Auckland, New Zealand’s most populated city is also one of the few cities globally that has the distinction of having two harbours overlooking two major bodies of water: the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. True to form, in other aspects as well, Auckland is an interesting city to visit and even provides its visitors a fun method of exploring the city.
The area has its own Tramway which allows visitors to board a tram and explore Auckland in 15 minutes. Historically, this experience was located on the Auckland waterfront but had stopped functioning for some time. It was renewed and made operational after a stunning 55 years for the Rugby World Cup 2011 and continues to provide memorable experiences to the tourists that visit the city. In just 15 minutes, patrons of the tram have the opportunity of travelling around the streets of Jellicoe, Gaunt and Halsey.
Tickets for the Auckland Dockline Tram can be purchased at the i-Site Visitor Centre, at Princes Wharf and the Voyager Maritime Museum. However, these tickets can also be bought on the Tram itself and to make it convenient for tourists, credit cards are an acceptable mode of payment. Once a ticket has been purchased, it is valid for one entire day. Therefore, one can opt to board the tram and disembark whenever they like and spend some time sightseeing.
The Tram is located at Wynyard Quarter and runs every 7 minutes, so one does not have to wait long to board one. Both Trams that are currently operational were built in the 1920’s in Melbourne, Australia and allows prams to board but does not entertain pets. Furthermore, the Dockline Trams do not allow food but permits the carriage of sealed drinks.
To enrich the experience, there is a live commentary given on board the Tram in relation to the attractions and history of the area. Therefore, one will be able to learn about interesting facts such as the origin of street names which were often streets named after prominent personalities in the area.
When planning on making a trip to this city Auckland hotel accommodation is varied and a number of offers are available to those who wish to stay in the city for a few days. Opt to stay at the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City which is located on the water front and therefore extremely close to the Tram. This Auckland hotel offers its visitors a superb view over the harbour and is only a few minutes away from the city.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.