| |
 |
| |
Auckland
Bridge and City Panorama
|
Inactive
volcanic cones jut out of the landscape and overlook an expansive, ultramarine
panorama of water with pinpoints of light dancing on its surface. Juxtaposed
against this natural backdrop is Auckland with its sky-scraping buildings
and white sails that dot the surrounding blue. This vista, coupled with
a diversity of people, makes Auckland a city that is vibrantly alive.
Situated
on the upper arm of the North
Island and bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland
is an important shipping port and tourism mecca. The city’s affection
with the ocean is reflected in the popularity of yachting, which has given
Auckland the name, The City of Sails. Auckland’s popularity with
yachties has further increased over the years with the hosting of the
America’s Cup in 2000 and 2003.
Tamaki
Makaurau, the Maori name for Auckland, literally means ‘Tamaki
desired by many’—a name that still rings true today with the city attracting
30 percent of New Zealand’s total population. Of the 1.2 million inhabitants,
200,000 have emigrated from surrounding Pacific Islands to give the city
the largest Polynesian population in the world.
New
Zealand’s fastest growing city, Auckland is also the country’s largest
industrial centre providing almost a third of the country’s revenue. This
is in part due to its ideal location for importing and exporting goods.
But the city’s cosmopolitan feel, its scenic beauty and its many attractions
also account for a booming tourist trade. With much of what New
Zealand has to offer found in and around Auckland, the city serves
as an ideal ambassador for its country.
ORIENTATION
 |
|
Downtown
Auckland
|
|
Auckland
is situated midway up the north arm of New Zealand’s North Island, just
below the region of Northland.
It is surrounded by water—on its east by the Hauraki Gulf that leads to
the South Pacific Ocean, and on its west by the Tasman Sea.
Auckland
has enveloped four cities under its sprawl: North Shore City, north of
the city centre and near Takapuna; Manukau City, south of the city centre
and near the airport; and Waitakere City, west ofthe city centre. The
city is also comprised of three main districts: Papakura and Franklin
are found south of Manukau City, and Rodney borders the Kaipara Harbour.
Queen
Street is Auckland’s main street, popular with tourists
and locals with hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafes. With two main
harbours, Waitmata and Manukau, Auckland comes to life at its waterfront
with many shops,
restaurants
and cafes. The harbour is busy with yachts and many yacht
tours depart hourly from its docks.
Auckland’s
landscape hosts a profusion of 48 inactive volcanic cones, the most significant
being
Mt Albert, Mt
Roskill, Mt
Wellington and Mt
Eden. Along with providing dynamic scenery, the mountains provide
many leisure activities and panoramic viewpoints.
HISTORY
Auckland’s
unique landscape of sea and volcanoes has made it a desirable settlement
for centuries. The first Maori arrived over 800 years ago and thrived
on the fertile soils and abundant waters. Many different tribes pursued
the land, battles ensued, inter tribal marriage occurred, and by the 17th
Century, the Ngati Whatua became the tangata whenua (‘the people of the
land’). To retain control, fortified villages (‘pa’) were built on the
side of volcanic hills, which prepared the Ngati Whatua for imposing threats.
A prominent pa still stands today at Maungakiekie
(‘One Tree Hill’).
The
first European’s (from England) began to settle in the region in the early
1830s. Records indicate that during this time, the land was largely uninhabited.
The first European village was established in 1833 at present day Warkworth.
In
1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in Russell, the county’s then
administrative centre in the Northland region. This was seen as New Zealand’s
founding document, distinguishing land rights between the Europeans and
the Maori. That same year, the country’s administrative centre moved from
Russell to present day Auckland when land was purchased from Ngati Whatua
for six British pounds. September 16, 1840, marked Auckland as New Zealand’s
capital, named after naval commander, Lord Auckland. Auckland held the
title as capital for 25 years until the honour was passed to more centrally-located
Wellington.
