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	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 17^th 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.