IMPORTANT

Brick Bay Wines, New Zealand

Travelling to New Zealand? Check out our guide here. Continue reading to find out ways to relax in Auckland.

Lush greenery rubs shoulders with the urban dwellings of downtown Auckland, all of which overlooks the turquoise bays. Auckland has consistently placed in the Top 5 on the Mercer Quality of Living Survey and often wins awards as a top travel destination. This will no doubt be the best place to take a break from reality and calm your mind from the stresses of everyday responsibilities. Read our list of the top ways to relax when visiting Auckland, New Zealand.

1. Go to the Beach

What better way to escape from daily life than to lounge in the sparkling beige sand, soak up the golden sun rays and enjoy the warm breeze?

Mission Bay

The most accessible urban beach from downtown Auckland, this beautiful, family-friendly destination offers the most well-renowned getaway you can find. You can relax by the water and head over to the cafes and shop or even head into downtown Auckland to experience the bustling nightlife or urban adventures.

Karioitahi Beach

A spectacle not to be missed, the black-sand Karioitahi Beach offers windswept landscapes ideal for a variety of activities. You can go horseback riding, handgliding, windsurfing, etc. Or to get a full scenic tour, take a road trip along the Peninsula.

2. Thermal Baths and Spas

Waiwera Thermal Water

For a truly rejuvenating experience, make your way to Auckland’s most visited thermal water destination, the Waiwera Resort and Spa. Here you can take a dip in the natural thermal pools, take a ride down the hydroslides or experience a film while relaxing in the movie pool.

So Spa

Not only will you get to relax here but you can also help take care of your body with the cutting-edge treatments that blend French cosmetology with New Zealand essence. Have you been country hopping? Try a Traveller’s Revival that combines Swedish and deep tissue massage to revitalize those tired jet-lagged muscles. The Healing Manuka Honey Facial helps to deep cleanse, increase hydration and heal the skin. After a treatment you will be left feeling nurtured, purified, pampered and relaxed.

3. Cruise the Waitemata Harbor

Take in the whole sights of Auckland from the cool blue water with a 90-minute coffee cruise on the Waitemata Harbor. Sit back, relax and enjoy the breeze on your face as you grab a few snacks and soak up the natural environment. Unwind and relax while someone else does the steering.

4. Ride a Hot Air Balloon

For the more daring individual that would rather a bird’s eye view on Auckland, let the wind whip through your hair as you sail above in a hot air balloon, taking in the landscape from the air. You can overlook the regions and perhaps get a glimpse of where your next adventure might lie.

5. Brick Bay Sculpture Park

Merging art with nature, the Brick Bay sculptural park will bring forth the zen inside of you when you stroll through the 45 sculptures laid out around the grounds. There are over 2 km of trails winding through majestic palm trees, abundant birdlife and vibrant green pastures. You may even find one that you want to take with you as all of the works are for sale. Afterward you can experience a delightful food platter and a tasting of wine.

Stay cool, calm and collected during your relaxing stay in Auckland and rest easy knowing any unexpected surprises will be handled by your comprehensive travel insurance policy from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Jeff Marquis.

Planning a trip?