The
Waitangi Treaty, which was to bring peace and fair treatment, was not
entirely successful. Early Europeans often disregarded the treaty completely,
resulting in many clashes with the Maori over land disputes. Today, Auckland
is still desired by many, and with the recent revisitation of the Treaty,
Maori culture and traditions have been celebrated more than any other
time in New Zealand’s history. While some growing pains are evident, Auckland
is largely a reflection of a true cultural mosaic of Maori, Polynesian
and European people creating a dynamic, cosmopolitan city.
| |
| Month
|
Average
daily temperature |
Average Rainfall |
| Max
|
Min
|
| Jan
|
15.8°C
60.4 °F) |
23.3°C
( 73.9°F) |
74.3mm |
| Feb
|
15.9°C
(60.6 °F) |
23.6°C
(74.5 °F) |
81.2mm |
| Mar
|
14.9°C
(58.8 °F) |
22.5°C
(72.5 °F) |
86.4mm |
| Apr
|
12.5°C
(54.5 °F) |
19.8°C
(67.6 °F) |
92.9mm |
| May
|
9.9°C
(49.8 °F) |
17.0°C
(62.6 °F) |
100.4mm |
| Jun
|
7.9°C
(46.2 °F) |
14.8°C
(58.6 °F) |
116.3mm |
| Jul
|
6.9°C
(44.4 °F) |
14.0°C
(57.2 °F) |
125.6mm |
| Aug
|
7.9°C
(46.2 °F) |
14.8°C
( 58.6°F) |
111.4mm |
| Sep
|
9.4°C
(48.9°F) |
16.0°C
(60.8 °F) |
92.9mm |
| Oct
|
10.9°C
(51.6 °F) |
17.6°C
(63.7 °F) |
80.2mm |
| Nov
|
12.6°C
(54.7 °F) |
19.6°C
(67.3 °F) |
83.6mm |
| Dec
|
14.3°C
(57.7 °F) |
21.6°C
(70.9 °F) |
91.4mm |
|
| |
Climate
data from the Meteorological
Service of NZ |
CLIMATE
Auckland
is in a sub-tropical region making the climate temperate and mild. With
over 2000 hours of sunshine per year and only around 130 days of rain,
travel to Auckland is pleasant year round. While on the coast, Auckland
is surprisingly sheltered from prevailing winds with an average mean wind
speed of approximately 17km/h (11mph) and gust days (winds over 93km/h
(58mph)) limited to less than five per year.
TRANSPORTATION
The
Auckland
International Airport boasts the busiest airport in the country,
funnelling millions of visitors through its doors daily. Known as “The
Gateway to New Zealand,” Auckland’s airport serves direct flights from
20 countries as well as many domestic flights.
One
of New Zealand’s main motorcoach companies is InterCity,
which serves many routes to and from Auckland. The Northliner
Express serves direct routes to and from Northland covering routes
not serviced by InterCity. There are also many smaller motorcoach
companies and backpacker buses that take visitors to and from Auckland.
For
inner-city travel, The
Link travels in a loop to popular areas such as the university,
Parnell, New-market, the casino and Queen Street. A free bus, created
during the first hosting of the America’s Cup, funnels visitors to the
America’s Cup Village, Queen Street and other popular tourist spots.
 |
|
The Auckland
Waterfront
|
|
Taxis
are spotted cruising the streets from time to time, but in most cases,
calling in advance to book is essential. The Tranz
Metro is a train service that travels through Auckland and calls
at Waitakere and Papakura.
On the coast, Fullers
Auckland provides an essential ferry service to many other towns
and cities on the coast, such as Devonport
and Waiheke
Island.
Car
and motorcycle
rentals are widely available in Auckland with more operators than any other
centre in New Zealand. All national companies are found at the airport
and throughout the city. Scooter rentals have increased in popularity
in recent years and provide an easy way to see the sights. Bicycles
are also a popular option for seeing Auckland and several companies offer
rentals.
For
something different, visitors can get a lift in a tuk tuk. Traditionally
motorised rickshaws, tuk tuks at The
Tuk Tuk Company have been modernised for comfort and are complete
with sub-woofer speakers for cruising in style. Found in central areas,
tuk tuks can be flagged down to hop into and go. Advanced bookings are
also available.
FEATURED
ATTRACTIONS
Natural
Attractions
| |
 |
| |
Taking
Time to Smell the Roses
|
With such a unique
landscape, Auckland is home to many natural attractions that tourists
can visit, such as volcanic cones that offer walking trails and great
views of the city and the ocean. Remnants of Maori forts may also be found.
In contrast, there are several formal gardens that have cultivated native
and introduced plants to form controlled natural spaces. Auckland
Domain is a prime example of a traditional English garden. More
contemporary is the Auckland
Regional Botanic Gardens, which sprawls for 65 hectares (160 acres).
Situated
on the coast, there are many beaches that surround Auckland. Piha
Beach is worth the 40-kilometre (25-mile) drive to the east coast
to see its black iron-sand beaches juxtaposed with jagged rocks. The massive
waves that occur here have made Piha a top stop for serious surfers.
The
Auckland
Zoo features scores of animal ambassadors that reflect New Zealand’s
native and international species, from kiwi birds and bluebird sea lions
to tigers and elephants.
