Auckland has a large number of retirement villages and care homes to suite most retirement plans and lifestyles. With over 200 retirement / lifestyle villages, rest homes and aged care facilities, you are bound to find the perfect Auckland Retirement village.
1. Maygrove Retirement Village – ‘Premier Retirement Living for the Active Retiree‘
Enjoy semi-retirement from the age of fifty-five at Maygrove Retirement Village and then ease into full retirement when you are ready.
Continue to work if you want to, but enjoy the luxury of not worrying about mowing lawns, home or garden maintenance and still maintain an independent living style.
Address: 65 Tauranga Place, Orewa, Auckland, New Zealand Orewa , Auckland, 0931 New Zealand
Serviced Apartments available from $450,000
Nestled in coastal Orewa, Maygrove offers the peace and security of an established village and all the amenities to enjoy with newly discovered friends right next door. The established gardens and proximity to walkways encourage an active lifestyle and makes walking your furry friends a pleasure.
Maygrove has a range of quality resort style facilities on-site and regular activities that are enjoyed by all. The welcoming foyer, restaurant and bar offer an excellent area to socialise and engage in the community atmosphere. Friday night fish and chips at happy hour is always a fun evening and chance to reconnect with your neighbours.
2. Meadowbank Retirement Village
Address: 154 Meadowbank Road, Meadowbank, Auckland, New Zealand 1072
56 units from 1-3 bedrooms.
3. Remuera Rise Retirement Village Auckland
Address: 30 James Cook Crescent, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland: Everything You Want to Know
To experience islands, mountains, and cities all at the same location seems unlikely, but then again, many people probably don’t know much about New Zealand.
It’s true, though. New Zealand is a picturesque land of rolling green fields and gorgeous coastlines — a wanderer’s dream. But for all the city slickers, New Zealand offers spectacular lights and nightlife as well.
One of the most renown areas in this beautiful country is the city of Auckland. It’s a place that’s hardly mentioned for vacation or honeymoon destinations. However, locals and visitors know that this city has beautiful sites and surprises around every corner.
Whether you’re looking to relax in a natural hot spring, go surfing and walk on sandy beaches, trek over a vast stretch of mountain rages, or find your next favourite restaurant or pub, Auckland has something to offer for everyone! Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing city, including things to do in Auckland, sites to see, and more!
Auckland at a Glance
The full name of this magical city is Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. This is the Maori name for the city which means, ‘Tamaki with a hundred lovers.’ Known as New Zealand’s urban oasis, this city has everything from shopping to skydiving and the most spectacular food you could ask for.
Auckland offers a perfect blend of lively streets and quiet shores where you could walk on the beach at dawn, go dolphin swimming at noon, and eat a fancy dinner in the heart of the city before stargazing on a remote island off the Auckland coast.
Auckland Fast Facts
1. Dubbed as the ‘City of Sails,’ this petite peninsula is located between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbor. It’s an ideal place for boat lovers, but the waterfront views alone are something to talk about. One in three Aucklanders have a boat — hence, the ‘City of Sails.’
2. There are approximately 50 volcanoes around Auckland.
3. Auckland was the capital of New Zealand for 25 years!
4. The city has the larges population of Polynesian people in the world who are native to Polynesia, islands in the region of Oceania.
5. Auckland has one of the tallest man-made structures in the Southern Hemisphere called the Sky Tower. Atop this sky-scraping masterpiece, you can dine in style while gazing out at a magnificent view of the city.
Towns in Auckland
Whether it be wine tasting, sailing, or simply escaping, anyone will enjoy amazing things to do in these towns in Auckland.
1. Auckland Central
See why this city is regarded as one of the most livable places in the world when you step into the heart of its hustle and bustle. It’s not your average scene, this much is for sure.
Things to Do:
Auckland Central is where vivacious urban life meets quaint suburbia. There are shops, restaurants, exquisite entertainment, and you can truly experience the unique city-coastal life that is so special about Auckland. There really is no other city like it!
