Auckland - This is the capital of New Zealand and its largest city. More than a million people live in Auckland and his suburbs, which is about a third of the population of all New Zealand.
In my opinion, from Auckland is worth starting visiting New Zealand, making it the starting point of your route.
First of all, I would like to give a brief description of Auckland, so that those who think over the visit of this city better imagined themselves that they can expect them there.
So, Auckland is a city in which there is both historical sights and just unusual landscapes, a zoo, aquarium and other curious places.
Immediately I note that there are not a lot of historical attractions in Auckland, so if you are accustomed to watch magnificent palaces, vintage churches and huge art galleries - unfortunately, Auckland is not exactly the place that you should choose.
Nevertheless, the list of interesting places of Auckland I will start with historical sights.
Auckland Museum
Those who would like to get acquainted with the history of the country, be sure to visit this museum. In it, you will be able to learn about the culture of the indigenous people of New Zealand, as well as the culture of colonists, get information about wars in which the country participated, and also learn more about the island itself.
Collections are located on different floors:
- The first floor (Ground Floor) is the history of that part of the Pacific Ocean, where New Zealand is located, the history of the peoples of Maori, Pakuha and Oceanian tribes
- Second floor (First Floor) - Natural Island History, Evolution of various types of animals and plants
- The third floor (Top Floor) - the history of wars in which New Zealand participated
Opening hours:
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, closed in Christmas
Ticket price:
Adult - $ 25, a child - 10 dollars.
Address:
Domain Drive, Private Bag 92018 Auckland, New Zealand
How to get:
- By bus (Stop Parnell Road)
- By train (Station Grafton - a little closer or the Newmarket station - a little further)
A visit to this museum can be recommended to those who are interested in the history of the country, in which he arrived and those who would like to immerse themselves in the past century.
Art Museum
The art museum or the art gallery is suitable for those who are interested in painting.
The museum collection has more than 15,000 works, thus one of the largest in all New Zealand.
The museum presents as ancient paintings, the facilities of modern art are presented. There are also the canvas of the brush of foreign artists, but a special place, of course, take pictures written by the peoples of Maori and Oceania.
The most ancient exhibits belong to the 11th century. In addition to paintings, a sculpture is also represented in the museum, but the main place is all the same painting.
Helpful information:
Floor plans are issued in the museum for free. They are represented in Chinese, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Maori, Spanish, and, of course, English. Unfortunately, there are no Russian plans.
Opening hours:
The museum is open for visiting every day from 10 am to 5 pm, except for Christmas.
Ticket price:
is free
Address:
CORNER KITCHENER AND WELLESLEY STREETS, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
How to get:
- By bus (stop on Queen Street)
- On a tourist bus (Hop On / Hof Off Bus - Stop near theater)
- By taxi (landing and disembarking passengers on Kitchener Street)
Maritime Museum
For those who are interested in ships, famous navigators, and indeed, everything is associated with the sea, the Maritime Museum works in Auckland.
It presents several exhibitions, each of which has its own theme.
To begin with, you can see a small film, which tells about how more than a thousand years ago, the first people landed on the territory of New Zealand.
The film is demonstrated all day with small breaks, so you will probably watch it.
Exhibitions:
- Every closer to the shores - this exhibition tells visitors about how Europeans walked to the banks of New Zealand and about trade, which was carried out at the time. It is at this exhibition that you can see the 19th century shopping ship.
- New starts - Here you can get acquainted with the life and culture of immigrants, who were moved to New Zealand in the mid-19th century.
- Black Magic of the Open Sea - This section introduces visitors to Peter Blake - Sailor and Yachtsman, born in New Zealand
- Sea art - there you can see the pictures depicting the sea - the works of New Zealand artists are mainly represented.
In addition, there are several sailing vessels in the museum (made according to antique samples) on which you can ride on the harbor. About the schedule of trips is best recognized in the museum itself. In fact, this is the only marine museum in the world, which offers such an option entertainment.
Opening hours:
The museum is open to visitors daily (except Christmas) from 9 am to 5 pm. The last visitors are allowed at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Address:
Corner of the streets of Quay and Hobson, Viaduct Harbor, Auckland, New Zealand
How to get:
- By car (nearest parking - Downtown Car Park, you can get to it from Customs Street West)
- By bus (just a minute of walking from the museum there is a transport center - Britomart Transport Center)
Cathedral of Saints Patricks and Joseph
For those tourists who are interested in churches, interest is of interest to this cathedral located in the heart of Auckland.
Initially, the church was wooden, but in the middle of the 19th century she was rebuilt in stone. At the time, the cathedral was ambitious, so he became a peculiar symbol of Auckland.
After a few decades, the building was rebuilt once again. It is his us and see now.
What can I see in the cathedral?
First of all, you can see the cathedral itself - both inside and outside. Secondly, the tower of the bells, in which there are two oldest bells in all of New Zealand, deserves attention. Previously, people called in the bell, but now they are managed using an electronic mechanism. Thirdly, in the cathedral you can see the bust of the first Catholic bishop of New Zealand - Jean-Batista Francois Pomparaser.
Address:
43 Wyndham Street, between Albert and Hobson Streets