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Home » Amazing Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand (includes map)
skyline of a city with harbour in the foreground

Amazing Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand (includes map)

Last Updated: November 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Toggle
  6 Minutes Read
  • Learn About the Maori Culture
  • Immerse Yourself in the All Blacks Experience
  • Visit the Ultimate Morning Run or Walk Route
  • Scavenge for the City Views
  • Enjoy Outdoor Adventures Around Auckland
  • Embark on the Best Volcano Hike
  • Visit the Best Wine Destination Around Auckland
  • Best Eats in Auckland, New Zealand
  • Auckland Attractions Map
  • Best Time to Visit Auckland, New Zealand
  • Posts from New Zealand:
    • The 5 Best Bucket List Destinations for Retirement Travel
    • Top 10 Incredible New Zealand South Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)
    • 10 Amazing New Zealand North Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)
    • The Top 10 New Zealand South Island Wellness Resorts
    • The 9 Best Attractions in Rotorua, New Zealand
    • Top 10 Wellness Resorts on the North Island of New Zealand

As the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is an urbanite’s dream, swarming with world-class creations like the Harbor Bridge, Sky Tower, and Viaduct Harbor. But most of Auckland’s appeal lies in its incredible stretches of coastline, verdant volcanoes, and twin harbors. As you can already anticipate, there is an overwhelming number of things to do in Auckland, especially during your retirement travel.

We spent four days exploring this incredible city, and our only wish was to stay longer. But a pre-booked itinerary meant we had to come back another time. And we did! To help you enjoy all the wonderful activities with intention, we created a list that will guide you through all the best things to do in Auckland to suit every mood and occasion. So, do a quick body scan for what you fancy and skip ahead, or read on to find out what to expect from your stay in Auckland.

Learn About the Maori Culture

chicken and potatoes in large serving containers wrapped in aluminum foil
2 men standing beside each other, one wearing traditional Maori outfit

Maori culture is an important part of New Zealand’s identity to this day. Since the North Island contains about 90% of the Maori population, take the opportunity to learn about the Maori culture during your stay in Auckland by taking the Maori tour. The tour is an immersive experience that takes you on an exploration of local traditions and legends while visiting the most significant cultural and historical locations around Auckland, NZ.

Immerse Yourself in the All Blacks Experience

Rugby is the national obsession of kiwis. But you don’t have to be a rugby fan to enjoy learning about its importance in New Zealand life and culture at an All Blacks Experience. It’s a 90-minute tour that takes place in the SkyCity entertainment precinct, where you get to immerse into the passion and the story of what it takes to be an All Black. The tour takes you through five interactive zones that keep building in effect, ending with an incredible haka (war dance) that may have you welling up. 

Visit the Ultimate Morning Run or Walk Route

skyline view of auckland new zealand
John’s morning run view

Not sure if you heard, but we walked the width of New Zealand in a single morning! And here is how you can too.

This 10-mile route, known as Coast to Coast Walk, takes you through historic landscapes and the city’s finest natural creations and other attractions, offering panoramic views along the way. It begins in the city center on the shores of Waitemata Harbor, then passes through Albert Park, Auckland Domain Park, Mount Eden, and historic suburbs, follows ancient lava flows, and finishes at Manukau Harbor. That’s a lot of scenery to get through in 4 hours. But the views and bragging rights are worth it!

Scavenge for the City Views

view looking up of the sky tower in auckland new zealand
Best views in Auckland

If you don’t want to travel too far, the best city views are found from Sky Tower. The Sky Tower, visible from all over, is a 328-meter needle topped with an observation deck. Aside from taking in breathtaking views, you can also partake in an activity native to New Zealand by bungee jumping from the top!

view of auckland buildings and skyline from mount eden viewpoint
crater at Mount Eden park near Auckland New Zealand

For a less adrenaline-infused experience, head to Mount Eden, which is a dormant volcano towering over Auckland, NZ. The crater is circled with boardwalks, and the viewing platforms offer 360-degree views of the city.

wooded shoreline with turquoise waters
Great views of the harbour

But the harbor views you get from Devonport take the cake! It’s a harbor-facing suburb located only a 15-minute ferry ride from Auckland’s downtown. Although only a suburb, Devonport has a small-town feel with a peaceful atmosphere, colonial architecture, cute cafes, and a volcanic peak called Mount Victoria, from which you get unparalleled views across the harbor. The suburb is very compact, so you can easily explore on foot. Spend an entire afternoon wandering around before enjoying an epic sunset from Mount Victoria.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures Around Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand and its surroundings are rich with unbelievable nature spots. You don’t have to go far out of the city to enjoy epic scenery. In just under an hour, you can be at the head of hiking trails with breathtaking beaches and waterfalls connected by jungles. 

sandy shoreline trail with large rock formations
sandy shoreline with large rock formations

Kitekite Trail is exactly that – a 60-minute jungle adventure that rewards you with a waterfall and a black sand beach at the end called Piha. You can continue the hike high above Piha on the Mercer Bay Loop, which traces the coast, offering incredible views. If you follow the trail all the way down to Karekare beach, you’ll find the connecting route to Karekare falls. Keep in mind though, that the way back up to Mercer Bay Loop from Karekare beach is a bit of a climb.

Embark on the Best Volcano Hike

view from a bench in a tropical setting overlooking an island
Is this paradise?

The best volcanic hiking adventure around Auckland is located at Rangitoto island, an iconic feature of Auckland’s skyline. The volcano is among the largest around the city, but one of the youngest since it emerged only about 600 years ago. There are frequent ferries that depart for the island, so the breathtaking volcanic scenery is very accessible.

view from a bench in a tropical setting overlooking an island
Cave exploring on Rangitoto Island

The hike is plentiful with lava fields, caves, beaches, and of course, jaw-dropping lookout points and boardwalks. The explore the caves, we recommend bringing a headlamp since they are not illuminated. And definitely bring a lunch to enjoy at the beach post-swim before catching the ferry back. If you have mounds of energy, you can kayak there and back instead of riding the ferry!

