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Further Distractions Auckland Observatory and Stardome This large site is operated by the Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust, to give the public an insight into what the heavens are all about. The planetarium and extensions were built in 1996 at a cost of three million New Zealand Dollars, making for a high-tech modern attraction. Displays include New Zealand's first known meteorite, a piece of a meteorite that struck Arizona and model rockets. The planetarium shows feature what it is like to be an astronaut - with the inside of a spaceship zooming through space; or the story of a young Polynesian learning the art of navigating by the stars to steer his canoe to New Zealand. One Tree Hill Domain, off Manukau Road, Royal Oak Tel: (09) 624 1246 or 625 6945. Fax: (09) 625 2394. E-mail: info@stardome.org.nz Web site: www.stardome.org.nz Transport: Bus 302, 305 or 312. Opening hours: Mon 0900-1300, Tues and Wed 0900-2200, Thurs and Fri 0900-2330, Sat 1330-1630 and 1830-2330, Sun 1330-1630. School holidays: Mon-Fri 0900-2100, Sat and Sun 1430-2100. Admission: NZ$10 plus NZ$3 for a Stardome show. Rainbow's End New Zealand's largest theme park has over 20 major rides and attractions, including the country's only double-corkscrew rollercoaster, dodgems, bumper boats, a pirate ship, an interactive games arcade and rides for small children. Corner of Great South Road and Wiri Station Road Tel: (09) 262 2030. Fax: (09) 262 1958. E-mail: info@rainbowsend.co.nz Web site: www.rainbowsend.co.nz Transport: Bus to Manukau City Shopping Centre (being renamed Westfield Shopping Town). Opening hours: Daily 1000-dusk. Admission: NZ$30. Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens These beautiful gardens were eight years in the making, before opening to the public in 1982. They cover 64 hectares (160 acres) and contain more than 10,000 individual plants, along with a lake, a nature trail, a library and an attractive outdoor cafÉ. Plants are well labelled for the enthusiast and pathways clearly signposted for those who only want to walk in pleasant surroundings. 102 Hill Road, Manurewa Tel: (09) 303 1530 (ParksLine) or 267 1457 (Visitor Centre). Fax: (09) 266 3698. Transport: Buses to Drury, Papakura or Pukehohe. Opening hours: Daily 0800-dusk (gardens); Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat and Sun 1000-1600 (Visitor Centre). Admission: Free. Eden Gardens A few minutes from downtown Auckland lies this green oasis. The 2.25-hectare (5.5-acre) garden on the volcanic slopes of Mt Eden was once a quarry, until, in 1965, a group of dedicated volunteers began to transform it into what is now a national showcase garden. It has the largest collection of camelias in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as large numbers of rhododendrons and azaleas in particular. Plants from around the world give year-round colour, but it is also a good place to see a large number of native plants too. The landscaped gardens have some statues and a 13.5m (45ft) waterfall. 24 Omana Avenue, Epsom Tel: (09) 638 8395. Fax: (09) 638 7685. E-mail: eden@edengarden.co.nz Web site: www.edengarden.co.nz Transport: Bus 23 or 24. Opening hours: Daily 0900-1630. Admission: NZ$5. |
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