The region of Auckland—known as the Gateway to New Zealand—reflects much of what there is to do in the whole country. Situated in the middle on the northwest arm of the North Island, Auckland is bordered on its west by the Tasman Sea, and on its right by the South Pacific Ocean and the Hauraki Gulf. The area is not only intensely scenic, but littered with an array of recreational opportunities. The west coast—offering a profusion of rocks juxtaposed against iron-sand beaches—provides world-famous surfing at Piha Beach with its mighty waves. The east coast is home to New Zealand’s largest city, also named Auckland. Here, the panorama from the waterfront offers a deep-blue ocean canvas dotted with yachts; this is the ‘City of Sails’.