Auckland Tourism Operators: Accommodation | Attractions | Tours | Transport
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland has two huge harbours enfolding an environment that's alive with cultural excitement and sea-flavoured challenges. Expect all the assets of a modern city, but be surprised by the scope for adventure.
The Auckland region has something for everyone—great beaches, a beautiful harbour, fantastic shopping, and the nightlife and culture of a metropolitan city.
Location
Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus, bounded by two harbours - the Waitemata and the Manukau - at the southern end of the Auckland Peninsula.
General Facts
As of June 2005, Auckland City's estimated population was 425,400. Auckland's regional estimated population was 1,337,000.
Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand, New Zealand's largest urban area, and the centre of commerce and industry.
Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate bodies of water. The central part of the urban area of Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.
Right on Auckland's doorstep is the magnificent Hauraki Gulf stretching in a great 250 kilometre sweep of coastline north and south of the city.
Auckland is known as the City of Sails. It is the current home of the America's Cup, yachting's greatest trophy.
Main Attractions and Activities
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)
Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. The cosmopolitan urban centre is complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown.
With its many islands, harbours and beaches Auckland is a water paradise. There is a huge range of activities to do, not only in the water but also in and around Auckland.
A diversity of landscape provides an inviting playground for the adventure seeker. Some of the world's finest and freshest cuisine, including an array of seafood delicacies and award-winning wines, are found in the city and environs.
A multi-cultured city, Auckland offers all the amenities and attractions associated with a sophisticated cosmopolitan city, including galleries, museums, theatre and concerts. All of these have the distinctive blend of Polynesian and European themes.
Don't Miss
- A harbour cruise and visit to an island in the Hauraki Gulf
- Shopping: Parnell Village and Newmarket, DFS Galleria
- Devonport Village and The Atrium on Elliott St (downtown)
- The Domain and Auckland Museum
- National Maritime Museum
- Vineyard tour - West Auckland or Waiheke Island
- Auckland Zoo
- Auckland City art galleries
- Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
- Regional Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
- Rose gardens, Parnell
- Sky City Casino and Sky Tower
- One Tree Hill
- Rainbow's End adventure park
- Hiking in the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges
- Victoria Park Market
Main Centres
- Auckland City - largest urban area in New Zealand
- Great Barrier Island - a large island with a small population
- Pukekohe - major attractions include motor racing, horse racing and garden fresh vegetables
- Rangitoto - volcanic island erupted from the seabed around 600 years ago
- Waiheke Island - pleasure-loving island famous for its many vineyards
