There are two great vantage points from which to admire the metropolis of Auckland and the array of islands and beaches that surround it. One of them is Mount Victoria, standing north of the main city and set in the rich suburb of Devonport, where many of the wealthiest Aucklands have city homes, the other is Mount Eden. The best thing about them both, at least for the more idle of us, is that you can drive all the way to the top.
An extinct volcano, like many of the peaks in the vicinity, the steep sides of Mount Victoria lead to a flat top and well-marked maps telling you what all the landmarks you can see are. Admire the view and get your bearings before heading down for a snack and a drink at Victoria Street, the road that runs from the mountain's foot down to the seaside, Devonport's social hot spot.
