CEFR Level B1 Reading test 2 – A travel guide to Auckland

Read ‘A travel guide about Auckland New Zealand‘ to practise and improve your reading skills for CEFR Level B1.

A Travel Guide about Auckland New Zealand

Whether you’re just travelling around the North Island or heading to the South Island as well, you’re likely to spend at least one night during your visit to New Zealand in the country’s biggest city, Auckland. While many tourists are arguably more interested in experiencing the rural and coastal beauty of the country, Auckland is an interesting city with plenty of things to see and do. You can easily spend a few days here, though to experience all that is on offer outside the city centre, it is advised you hire a vehicle as public transport routes won’t take you to all of the recommended visitor highlights on the outskirts of the city.

Where to stay

There is a vast choice of accommodation in Auckland city, ranging from 5-star hotel accommodation, serviced apartments, motels and backpacker accommodation.  Many of the upmarket hotels are situated near Viaduct Harbour, a hospitality quarter on the waterfront, popular with both locals and visitors which offers an array of cafes, restaurants and bars. Also adjacent is the National Maritime Museum, the Tepid Baths pools, and the stylish Princes Wharf development.

In contrast, three kilometres away is Karangahape Road (also known as K Rd). K Rd is a favourite gathering place for artists, students, musicians and writers and many backpackers looking for an alternative vibe can stay in low-priced accommodation here or in the surrounding area.

How to get around

The best way to get around Auckland Central is via the cheap and efficient Link buses. Walking is another viable and pleasant option in the CBD. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but these are more expensive and Auckland city is prone to traffic congestion and limited parking spots.

The ferry service connects a number of points in and around Auckland, used by commuters and popular with tourists wishing to experience the city by water. Regular services run from Auckland Harbour to areas including Half Moon Bay, Devonport, Birkenhead, Bayswater, Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island.

Where to eat

Auckland has many superb restaurants everywhere! The most difficult decision is choice.  Food and fusions from all corners of the world are available for your culinary pleasure and high quality food can be reasonably expected in all price ranges.

The excellence of food in Auckland is influenced by the availability of exceptional seasonal local produce and the culinary creativity of world class chefs.

Popular fine dining options can be found in Auckland Central, on the waterfront and in the suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby. Expect restaurants to be busy, particularly Thursday-Sunday. It is recommended to book in advance.

On K Rd when it comes to dining, Auckland’s multicultural diversity is reflected in the value for money cuisine on offer that includes Middle Eastern, Asian, European Fusion, Indian, Mexican and Portuguese. There are plenty of options here for the budget conscious.

What to do

After you’ve seen the main sites in the centre of Auckland you may decide to venture further away from the centre. This is highly recommended if you have the time and the transport.

In the rural west, for example, you can explore vineyards, many with excellent winery restaurants, and visit the rugged West Auckland coastline and black sand beaches such as Piha, and the location  of the film, the Piano, Karekare beach.

If you’re feeling energetic there are plenty of hikes in the West Auckland area including the Hillary Trail.

The Hillary Trail, if completed in its entirety, is a four-day (three night) 75 km trek across rugged country stretching from Titirangi to Muriwai. It is named after Sir Edmund Hillary and was opened on the second anniversary of his death. Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953.

Part 1

Match the Auckland landmarks and places with the descriptions. Drag the place into the matching box below.

Part 2

Are the sentences true or false? Select the correct answer.

Car hire is recommended for sightseeing in the city centre.

There is a museum nearby the Viaduct Harbour.

There are cheaper options for places to stay on Karangahape Road.

All restaurants in Auckland are expensive.

West Auckland is a busy urban centre.

The Hillary trail takes three days to complete.