Angie Kelly tours Auckland's eastern shoreline on two wheels.
WHAT
Cycling the bays, beaches and parklands of the city's eastern shore.
THE SHIP
Angie cruised on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas 14-night New Zealand and South Pacific Island itinerary.
THE EXPERIENCE
"We struck a glorious 25-degree day for our 16-kilometre cycle ride around the waterfront of Auckland, New Zealand's pretty double-harbour city of 1.5 million.
After fitting our group of 10 with helmets, we set off towards the harbourside bar and restaurant precinct known as Britomart, which would be worth a return visit for its upmarket boutiques and eateries.
A speed history-of-the-waterfront talk from our guide, Del, proved interesting as did her recount of the infamous 1985 bombing of the Greenpeace flagship, Rainbow Warrior, when we stopped to see the mosaic memorial marking the tragedy.
Flat terrain, dedicated off-road cycle paths and few people meant on big sections of the ride our group had the space to ourselves, leaving us to focus on the views.
Moderate fitness was needed for the push uphill to the Michael Joseph Savage lookout, which was a good spot to get a sweeping view of this yacht lovers' city - from here it was easy to see where Auckland got its nickname, City of Sails. A favourite spot for kite flying, picnics and cool breezes, the hilltop gives a great view of the famous 600-year-old volcanic cone Rangitoto Island. A stop here of 15 minutes meant there was time for photos and a walk around the memorial to New Zealand's first Labour prime minister.
After a fun, no-pedalling-needed whiz back down the hill, we continued along the prized waterfront real estate strip. The pace was comfortable for both the tweens and the older people in our group, with plenty of stops to hear commentary.
Last stop Mission Bay, a popular summer playground with a seashell-lined beach, huge park and cafe strip pulling the crowds on this sunny public holiday.
VALUE FOR MONEY
A fantastic way to get a sense of the local lifestyle and a smart use of around half the allocated time in port, leaving plenty of time before departure for lunch or a nose around the shops. Adult $99, child $79. See [email protected].
Angie Kelly is the editor of Traveller on Sunday and was a guest of Royal Caribbean Cruises.
