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If you’re not sure what to do with the kids this coming spring and summer, consider spending a day or two exploring Auckland and going to the places that we all know about but only visit when overseas visitors come to stay. It’s obviously much easier if you have your own car but there’s always the hassle and cost of parking and traffic.

One way to get around that problem is to buy a family pass on the Auckland Explorer – a hop on-hop off bus. In fact there are 14 places on its route where you can stop and wander about, from markets and shopping centres to volcanoes and gardens. We’ve highlighted just five of the most interesting for your enjoyment. Make an adventure of it and visit some of Auckland’s best attractions.

Kelly Tarlton’sA must see for many tourists and families is the underground maze known as Kelly Tarlton’s. First up is the Snowcat ride through into the ice enclosure for a close up beak-to-beak view of the penguins in their icy lair. Then it’s into the biggest fishbowl in Auckland and one the kids love as they travel around the moving walkway through this amazing underwater world - allow up to two hours. Most people then head for the stingray tank where you can get up close and personal with these graceful giant flatfish. The entrance for Kelly’s is at the bus stop, but the exit is at the other end of the car park so allow a few minutes extra to get back to the bus stop on time.

Auckland Skytower, Skywalk and SkyjumpAt 328m the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New

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Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80km in every direction. Travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms. For more thrills and excitement step out onto the SkyWalk that takes you around the pergola at 192m, or alternatively fly like a bird and SkyJump off the Tower! Sky Tower is one of New Zealand’s most exhilarating and spectacular tourist attractions and not to be missed. Skycity also hosts an in-house casino and various restaurants, cafes and bars.

Auckland War Memorial MuseumThis attraction is considered a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Three expansive levels tell the story of New Zealand’s history, from our emergence as a nation through the loss and suffering of war, to our uniquely ancient natural history and our priceless Maori and Pacific treasures. An excellent Maori Cultural Performance show runs at 11am, 12 noon and 1.30pm. There’s an excellent cafe in the atrium of the Museum building. Located a short distance from the Museum are the beautiful Winter Gardens and Fernery - well worth a visit.

MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology)This is New Zealand’s largest and leading transport and technology museum. Set within 40 acres, a visit to MOTAT will take you on an interactive journey through many of the technological achievements that have helped shape New Zealand. MOTAT is proud to have in its possession over 300,000 items,

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FACTS:Auckland Skytower, Skywalk and SkyjumpExplorer buses depart this stop – Summer (every 30 mins) 9.45am – 4.45pm; Winter (hourly) 9.45am – 3.45pm.Cost: Main observation deck Adult $28.00, Child (6-14 years) $11.00, 5 and under Free, Senior Citizens - NZ citizens only / Backpackers / Students (with valid ID) $18.00Website: www.skycityauckland.co.nzSkywalk: www.skywalk.co.nz; Skyjump: www.skyjump.co.nz

Auckland Ferry Building Explorer buses depart this stop - Summer, (every 30 minutes) 9am - 4pm. Winter, (hourly) 10am - 3pmCost: No cost involved

Auckland War Memorial MuseumExplorer buses depart this stop – Summer (every 30 mins) 9.30am – 4.30pm. Winter (hourly) 10.30am – 3.30pm Cost: A donation is required for people who don’t live in the Auckland region. Website: www.aucklandmuseum.com

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater WorldExplorer buses depart this stop – Summer (every 30 minutes) 9.15am – 4.15pm. Winter (hourly) 10.15am – 3.15pm Cost: Adult $31.50/local $29.90, Students (15 years + ID required) $25.20/local $23.90, Senior Citizens (65+ years) $25.20/local $23.90, Community services cardholders $25.20/$23.90, Child (4-14 years) $15.80/local 15.00, Pre-schoolers (3 years and under) FreeWebsite: www.kellytarltons.co.nz

MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology)Explorer buses only drop off here as a request stop so advise the driver if you wish to visit. The Satellite Bus will visit hourly from 11.10am – 4.10pmCost: Family pass: NZ$35.00. Website: www.motat.org.nz

Auckland Explorer BusMotel pick-up number: 0800 439 756 or 0800 4 EXPLORER Cost: One Day Pass for adults: $35.00, for children 4-16yrs: $15.00. Website: www.explorerbus.co.nz

covering everything from fire engines and World War II planes, to steam trains and a fully functioning tram line.

Auckland Ferry Building This iconic structure serves as the centerpiece of harbour activity in Auckland. Built in 1912, it still serves as an active ferry terminal with ferries departing to Devonport, Rangitoto and Waiheke Island on a regular basis – all worth a day visit. Directly across the road from the Ferry Building is the Britomart rail and bus stations and Queen St – Auckland’s main shopping street. Also across the road is the Westfield Downtown Mall, a small shopping mall including an extensive food court. Whilst in the area, visit the Maritime Museum and all the restaurants, bars and boats in the Viaduct Harbour and Princes Wharf area.

aucklandmuseum.comInfoline: 09 306 7067Enquiries: 09 309 0443

Take a guided tour of Auckland Museum and discover some of the most important and fascinating objects, hear their stories and understand their significance to New Zealand. From our pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collection to our original World War II aircraft, gain an inside knowledge about the Museum’s treasures from our experienced guides. Charges apply.

AUCKLAND MUSEUM GUIDED TOURSDAILY: 10.30AM, 2PM

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aucklandmuseum.comInfoline: 09 306 7067Enquiries: 09 309 0443

Take a guided tour of Auckland Museum and discover some of the most important and fascinating objects, hear their stories and understand their significance to New Zealand. From our pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collection to our original World War II aircraft, gain an inside knowledge about the Museum’s treasures from our experienced guides. Charges apply.

AUCKLAND MUSEUM GUIDED TOURSDAILY: 10.30AM, 2PM

AM Tourism ad Sep10.indd 1 20/09/10 12:06 PMAuckland Top 5.indd 21 21/09/10 3:49 PM