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Explore Auckland Escape & Discover

EXPLORE Auckland - City of Sails

Make the most of your stay at Cotter House

Explore and discover Auckland and its surrounds. A city second to none, it is a great place to visit: check out its beautiful beaches, great shopping and the nightlife. It offers all the features of a cosmopolitan city. You can explore Auckland City on a guided tour or enjoy a bird's eye view from the Sky tower.

A multi-cultured city, it reflects its blend of Polynesian and European heritage. Discover Auckland with Cotter House's inspirational getaways and tours. It has all the amenities and attractions of a sophisticated city with art galleries, museums, theatre and concerts and a huge array of restaurants offering some of the world’s finest and freshest cuisine.

New Zealand's commercial centre, it also has some of the most outstanding heritage architecture in the country: Visit COTTER HOUSE during the Auckland Heritage Festival, from September 17 to October 1, 2011. See Visiting schedules and times.

All tastes from the sophisticated to the bohemian are catered for, in the boutiques, bars and restaurants of Auckland City’s vibrant Parnell and Ponsonby districts. Ferry services take you in all directions of the Hauraki Gulf. The charming seaside suburbs of Devonport and Birkenhead offer a relaxed holiday atmosphere only minutes by ferry from the CBD. Waiheke Island – 40 minutes by fast ferry offers renowned vineyards, safe sandy beaches and much more.

Another world away, yet only 30 minutes from the CBD are the black sand beaches of Auckland’s dramatic West Coast and Waitakere Rainforest area with Titirangi Village its picturesque gateway. A scenic loop in the direction South takes in rural Clevedon and the rich birdlife of a beautiful coastline back to the City. North of the City offers another whole different world of beaches, wineries and vineyards, and adventure activities.

Situated on the 250km coastal stretch of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland is justifiably known as the ‘City of Sails’ escape and discover with Cotter House's inspirational tours.

Auckland and its surroundings

Experience great food, amazing theater and great museums. See art and architecture. Visit a shop or two. We could go on forever about everything there is to do in Auckland, but you should see for yourself. Check the event calendar, or if you wish, Cotter House can organise a view of the city, from the extinct volcano at Mt. Eden and an encompassing tour of a selection of the attractions listed in the Auckland Discovery trail menu.

Getting around

Taxis

If you’re travelling from your hotel or a restaurant, ask the concierge or maitre d’ to call one for you (particularly if it’s cold!). They’re not the cheapest way to get around the city but definitely one of the easiest. Auckland Co-Op Taxis (+64 9-300 3000; www.cooptaxi.co.nz) is a good bet.

Tipping in New Zealand

It’s not customary and by no means obligatory (some places might add a service charge in particular during special holidays when staff surcharges apply). Hospitality industry employees don’t rely on them as a source of income. Of course, if you wish, please reward excellent service with a tip of five to 10 per cent - much appreciated

Opening hours

Shops usually open between 9:30 am and 5.30pm every day. And weekends until 2-3pm. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm during the week. Restaurant hours vary greatly. Traditionally, New Zealanders eat early and restaurants start serving from 6 pm. Don’t leave it too late to eat – some restaurants only take orders until @ 10pm Bars and pubs normally open around noon until late into the night, especially on the weekend

What to wear - Packing tips

The winds determine the temperature: Northerlies from Australia mean mild warm weather, and mind the Southerly! temperatures can drop dramatically. Take something warm, something for a hot day, dressup for a glam night out, something practical for a day out on the water, on a yacht.

Great food variety and Fusion Cuisine

Auckland is proud of its food described as Pacific Rim fusion, a style of cuisine that brings together elements from South-East Asia and the surrounding Pacific nations and combines it with Mediterranean and European traditions. Because it is also an important wine region, it showcases some excellent wines. NZ has wonderful fresh produce, much of it produced locally and grown using environmentally sustainable practices.

Regional wineries

The other huge attraction for "foodies" (as they are called locally) or "gourmets/gourmands" is the proliferation of excellent wineries across New Zealand. Close to Auckland, visit the vineyards of Matakana and Waiheke Island, with a micro-climate that grows excellent Red merlots and Syrah style wines . Check out Te Whau (www.tewhau.com) or Mud Brick wines (www.mudbrick.co.nz) vineyards on Waiheke

Currency New Zealand dollars (NZ$)

Time zone GMT +12 hours

Dialling codes

Country code for New Zealand: 64. Auckland: 09 (drop the zero if you’re dialling from overseas)

Travelling

The warmer months (November to April) are perfect for enjoying life outdoors with lots of activities on offer. June to August is winter . Enjoy a ski high season in the North Island ski fields or fly down to Queenstown in the South Island, but whatever you do, factor in a few days in Auckland to get an urban fix.

Your Ultimate Concierge

We can assist you and help you organise the time of your life. Let us suggest and tailor a package of exciting outdoor activities and personalised tours - for Auckland and throughout New Zealand - to suit your needs: Wine, art, sailing and eco tours in any combination you may choose.Request information on our packages We have put together some exciting vacation programmes that make sure you can focus on having fun.

Active people should take a look at the best places to go for golf or adventure travel while scenic drives on the coast or scenic walks in the mountains are ideal for romantic escapes and weekends away, especially in winter.

We offer Pampering and Indulgence options : other alternatives are to arrive in style - we pick you up in a limousine for an extended day or full weekend of relaxation. You can choose to chill out, and just relax with our Lap of Luxury packages. You can enjoy the exercise pavilion, Yoga, Pilates classes and Spa treatments while you take time off.