2. Matakana
Just outside of Auckland’s main-stream streets is the region of Matakana, a little piece of heaven for anyone who loves farmers markets and spots where all the locals know to go.
Things to Do:
This quiet little getaway offers home-grown food as well as wine tasting tours available at several wineries. The most famous wines produced here include chardonnay, classic red Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Peaceful days sipping wine while overlooking the vineyards are what it’s all about at Matakana.
3. Awhitu Peninsula
Hidden in the Manukau Harbor on Auckland’s west coast, the Awhitu Peninsula is a dreamscape. One of New Zealand’s most proud attractions are black sand beaches, and Karioitahi Beach delivers these dark sandy shores that stretch for miles along the Tasman Sea.
Things to Do:
The Manukau Heads Lighthouse: At the end of Awhitu’s grand peninsula, this lighthouse is ready to welcome curious visitors to its lookout post. This historic lighthouse is one of the few open to the public.
At the park, there are two campsites perfect for having a coastal excursion away from the bustling city. Historic Brook Homestead is just a short walk away on the beach, but to really catch a view, you can take a longer walk across the farmland to see Manukau Harbor and beyond.
4. Waiheke Island
About a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland is Waiheke — a place that is pure gold with its breathtaking beaches, vineyards, olive groves, and sweeping cliffs. Known as ‘the island of wine,’ this is the best place to indulge and enjoy the spoils!
Things to Do:
Here, you can enjoy white sand beaches at Oneroa, Onetangi, and Palm Beach. Adventure is always calling on Waiheke. Kayaking, swimming, surfing — this places has it all!
The island trials are what attracts many adventurers to this oasis. Along the cliff tops, trails either slope down to the beach or through the forests, perfect for walking or biking.
Waiheke is like another world. It is close enough to Auckland so visitors can still travel to and fro by ferry, but the island itself offers public buses, taxis, rental bikes, scooters, and cars, as well as places to stay overnight, like beach houses or backpacker hostels.
5. Rangitoto Island
Another island off the coast of downtown Auckland is Rangitoto — possibly the most iconic island of the area. It shows off the youngest and largest volcano in Auckland’s volcanic field.
Things to Do:
This island is most popular for those who love hiking. There are guided tours by road train or you can walk to the summit. Along the way, black lava caves wait to be explored and make great pit stops on the way up these hills. From the top of the summit, you can see the emerald islands of the Hauraki Gulf, the Waitakere Ranges’ rocky shores, and the Hunua Ranges in the east.
For the very daring, there’s also a guided sea kayaking tour to Rangitoto, and many times people will go at night! After watching the sunset from the summit, the tour paddles back in the dark with the lights from the city guiding them.
The Hauraki Gulf, just across from Rangitoto, is a place exploding with wildlife and entertainment. Whale and dolphin watching are popular activities here as are volcano exploring and luxury dinner cruises.
6. Kumeu
Kumeu’s winemaking history is a long one. Dating back to the 1940s, this is home to Auckland’s oldest winery and now offers world-renown name brands as well as artisan wines.
Things to Do:
The Riverhead: New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern is The Riverhead, located at rural and scenic Kumeu. The Riverhead offers meals and drinks while guests admire the waterfront views. The brewbar, Hallertau, is a local legend that’s great for having a freshly crafted beer, and Kumeu is famous for its award-winning beers and wine.
Restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and galleries are not hard to come by here either, though they are smaller than those found in the city. Kumeu is special with its country-style living, dreamy orchards, and lush green farmland. The fruits and vegetables grown here are the best in the business. Even with its slow place, there is always an invitation for adventure.
Woodhill Forest: This nearby park has a natural playground and just beyond Kumeu is Muriwai Beach — a black sand coast with majestic cliff views.
7. Piha
On the coast of Auckland city, Piha is a must-see for ocean lovers and photographers. The waters are calling, so jump on in!
