the opportunity to enjoy such a wide range of activities – both tantalizing and terrifying. Visitors here can sit back and enjoy an a la carte dining experience whilst taking in the sights of Auckland from an unparalleled vantage point 190 meters above the city in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated restaurants – Orbit.
The SkyJump provides the ultimate in heart thumping, adrenalin pumping excitement for those looking to embrace their inner daredevil. This wire assisted base-jump is New Zealand’s highest, and young and old visitors alike are free to plummet straight down from the 192m high platform at speeds of up to 85kph.
If the notion of throwing yourself off New Zealand’s highest tourist attraction is not quite your cup of tea, the SkyWalk affords a milder alternative to get your adrenalin kick. Walking around a platform that is 1.2meters wide may not seem like a very adventurous undertaking, however when you find yourself doing so 192 meters up in the air with only empty space falling away on either side of you, you will be glad of the full body harness and overhead safety lines to hold you firmly attached to terra firma. It goes without saying that the views from up there are incredible.
Shop Till You Drop – Queen Street
No visit to Auckland would be complete without a visit to the iconic Queen Street – The epicentre of upmarket New Zealand shopping. Shop till you drop from an impressive collection of New Zealand’s best designers, international fashion labels, markets, boutiques and arts retailers.
The Sugar On Top
Round off the day by undertaking a culinary odyssey into the invigorating and innovative world that is fusion cuisine. The Sugar Club stands 53 floors above the sparkling city of Auckland and enjoys a reputation as being one of the finest fusion restaurants in the world. There is arguably no better way to end off the evening than by sitting back, relaxing and spoiling yourself from the sumptuous selection of fine wines, cocktails and world renowned cuisine on offer.
Have a fling with Lady Luck – Casino Night
Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the gaming table or the anticipation that comes before a big win, The SkyCity Casino caters to every gaming whim with over 1,600 gaming machines and 100 table games to choose from – not to mention a host of live entertainment and top class restaurants and bars.
Day 2
Helicopters, Fine Wines And Island Adventure
Hop on board a Skytours helicopter and head out to Waiheke Island for a memorable morning spent amidst some of New Zealand’s most revered wine lands. Taste award winning wines, sample a mouth-watering array of the local cuisine, and spend a few hours lazing on the beach. Zip lining, mountain biking and kayaking are also on offer for the more adventurous.
Set Sail – in an America’s Cup Yacht
Step on board the king of all sailboats – An America’s cup yacht. Nothing can rival the thrill of stepping up to the helm of one of these grand-prix racing machines as you speed in style across the waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.
Twenty-One Night
Twentyone is one of Auckland’s hottest nightclubs and makes for an electrifying night out. World class DJ’s, fiery cocktails served with flair and a dance floor that never stops heaving make for one hell of a party.
New Zealand has always commanded a dominating presence on any international travellers bucket list – from backpacking vagabonds in search of freedom and adventure amongst the remote, rugged and awe-inspiringly beautiful Southern Alps to the more refined pleasure seekers lured by this country’s unique blend of sophistication, authentic culture and a full platter of outdoor pursuits. Those looking for a five star travel adventure would be hard pressed to rival the itinerary detailed above.
Photo credits: SKYCITY Auckland (www.skycityauckland.co.nz)