Visit the Best Wine Destination Around Auckland

Apart from otherworldly nature, New Zealand is for wine tasting. Visiting a winery is something you cannot miss and the absolute best place to do it while staying in Auckland is located only a 40-minute ferry ride away from the busy downtown. 

aerial view of a green island surrounded by blue waters
Some of the best wine in New Zealand here

Waiheke Island feels like another destination altogether. The peaceful atmosphere and rolling hills speckled with vineyards transport you to a place that feels like it belongs on a postcard from Europe in places. But then you see the volcano peaks in the distance, reminding you are still in Auckland, New Zealand.

The island is full of amazing bars and beaches, and…you guessed it, wine tastings! The two most remarkable vineyards on the island are Tantalus Estate and Mudbrick, which you can tour before settling in at their fabulous restaurants for a tasting.

We visited Waiheke on a day trip since we only had four days in Auckland. If you have longer, please spend at least one night at one of the charming accommodations on the island.

Best Eats in Auckland, New Zealand

The culinary world in Auckland is a real treat. You shouldn’t miss a single opportunity of joining the locals in their favorite pastime activity – wining and dining. Food says a lot about a destination, and in Auckland, it tells stories about how multicultural the city is. The city makes space for restaurants from all over the world. New Zealand cuisine adopts Pacific flavors, Asian influences, and European traditions. Lamb, beef, and fish are the staples, but the dining venues are super accommodating to vegetarians and vegans. 

Visit Ponsonby Central, a vibrant market located in the trendy neighborhood of Ponsonby. Considered the best choice for lunch and coffee, the market is a collection of over 20 atmospheric eateries and bars under one roof. 

Whether you are looking for relaxing afternoon beverages with a view or a romantic dinner, conclude your stroll around the impressive Viaduct Harbor by indulging in seafood platters at the marina-facing Soul Bar & Bistro as you watch the sunset.

And to taste New Zealand’s native ingredients prepared with traditional Maori cooking techniques with a modern spin, Ahi is your go-to. The restaurant aims to celebrate New Zealand’s heritage most authentically and create an experience built on the core values: 

Ahi – Fire,

Kai – Food, 

Manaaki – hospitality, respect, and generosity for others, 

Whanaungatanga – a sense of connection and belonging through shared experiences.

Just a few days into your visit to Auckland, New Zealand, these values can be felt all throughout the city. The combination of genuinely happy people, impressive modern infrastructure, and the great outdoors tempts you to extend your stay for an indefinite number of days. It’s no wonder Auckland frequently makes the list of the most livable cities in the world. We know we’ll be coming back again.

Auckland Attractions Map

HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP:

Each icon has embedded information in the map, so click to review. To the right of the title of the map, click the ⭐️ STAR to save to your Google Map Account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the three lines on the upper left, select “Saved,” select “Maps,” and this map will be listed below.

Best Time to Visit Auckland, New Zealand

We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.

Click here!

Posts from New Zealand:

Photos of 5 Bucket List Destinations showing beaches and mountains

The 5 Best Bucket List Destinations for Retirement Travel

mountain range in new zealand

Top 10 Incredible New Zealand South Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)

mountains and shoreline in New Zealand

10 Amazing New Zealand North Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)

View of pink and purple flowers blooming along a rugged beach coastline in South Island (New Zealand).

The Top 10 New Zealand South Island Wellness Resorts

The 9 Best Attractions in Rotorua, New Zealand

View of North Island coastline with sandy beaches and blue ocean water.

Top 10 Wellness Resorts on the North Island of New Zealand

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie Stinson

    October 7, 2024 at 6:07 AM

    Do you have a recommendation for an itinerary for 4-6 weeks in NZ?

    Reply
    • Retirement Travelers

      October 10, 2024 at 10:20 PM

      We spent about 6 weeks during our visit, with a combination of rail and car rental.The rail system runs from Auckland down to Wellington, then use the great Ferry system to get to the south island, head to Christchurch and then over to Greymouth. We also rented a car for the west coast of the South Island, down to Queenstown and Milford Sound. When we were in Auckland, we rented a car and did a loop down to the Rotorua area. Between train and car, you can hit most of the key attractions on the islands. We have a variety of videos, shorts and blogs that can hopefully help as well.
      Happy journeys,
      John and Bev

      Reply

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We’re John & Bev a married, American couple who decided to sell our home and give away our stuff so we could explore the world. Having traveled to over 100 countries, we create travel guides to help show you the way. We hope our tips, maps, details, stories, and recommendations help you travel with confidence and plan a grand adventure of your own. Reach out if you have a question, we’re happy to share our thoughts. Happy Journeys!

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📍 104 Countries - Cruising the Panama Canal 🗺 Traveling the world full-time 🎥 Community of 138K+ on YouTube ⬇️ Watch and read latest content ⬇️
  • We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
  • One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
  • Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
  • We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
  • We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
  • In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
  • A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
  • Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
  • The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
  • We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
  • Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
  • Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
View on Instagram
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so! #korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
1/12
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/12
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/12
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife #bambooforest
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/12
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/12
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/12
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/12
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/12
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼 The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. #pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/12
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/12
Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
@retirementtravelers
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Just zipping around China by train, We think it’s much better than a plane. A rail network so vast, And speeds that are fast, There is nary a thing to complain. Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev #china #trains #traintravel
2 months ago
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11/12
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area. #china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/12

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