Maritime
Attractions
As
the City of Sails, Auckland naturally has many maritime attractions. A
yacht regatta, held every September 16 since 1840, celebrates Auckland’s
anniversary. The city’s long love affair with yachting has lead to two
wins of the Louis Vuitton Cup, which meant hosting the America’s
Cup in 2000 and 2003.
 |
|
Yachting
is a Popular Activity in Auckland
|
|
The
year 2000 saw the creation of yet another yacht race in Auckland: the
New
Zealand Millennium Cup. Held in conjunction with the America’s
Cup, the Millennium Cup was deemed the world’s largest yacht regatta attracting
55 sailing and motor yachts. Not yet a regular race, the regatta occurs
once again in February 2003 to coincide with the 2002/2003 America’s Cup.
To
serve the influx of marine traffic, Auckland turned a derelict part of
the waterfront into America’s
Cup Village in 2000. Now a bustling berthing dock, this modern
marina is equipped to serve 55 yachts. To further attract tourists, the
Village features an abundance of hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.
Next
to America’s Cup Village, Auckland’s main harbour is teeming with activity
featuring many maritime attractions, restaurants and shops. Many boat
tours depart from the waterfront and offer tourists the opportunity
to take part in the city’s maritime character, from tall ships to dolphin
explorers. Yacht
charters are also a popular way to cruise the waters, catering
to passengers’ sea faring whims.
Museums
With
such a long history, it is no surprise that Auckland has many museums
and galleries. In operation since 1852, Te
Papa Whakahiku (Auckland Museum) is a must-see attraction with
a colossal collection that provides comprehensive insight into the city’s
identity. The Maritime
Museum, with a collection that ranges from heritage vessels to
art treasures, is a great place to begin an exploration of Auckland’s
relationship with the sea. Investigating Auckland’s technological development,
the Museum
for Transport & Technology
(MOTAT) is a popular facility that transcends the usual museum image
by offering exciting displays, informative exhibits and interactive facilities.
On a cultural vein, Toi o Tamaki (Auckland Art Gallery) is New
Zealand’s largest art museum. This modern facility features national and
international art, from the historically significant to post-modern, in
permanent and visiting exhibits.
| |
 |
| |
Photo Courtesy
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic
Encounter
|
Specialty
Attractions
Auckland
is also home to a variety of attractions that defy categorization but
in many ways define the city’s diversity and reflect the country’s identity.
Kelly
Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
probes the country’s relationship with the Antarctic by recreating
the polar cap complete with penguins.
In
the same exploration vein, visitors can see beyond the naked eye view
of the night sky at the Stardome
Observatory with a telescope and planetarium. Situated on the
top of Maungakiekie (Oak Tree Hill), the views of Auckland are also stellar.
Waiwera
Thermal Resort, just north of Auckland proper, proves that
wonder can also be found here on earth featuring a wonderland of natural
hot pools, waterfalls and waterslides.
Children
of all ages bask in wonder at Rainbow’s
End, New Zealand’s largest theme park with many rides and attractions
from a rollercoaster to mini golf. Auckland
Sky Tower is not only the Southern Hemisphere’s largest structure,
but also a giant entertainment facility. Restaurants, bars, casinos, cinemas,
a theatre and a hotel are all found within its confines. The tower itself,
looming 328 metres (1076 feet) above the city, affords great 360-degree
views of the city as well as an adrenalin drop from the top called Skyjump.
 |
| People
on the Auckland Bridge Climb |
|
Adrenalin junkies
can also get their fix through a number of adventure activities available
in Auckland, such as Auckland
Bridge Climb. While the tour is suited for all fitness
levels, it may not be suited to all comfort levels, as it requires climbing
the Auckland Bridge to reach 65 metres (200 feet) above the ocean. For
even more thrills, climbers can also bungy
from the top.
Visitors
seeking tannins over adrenalin will appreciate the many vineyards that
offer wine
tours. Many tour companies offer trips that include wine tasting
at top wine producers. Lion
Brewery, New Zealand’s largest brewery, has its headquarters in
Auckland where visitors are welcome for an interactive tour and tastings.
Shopping
and Restaurants
Auckland
has many districts that reflect a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an array
of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. The waterfront and Queen Street
are bustling areas within the central district, while Parnell
Village is on the city’s outskirts. Like many large cities, Auckland
has its markets. Victoria
Park Market is popular with merchandise that it boasts is unlike
that of any other market. Otara
Market is significant as it is the largest Polynesian market in
the world.
