AUCKLAND - North Island, New Zealand

Both a region and a thriving city, Auckland stretches north to south from the base of the Whangaparoa Peninsular in the north, to the Bombay Hills in the south. Known as the City of Sails, Auckland City is New Zealand's largest city.

The city sits on an isthmus, framed by two stunning harbours; the Manukau and the Waitemata and is dotted with more than 50 extinct volcanoes. The Manukau Harbour opens out into the Tasman Sea and is famous for its string of black sand beaches and pounding surf.

To the east lie the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour, the gateway to the island-studded boating paradise of the Hauraki Gulf. The city is made up of smaller cites - Auckland City, North Shore, Waitakere City in the west and Manukau City in the south.

While it is the main gateway to NZ, it is also a destination in its own right; islands can be explored by ferry or boat, visitors can discover beautiful beaches on the east and west coasts, take bush walks in the Waitakere Ranges, follow wine trails, take on some adventure activities, or enjoy the vibrancy and pulse of a modern city environment by the sea.

Auckland City

Auckland is New Zealand's largest population centre (with approx 1.3 million people) and has a diverse cultural identity ranging from Polynesia and Asia to the United Kingdom and Europe. With its unique two harbours, coastal setting, outer islands, temperate climate and an edgy city environment, Auckland has a lifestyle ranked among the top in the world.

The city centre is alive and kicking with art galleries, leading edge fashion, a vibrant cafe culture, world class restaurants and an upbeat university. The city centre is also home to the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere, which offers a 360 degree view of the greater Auckland area. Auckland is a conglomeration of four cities and has a different flavour depending on which way you travel.

Northwards, across the Harbour Bridge or by a short ferry ride to Devonport, the North Shore of Auckland offers white sand coastal beaches with stunning views. These sleepy seaside suburbs have a charm and character of their own with cafes, historical architecture, water sports, shopping and coastal walks along the beaches and rocks.

To the west is Waitakere City - a premiere eco-tourist destination with black sand beaches, local vineyards, native bush and rain forests with many fine walks.

South Auckland, home to the International Airport, is called Manukau City. Over 165 ethnic groups live here, with the largest Maori and Pacific Island communities in New Zealand. The best way to take in the multi cultural flavour of South Auckland is to visit the colourful and noisy Otara Markets on Saturday mornings.

The Waitemata Harbour on the eastern shores on Auckland and its outer waters is known as the Hauraki Gulf and is home to many beautiful islands well worth a visit, and they are easily accessible by ferry. Waiheke, Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau and Great Barrier are local favourites

Auckland City - More Information

Waiheke Island

About 40 minutes by Fullers Ferry from Auckland, Waiheke is the second-largest island of the Hauraki Gulf islands, the most populated and the most accessible by regular ferry and air services.

The island is home to pristine beaches, award winning vineyards, and sensational coastal walks and beaches. A mix of the old and the new, where architecturally designed mansions, recycled eco homes and old holiday cottages rub shoulders companionably (the same goes for dress).

There are a variety of options to allow you to experience the very best of this beautiful island from a scenic coach tour to take in the best sights on the island, or try the 'Taste of Waiheke' tour and enjoy a day of wine, beer and olive tasting.

It is easy to get around the island by bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can rent a car or scooter. You will find a good choice of accommodation, from five star retreats to backpacker hostels. It is also possible to rent a beach house. Favourite activities on the island include swimming, golf, horse riding and sea kayaking.

Waiheke Island - More Information

Great Barrier Island

In the outer Hauraki Gulf on the greater Auckland region is Great Barrier Island, the gulf's most remote island 90km (56 miles) northeast of Auckland. This is truly another country, with 700 or so permanent residents residing without mains power and electricity supplied by private generators.

The beaches are stunning and untouched and much of the native forest unspoiled and home to several species of flora and fauna native to the island itself. The island is a favourite destination for surfing, fishing, diving, day walks and camping.

You can get to the island via ferries or charter plane flights. It is definitely worth staying at the Great Barrier Island long enough to linger and take in the uniqueness of this remote island paradise.

Great Barrier Island - More Information

Auckland Transportation

As New Zealand's major gateway city, Auckland receives the bulk of international arrivals. Auckland International Airport is located 20km south of the city centre in the suburb of Mangere. The international terminal is connected to the domestic terminal by a shuttle bus or a 10 minute walk.

A taxi into the city will set you back around $70 but there is also the Airbus (every 20 min 6am-10pm, $15 one way, $22 return) which follows a fixed route into the city (roughly 1 hour). Or there are door to door minibuses going to various parts of town.

Auckland public transportation is not what you would expect in a city trying to attract international tourists. Auckland's wide geographical spread and low population density are a challenge to any developments or improvements. You will find though, that you can get to most places in the city by foot, by local bus or with one of the city's tour buses that shuttle between the major sights.

Taxis are plentiful but are best contacted by phone as they do not cruise the streets. Out on the harbour, ferries connect the city to the numerous islands on the Waitemata Harbour (such as Waiheke and Great Barrier) or to Devonport on the North Shore. Few visitors will find much use of the suburban train service which starts from the Britomart Transport Centre in the city centre. Parking is not usually a major problem.

Auckland Accommodation

Auckland Activities