Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, with a population of over 1 million in the greater urban area. It is located in the northern half of the North Island, on a narrow isthmus of land that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of the North Island. It is composed of four separate cities, Manukau city in the south, Waitakere city in the west, North Shore city in the north and Auckland city itself, on and around the isthmus. The wider local government area which includes rural areas, small towns and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf is Auckland Region.
Districts
Auckland City - Central Auckland - covered by this article
Manukau - South and outer East Auckland
Waitakere - West Auckland
North Shore - Auckland north of the Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Understand
Auckland is often known as the "City of Sails" for the large number of yachts that grace the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. It could also be known as the "City of Volcanoes". Much of its natural character comes from the fact that it is built on the Auckland Volcanic Field which consists of about 48 volcanoes. All of the volcanoes are individually extinct but the volcanic field as a whole is not.
Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia. For some Polynesian island nations, there are more expatriates living in Auckland than in their homeland. Auckland's rich Pacific cultural mix is celebrated at festivals and sporting matches.
Auckland rates well in quality-of-life polls consistently rating in the top 5 of the major polls
See
Auckland War Memorial Museum, . 10am-5pm. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is just a war museum. This is a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand. It stands in an imposing position in the Auckland Domain, a large park on an extinct volcano. Suggested donation $5 adult.
New Zealand National Maritime Museum, .
Sky Tower, . At 328 meters, this is the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering view of up to 80 kilometers.
Auckland Art Gallery, . The largest collection of national and international art in New Zealand. It is split across two buildings (main gallery and new gallery)
Auckland Zoo, Motions Rd, Western Springs, 64 9 360 3800,. Sep-May 9.30am-5.30pm (last admissions at 4.15pm), Jun-Aug 9.30am-5pm, closed 25 Dec. Has 150 animal species, 500 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah). Adults $16, children 4-15 $8, seniors and students with ID $12, family rates available.
The StarDome Observatory, . Located on the slopes of One Tree Hill. The park also contains Maori archaeological sites, a kid's playgrounds and a working farm.
Kelly Tarlton's, . Located on Auckland’s scenic Tamaki Drive and the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It's an aquarium which includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish and sharks swim all around you, and tanks of rays with feeding-time talks. Bus routes 740-769
Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, . Located in Manurewa (South Auckland) has over 10,000 different plant types spread over 65 hectares with both natives and exotics
MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology),. Situated near the Zoo in Western Springs. $14 Adults, $7 Child & Senior citizens. Children under 5 FREE. It's an interactive museum with over 300,000 items. Look out for the WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Solent Flying Boat in the Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection
The Lion Beer Experience,. Not a traditional brewery tour but rather an educational beer experience
Otara Flea Market. Every Sat, open from 6am - 12 noon at the Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St. Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara is densely populated by polynesian people and this market reflects the culture of the area. Well worth a wander around. For other markets see local city council websites.
Do
The Waitakere Ranges are Auckland’s best kept secret. With stunning waterfalls breath taking views and rugged but beautiful beaches. This is a slice of paradise not to be missed.
Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Do the Sky Jump, a cable controlled base jump from a height of 192m on Sky Tower.
Visit Ponsonby , Auckland's cafe mile.
Wine tasting on Waiheke Island. Waiheke is home to some fantastic wines and has some of the best beaches in the area. Can get crowded during the weekends, but very quiet during the week, it seems a world away from Auckland, and is only 35 minutes away via Ferry.
Greater Auckland wine route here:
Rainbow's End , is NZ’s premier family-based theme park with many rides and attractions. Bus routes 471-472, 474, 487, 497
Take a ferry from downtown to Rangitoto and climb to its summit. Fantastic views of the Waitemata harbour and Auckland city.
Hire skates in Okahu Bay and take a scenic skate along Tamaki Drive
Drive or walk up one of Auckland's many volcanic cones such as One Tree Hill or Mount Eden to experience panoramic views of the city, and to see sheep and cows in a major metropolitan area!
Potiki Adventures Spend a day exploring the beauty of contemporary Maori culture in Auckland's city centre and urban bush sites.
Visit the funky little city village Kingsland (New North Road) and have a coffee or visit the cool individual shops like Mixt, a retro furniture store or Native Agent, clothes and art with a sophisticated kiwi twist.
Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret Spectacular dining experience! Located at 461 Karangahape Road (K Road) Price is NZD$50 this is inclusive of a bread starter, soup, your choice of 6 delicious a la carte mains which includes a vegetarian option. Award winning floorshow and dancing till late with a resident DJ. Doors open at 7pm.
Spookers Auckland's only "haunted" attraction. Spookers is located in the former nurses hostel in the Kingseat Hospital grounds, Karaka (former psychiatric hospital). Most activities are restricted to persons 16 years and over. Walk around Spookers haunted house or walk through the Freaky Forest, a real live forest with ghouls. There is also CornEvil Haunted Horror Corn Maze. If you're going to do all three then allow at least 2 hours. Awesome props and costumes. You will not be disappointed.
