Auckland & Districts

Feast your senses on a dazzling array of activities, eateries and stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan and culturally diverse ‘City of Sails’.

It’s the gateway to New Zealand for many, but don’t consider it just a transit point – take some time to acquaint yourself with this beguiling city. Fast-paced by New Zealand standards, the nation’s biggest centre covers 500 square kilometres, making it larger, geographically speaking, than London, and similar in size to Los Angeles. But, centred on an isthmus between two harbours, draped over 48 volcanic cones and bordered by rainforest in the west, this city is quite unlike any other. Combined with Auckland’s multi-cultural exuberance, the result is a colourful and modern Pacific city.

DO IT. Brave a base-jump by wire from the Auckland Sky Tower, catch the ferry across the harbour to Devonport, see precious Maori artefacts at Auckland Museum, sail on the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, go wine-tasting on Waiheke Island, sample Pacific culture at the colourful Pasifika festival in March.

Destinations

Auckland City Vibrant city bordered by two harbours.
North Shore Bustling urban area bordered by beautiful Pohutukawa-fringed beaches.
Waitakere Dramatic black-sand beaches and forest-clad hills.
Manukau & Greater South Culturally diverse urban centre with a long coast and fertile farmlands.
Hauraki Gulf Islands A fantastic mix of experiences just a boat ride away.
Great Barrier Island Wild and remote island at the edge of the Hauraki Gulf.
Warkworth & Matakana Wineries and white-sand beaches.

Getting there and around

Air Auckland International Airport has direct international flights from more than 31 cities and domestic flights to most New Zealand centres.
Road Auckland is situated on SH 1 and has a comprehensive motorway system. Coach companies provide regular services. Local buses are frequent. The central bus depot is at Britomart Transport Centre in Queen Street.
Rail Tranz Rail offers daily services to Wellington. There is a metropolitan rail service with its hub at Britomart.
Ferry Services to Devonport and Hauraki Gulf Islands depart from the waterfront.

Insider's tip

Drive, walk or cycle along Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay for spectacular harbour views that won’t cost you a cent.

A coveted city

Desired for its fertile land and harbours rich with seafood, and fought over by numerous Maori tribes, Auckland earned the name Tamaki-Makau-Rau or ‘the maiden with a thousand lovers’. Today, it’s New Zealand’s most populous city and ranks highly in quality of life surveys for its mix of urban culture and outdoor lifestyle.