Auckland

Auckland has around 1.5 million people and is New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Auckland attracts over 1.4 million visitors per year. In Auckland tourists can enjoy all the entertainment and adventure of any of the worlds large cities. Auckland's offshore islands, white sand, swimming beaches, rugged surf beaches, native bush and rolling countryside offer some stunning areas to explore.

Auckland is almost completely surrounded by water, with Manukau Harbour on the Tasman side, and Waitemata Harbour opening out into the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland is called 'The City of Sails' because it has the highest number of pleasure boats per capita of any city in the world. Auckland’s harbour side setting means plenty of activity for the water enthusist. Auckland was also the site of the Americas Cup in 2003. With so much water to explore try one of the many harbour cruises.

Auckland city is located on an ancient volcanic field that is over twice the size of London. Many of the volcanic cones in the region were once Maori 'Pa' sites (fortified Maori villages). Auckland has a large population of Pacific Islanders from Islands such as Fiji, Samoa, The Cook Island, Tonga and many others in the south Pacific. Auckland now has the largest concentration of Polynesians in the world. Dining and entertainment options in Auckland reflect this and often display a refreshing mix of Polynesian and European themes. Auckland's has some great markets and are a great way of experiencing a taste of Polynesia.

Auckland

Auckland’s wider area contains four cities: Auckland City lies between Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. North Shore City is centred on Takapuna, just over the harbour bridge. Manukau City is to the south of Auckland around the airport and Waiteakere City is to the west. Auckland also has three districts, Franklin, Papakura and Rodney.

Auckland is the international gateway with the largest airport, to the country and has plenty of accommodation, a transport system and some of the best restaurants and entertainment venues in New Zealand.

Being the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is built on 50 dormant volcanoes over an area that is twice the size of London. The city has white and black sandy beaches, parks and gardens, a rainforest and is surrounded by three harbours. Auckland is actually comprised of four cities; Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere, and three districts; Franklin, Papakura and Rodney.

The Auckland Sky Tower is one of the highest buildings in the world at 328 metres and it offers superb views of the city and sea. The Sky Tower has a bungy at the top so you can take that leap of faith.

One of the best ways to see Auckland is from the Waitemata Harbour, from here you will see the world famous Auckland harbour bridge against the backdrop of the cityscape. Auckland is best viewed on foot and the Coast-to-Coast Walkway is a good place to start. The Auckland coast-to-coast walkway will take you from Albert Park through to Manukau past many interesting sights including the parklands at The Domain, the Art Gallery. This great walk will also let you climb two of Auckland's highest peaks at Mount Eden and One Tree Hill.

Auckland has a sunny climate with moderate rainfall. Auckland can experience four seasons in one day. Auckland has a reputation for its outstanding Pacific Rim Cuisine, wines and shopping.

In the Auckland’s region maritime park around 50 islands make for an interesting boating adventure. One of the other major Auckland attractions is Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World; Auckland's premier marine attraction has some of the world's most fascinating creatures, including penguins, sharks and stingrays.

Auckland has a vibrant arts centre featuring the Sky City Theatre, Aotea Centre, the Civic Theatre.
Auckland is a great city with plenty to see and do, enjoy.

How Auckland got its name.

Lt Governor Hobson named the new settlement in honour of George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland.

Auckland Map

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Auckland’s climate:

Average Summer temperature; 20c
Warmest months; December to March
Average Winter temperature; 13c
Average Hours of sunshine per year; 2060hrs
Average annual rainfall; 1200mm

Popular Auckland activities:

A ferry ride to Rangitoto and a walk to the summit
Sailing of the Watemata Harbour
Shopping at Dressmart in Onehunga, Botany Downs, Queen St, central Newmarket or High streets designer labels
Visit Kelly Tarltons undersea and antarctic world
Canyoning in the Waitakere Ranges

Key Features   City at the edge of the ocean Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Half urban and half marine, it’s a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that’s dotted with more than 50 islands.   Thirty minutes to anywhere In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere - sailing to an island, trekking through a rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach.   Multicultural flavour A diverse range of cultures adds flavour and interest to the city’s style of life. As a result, Auckland has perfected a style of cuisine called ‘Pacific Rim’, which blends Asian and Pacific flavours. Key Tips Auckland has the largest international airport in New Zealand. Two domestic terminals allow frequent and accessible flights throughout the country. Auckland is on four touring routes – Twin Coast Discovery, Pacific Coast Highway, Thermal Explorer and the Great New Zealand Touring Route. The Auckland region includes four cities - Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere; and three districts - Franklin, Rodney and Papakura. There are 12 i-SITE Visitor Information Centres around the region. They provide impartial and comprehensive information, as well as reservation services.

AUCKLAND   Population: 1,300,000 Area: 5,024km2