Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.
Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand and embraces four cities and three districts in one vast urban sprawl. The cities are Auckland, North Shore, Manukau and Waitakere and the districts are Rodney, Papakura and Franklin.
The best way to view Auckland city is from the Waitemata Harbour. Regular passenger ferries glide across the sparkling waters to Devonport and the Hauraki Gulf islands of Motutapu, Motuihe, Waiheke and Rangitoto. (Rangitoto’s symmetrical volcano is an Auckland icon.) Looking back at the changing skyline of the CBD you will see the dominant spire of the Sky Tower dwarfing high-rise buildings (it’s the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere). The distinctive ‘coat hanger’ shape of the Harbour Bridge rises solidly in the upper harbour. The Waitemata often presents a brilliant kaleidoscope of movement and form. Brightly-coloured spinnakers billow out from straining stays as hundreds of racing yachts sail on the edge of a stiff breeze and sleek power boats zap out to picturesque island beaches.
Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers, from doing-it-on-the-cheap backpackers to cost-is-no-issue super yacht owners.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people. It is not, however, the capital, although it was at one time, until the capital moved to Wellington. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling and multicultural city in New Zealand. Auckland is the biggest Polynesian city in the world, and this cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life.
Auckland is dotted with volcanic hills, many of which were once the site of Maori pas, or fortified villages, and which currently afford great views of the city. Auckland lies between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, and its geography is such that glistening waters seem to beckon from every point. It is a water lover's paradise, with some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and watersports in the country. And we talk about sailing...Auckland is well named as the ‘City of Sails’ because of its association with round-the-world yacht races and the America’s Cup.
In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.
Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand and embraces four cities and three districts in one vast urban sprawl. The cities are Auckland, North Shore, Manukau and Waitakere and the districts are Rodney, Papakura and Franklin.
The best way to view Auckland city is from the Waitemata Harbour. Regular passenger ferries glide across the sparkling waters to Devonport and the Hauraki Gulf islands of Motutapu, Motuihe, Waiheke and Rangitoto. (Rangitoto’s symmetrical volcano is an Auckland icon.) Looking back at the changing skyline of the CBD you will see the dominant spire of the Sky Tower dwarfing high-rise buildings (it’s the highest structure in the Southern Hemisphere). The distinctive ‘coat hanger’ shape of the Harbour Bridge rises solidly in the upper harbour. The Waitemata often presents a brilliant kaleidoscope of movement and form. Brightly-coloured spinnakers billow out from straining stays as hundreds of racing yachts sail on the edge of a stiff breeze and sleek power boats zap out to picturesque island beaches.
Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers, from doing-it-on-the-cheap backpackers to cost-is-no-issue super yacht owners.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people. It is not, however, the capital, although it was at one time, until the capital moved to Wellington. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling and multicultural city in New Zealand. Auckland is the biggest Polynesian city in the world, and this cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life.
Auckland is dotted with volcanic hills, many of which were once the site of Maori pas, or fortified villages, and which currently afford great views of the city. Auckland lies between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, and its geography is such that glistening waters seem to beckon from every point. It is a water lover's paradise, with some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and watersports in the country. And we talk about sailing...Auckland is well named as the ‘City of Sails’ because of its association with round-the-world yacht races and the America’s Cup.
Information about Auckland, New Zealand. © 2010/2011. All Rights Reserved.
Information about Auckland - New Zealand
Auckland - New Zealand
Visit Auckland - City of Sails!
Seeking a quality holiday?
Qualmark® is New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality. All accommodation, transport, activities and attractions that display Qualmark® have been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy. Look for Qualmark® to help you plan your New Zealand holiday. NZBR Tours is Qualmark assured.
Qualmark® is New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality. All accommodation, transport, activities and attractions that display Qualmark® have been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy. Look for Qualmark® to help you plan your New Zealand holiday. NZBR Tours is Qualmark assured.