Things to Do:
In the summer, this is a surfer’s dream destination, with its wide beaches and rugged cliffs. Here, you can take surfing lessons, explore down the Piha canyon, or do absolutely nothing — nobody will judge.
This is one of the most picturesque spots in or near Auckland perfect for a family trip to the beach, a romantic getaway, or a wide open space to relax and enjoy glamorous views of the ocean.
8. Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier is a gem tucked away for audacious visitors, and this particular island has a lot of surprises.
Things to Do:
Great Barrier is a forest covered island with hiking trails like the Aotea Track and the beautiful Medlands Beach; however, the best part about Great Barrier is at night when stargazers marvel at a magical sky. This is the first island in the world to be a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
You can also enjoy natural hot springs and historic kauri dams in this secluded wilderness.
Auckland’s Best Attractions:
Want to know more things to do in Auckland? A better question would be, what can’t you do in Auckland?
Both in and around the city, there are numerous activities and entertainment opportunities to choose from. Here are some specific attractions that Auckland is best known for:
Sky Tower
The Tower takes guests 328 metres up in glass fronted lifts to capture a 360 degree view of the spectacular city. Some also enjoy the Sky Walk or Sky Jump, but you must be very bold and 10 years or older.
Auckland Museum
For those who want some cultural knowledge, the museum offers Maori performances and activities such as dances, games, and clever displays to engage visitors.
Ziplining
Thrill seekers love the zipline courses, and there’s also a forest walk on Waiheke Island that all ages will enjoy.
Auckland Zoo
You can’t come to Auckland without seeing the red pandas! There’s over 117 species and over 700 animals at the Auckland Zoo. With a zookeeper’s expert supervision, there are also some animals the public can have close up time with.
Rainbows End Adventure Park
Located in Manukau City, this park is a fun time waiting to happen where visitors can ride roller coasters such as the Fear Fall and the log flume.
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
Here, you can meet the local marine animals such as bottlenose dolphins, whales, and orca in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Island Exploring
We have discussed some islands surrounding Auckland, and without question, island exploring is in the top attractions that visitors love.
Living in Auckland
While Auckland is without a doubt one of the greatest vacation spots, this city is also a wonderful place to settle down.
Welcoming environment
Most cites are not credited for being ‘safe’ or ‘inviting;’ however, Auckland is unlike any metropolitan you’ve ever seen. The Maori people that populate much of this city carry a contagious kindness and their friendly faces are sure to welcome any new-comers to the area.
The traditional word the Maori people use to signify hospitality and generosity is ‘manaakitanga’ — a practice they hold dear and strive for even today.
New Zealand is also known for their human rights values and love for the environment.
Job Opportunities
- This young city is well on its way to achieving great things through innovative companies and ideas that are spreading around the globe. Auckland is the heart of New Zealand, allowing for more economic opportunities and marketing startups to rise throughout the country and internationally.
New companies are sprouting up across the city, creating more jobs and a need for people with specialised skills. Auckland is broad enough to be engrossed in the global industry, but it is also focused on smaller connections and ensuring that their people find progressive growth in their careers.
Work and Play Your Way
- Everybody wants a little this and a little that. At Auckland, it’s easy to find a great balance between work and play, city and wilderness. It has the zest and energetic flare of city living paired with the natural beauty of islands, forests, mountains, and gorgeous wide-open spaces where anyone can find their escape.
- Auckland is especially popular for families with kids and pets. It’s stable, secure, offers diversity and numerous activities for the whole family, and affords a lifestyle that can’t be found anywhere else.
The education system is world-class and the experiences that children will have while growing up in Auckland are guaranteed to provide all around social, active, and well-equipped minds.
Conclusion
Auckland is truly a one-of-a-kind city. It’s perfect for vacations, honeymoons, and even for planting some roots down. Whatever the case may be, this city is a wonderful destination that offers the best of both worlds and so much more.
Work hard; play hard — Auckland has it all! Come visit Auckland and enjoy this amazing destination for yourself!
