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Photo: User:Grutness, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
A dormant volcano island that stands prominently near the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour. Climb to the summit for fantastic views of the harbour and Auckland city. Take a picnic or have a swim. There is a guided tour that will take you most of the way up the volcano (on a very bumpy road in a tractor trailer) for about $30. There are no shops on the island, so buy any food and drink you need before you go. Toilets are available at the harbour.
Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, New Zealand. The 5.5 km (3.4 mi) wide island is a symmetrical shield volcano cone capped by central scoria cones, reaching a height of 260 m (850 ft). Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of the approximately 50 volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field, having erupted in two phases about 1450 CE and 1500 CE and covering an area of 2,311 ha. It is separated from the mainland of Auckland's North Shore by the Rangitoto Channel. Since World War II, it has been linked by a causeway to the much older, non-volcanic Motutapu Island.
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Sea kayaking tours including to the islands of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe and Motukorea (Browns Island). Auckland is a unique sea kayaking location. Tours suitable for all experience levels. Tours launch at St Heliers - free pickup from downtown.
It's on the scenic Tamaki Drive and is the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish and sharks swim all around you, and tanks of rays with feeding-time talks.
A sculpture by Michael Parekowhai in the form of a 1950s house, which sits on the end of the wharf. You can't enter the house, but you can look in the windows at the lighting display inspired by the southern skies and a stainless steel sculpture of Captain James Cook. The artwork was installed in 2017. It can be viewed any time, but it may be best to avoid days when cruise ships are alongside.
A public square outside Waitematā Station. Its basalt paving forms a whāriki, or welcome mat, and the space is used for events and civic gatherings.
Large modern Anglican cathedral that opened in 1965 and can seat 1100 people. Next to it is St Mary's Church, the largest wooden Gothic church in the world, built in 1886 and moved to the present site in 1982.
Many interesting exhibits chronicle New Zealand's maritime history, including actual yachts from the America's Cup and interactive displays and machines. There is an Auckland harbour cruise on an old-style cargo scow that takes about 1 hour and costs extra (adult $25). You can also see the "ship in a bottle" exhibit, and meet the volunteers working on the models.