√ Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
East of Hobson Bay, in the Orakei district is Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, a popular tourist attraction since 1985. Visitors walk in long acrylic tunnels through huge tanks in which they can observe large numbers of fish of all sizes, including sharks and rays. There is a display devoted to the underwater explorations of Kelly Tarlton (1935-85). In Antarctic Encounter, a reconstructed research station with a small colony of penguins, visitors can experience within a Snow Cat the difficult conditions under which scientists work in Antarctica.
√ Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
This museum, in the Western Springs district is devoted to the history of technology and transport in New Zealand. Its prize exhibits relate to the aviation pioneer Richard Pearse (1877-1953), who made his first flights about the same time as the Wright brothers. Other items include old coaches, railroad rolling stock, trams and vintage cars, collections of material on printing, photography and calculating machines. Between the museum and the nearby zoo runs an old-time tram.
The Auckland Art Gallery, at the southeast corner of Albert Park, is a must. It houses the famous Gray Gallery, a surprisingly rich collection of old European and contemporary New Zealand art, including works by McCahon and Wollaston. The earliest New Zealand works date from the time of Captain Cook, some of whose companions painted remarkable views of different parts of New Zealand.
√ Auckland Museum and Institute (War Memorial Museum)
On the highest point in the Domain is the imposing War Memorial Museum. From the steps in front of the museum there are magnificent views over the city center and Waitemata Harbour. The War Memorial Hall commemorates the dead from all the wars in which New Zealand soldiers fought. The museum itself contains rich collections of material on the natural and cultural history of the south Pacific and the history of the city of Auckland.
There are boat trips to some of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, particularly Rangitoto, Waikehe and Pakatoa.
