Kia Ora folks,
Blue offered me to take the Hop on Hop off Explorer bus last week. It was a good idea to explore the City of Sails on a random week day. It was a nice sunny day when I started from the Sky Tower. I had always seen this bus in the city packed with travellers from all around the world but it was different feeling for someone like me to be there who has been in the city for quiet sometime.
This yellow bus takes you to 14 different attractions namely Sky City, Parnell village, Mission Bay, Bastion point, Auckland zoo, Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, MOTAT etc....Since I had seen most of these, I prefered to hop off at the Zoo and take my time exploring this beautiful animal kingdom which I had not done before.
If you are new to the city and you have less time I think it is the most cost effective way to explore, getting on the bus and completing the two circuits will be a quick way to get the glimpse of the very best that Auckland has to offer. I found the commentary in the bus very interesting. It was relevant and engaging. Our bus driver was very friendly and gave us more information about each place at each stop.
I have visited many zoos in the past including the San Diego Zoo in California or the Bannerghetta Zoo in Bangalore. But there was something special about this place. They have New Zealand's largest collection of native and exotic species.There are a number of fantastic guided tours available.There are 3 cafés around the Zoo's grounds, my personal recommendation is the burger and french fries, it was yummy.
This is a great day out for all ages.Make sure you visit the newest addition to the zoo "Te Wao Nui" which houses 50 of New Zealand's natural treasures including the iconic Kiwi bird and the mountain parrot Kea.I hope you liked reading and looking at the pictures just like me who enjoyed being there.
Reshma.
