New Zealand- 7) Tauranga

Tauranga is situated on the eastern coast of the North Island, within the Bay of Plenty. It is about a three-hour drive southeast of Auckland. It is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, including beautiful beaches, bays, and harbors. It is also home to the prominent landmark, Mount Maunganui (Mauao), a volcanic cone that offers great views and outdoor activities.

Hiking the base of the Mount Maunganui the loop around the base: This 3.4-kilometer route offers a full circle around the extinct volcano and can be walked in either direction.  

Here are the views you can see while hiking the base trail of Mount Maunganui:

New Zealand- 6) Mount Eden, Auckland

Mount Eden is located about five kilometers south of the city center. It's named after the extinct volcano at its heart, also called Mount Eden or Maungawhau in Māori. This volcanic cone is one of Auckland's most iconic landmarks and offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from its summit.

Hike to the summit requires some work but the view from there is well worth the work.

The volcano is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can walk or drive to the summit where they can enjoy panoramic views of Auckland, its harbors, and the surrounding landscape. The crater itself is a protected archaeological site, containing the remnants of pre-European Māori settlements.

New Zealand- 5) View of Sky Tower and Auckland in Bar Albert

Since its website which describes this bar as providing world-class drinks and panoramic views of Auckland, we decided to check it out. Upon arrival, we enjoyed a drink while soaking in the incredible views. The food and drinks certainly lived up to expectations, delivering a truly enjoyable experience.

While the view wasn't exactly panoramic, it was still spectacular!

New Zealand- 4) Auckland City Walk

Exploring downtown Auckland on foot revealed a cityscape characterized by a blend of architectural styles, ranging from old-world charm to modern marvels, all interspersed amidst ongoing construction projects. Despite the hilly terrain, the walkability of the city made it an enjoyable urban excursion.  Here are few photos.

Notice the Sky Tower in the background of different photos. Dominating the skyline, the Sky Tower is an iconic feature of Auckland's cityscape. Standing at 328 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. At night, the tower is illuminated, adding to the city's nocturnal charm.

New Zealand- 3) Auckland Devenport

Devonport sits on a peninsula that juts into the Waitematā Harbour, providing stunning views of the Auckland skyline and the Hauraki Gulf. It's just a 12-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The suburb is dotted with beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Devonport's main street, Victoria Road, is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries housed in these historic buildings.

Mount Victoria: One of the iconic landmarks of Devonport is Mount Victoria, a volcanic cone that offers panoramic views of Auckland and the surrounding islands. It's a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, and the summit provides a great vantage point for watching the sunset.

Devonport Naval Base: The Royal New Zealand Navy has a significant presence in Devonport, with a naval base located on the waterfront. While much of the base is restricted, visitors can sometimes catch a glimpse of naval vessels coming and going from the harbor. 

Downtown Devenport

Cheltenham Beach

Torpedo Bay Naval Museum