Auckland's notorious traffic congestion all but dissolves post-Christmas, as many locals clear out of the big smoke for lazy summer breaks.
A visit to the city in January is particularly stress free, and one of the very best ways to soak up the sights is to stretch your legs.
Auckland is a
geographical marvel, speckled with volcanic cones, fabulous harbours, soul-rinsing vistas and an overflowing jewel box of islands.
If you know where to go - and your body's willing - exploring the City of Sails on foot is the way to go. Here are my favourite walks around Auckland. Heading east from the city centre, pohutakawa-lined Tamaki Drive is the perfect appetiser to walking Auckland. Tamaki Drive's harbourside promenade affords spectacular views across the Waitemata to Rangitoto Island.
Early mornings are the most peaceful time, otherwise you'll be contending with belching traffic, and at weekends, the prime waterfront thoroughfare is a jostle-athon, with cyclists, rollerbladers and joggers all competing for space.
Two other exceptional urban excursions pertain to Auckland's foreboding volcanic field. Inner-city Mt Eden and evocative One Tree Hill can both be scaled on foot, their cones delivering equally impressive panoramas across the sprawling city.
One of the most pleasurable day excursions is to take a ferry across the Waitemata to the natty waterfront village of Devonport. Home to the Royal New Zealand Navy and the family-friendly Navy Museum, it's the character architecture of Devonport that is a delight to explore. Potter around the village before gearing up for the sprightly workout as you scale Mt Victoria or the neighbouring North Head. Both rises traditionally played host to Maori pa, and still house gun embankments which will tantalise any children you may have in tow.
To accentuate the adventure, grab a few goodies from a Devonport deli and treat yourself to a hilltop picnic as you soak up sublime views.
For a change of scenery, set aside a day to ferry across to the enchanting, predator-free island of Tiritiri Matangi.
Surging in popularity, the island is a veritable menagerie of native wildlife; a prodigious refuge for the tuatara, takahe, kiwi, kokako, bell bird, saddleback and numerous other species. An historic lighthouse, built in 1864, stands on the island's eastern end.
For the extra-intrepid, the hardy four-hour Coast to Coast walkway traverses the city, linking the Waitemata with the Manukau Harbour. Starting from Viaduct Basin, the 16km trek encompasses a welter of sites including Albert Park, the Domain and Onehunga.
TOP TIPS
* Fullers operates regular ferry services to and from Devonport from the Ferry Building in Quay St. For full details on all their services go to www.fullers.co.nz
* 360 Discovery operates ferry excursions to Tiritiri Matangi from Auckland, Wednesday to Sunday. The service departs the city at 9am, returning at 4.50pm. www.360discovery.co.nz
* Copthorne Auckland City is ideally located on Anzac Ave, within easy reach of the CBD, Tamaki Drive and Vector Arena. All rooms afford balcony vistas of either the city or sea. It has well-appointed en-suite rooms, SKY TV, internet access, fantastic dining and free parking. A great base for visitors. This four-star hotel has superb on-line summer deals. www.millenniumhotels.co.nz
Auckland's super walks
Auckland's notorious traffic congestion all but dissolves post-Christmas, as many locals clear out of the big smoke for lazy summer breaks.
A visit to the city in January is particularly stress free, and one of the very best ways to soak up the sights is to stretch your legs.
Auckland is a
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