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Home »Visitor Information »New Zealand Regions »Auckland Regional Information

Auckland, New Zealand - Regional Information

Auckland | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Auckland, New Zealand has two huge harbours enfolding an environment that's alive with cultural excitement and sea-flavoured challenges.

Featured Tourism Operators in Auckland

Auckland Overview

Auckland, New Zealand

Try not to think of Auckland as a city, even though it is New Zealand's largest city. Think of it as half urban, half marine—a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that's dotted with over 50 islands.

Auckland has a population of over 1.2 million, which is approaching one third of New Zealand's entire population.

Auckland City lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west.

Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate bodies of water. The central part of the urban area of Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.

Auckland's amazing geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle that's regularly ranked in the world's top ten. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere: sailing to an island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach. Auckland's layout makes it easy to jump quickly from one theme to another.

Auckland Highlights

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Auckland City, across harbour, Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland City Harbour
New Zealand
Photographer: Scott Venning
(scottv@ihug.co.nz)

For an island escape, choose between Waiheke, Motuihe, Rangitoto, or journey a little further to Tiri Tiri Matangi, Kawau or Great Barrier. Each island has a different character and different things to do. Take your hiking boots or a good book and beach towel; you can be as active, or as inactive, as you like.

To the west, north and south there are beaches and vineyards. The native forests of the Waitakere and Hunua ranges let you discover New Zealand's unique bird and tree species, particularly the giant kauri tree.

Auckland does the urban side of life just as well as it does adventure. America's Cup activity has added an infusion of exciting new restaurants and bars. You'll feast on culinary masterpieces that draw from the cuisine styles of Europe, the Mediterranean, Polynesia, Japan and Thailand. In the stylish precincts of Parnell, Ponsonby and Viaduct Basin, scores of restaurants compete for your attention.

A reputation for great art and fashion makes Auckland a shopper's paradise. Within the city zone you'll find originality and flair everywhere you look. Local theatre and live music gigs are another opportunity to discover the creative side of New Zealand culture.

Main Centres in Auckland

Auckland City - largest urban area in New Zealand
Great Barrier Island - a large island with a small population
Pukekohe - major attractions include motor racing, horse racing and garden fresh vegetables
Rangitoto - volcanic island erupted from the seabed around 600 years ago
Waiheke Island - pleasure-loving island famous for its many vineyards