Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.
Browse our collection of images to see what the region has to offer:
From urban fun to island sun
Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers, from doing-it-on-the-cheap backpackers to cost-is-no-issue super yacht owners.
Key Features
City at the edge of the ocean Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Half urban and half marine, it’s a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that’s dotted with more than 50 islands.
Thirty minutes to anywhere
In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere - sailing to an island, trekking through a rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach.
Multicultural flavour
A diverse range of cultures adds flavour and interest to the city’s style of life. As a result, Auckland has perfected a style of cuisine called ‘Pacific Rim’, which blends Asian and Pacific flavours.
Key Tips
Auckland has the largest international airport in New Zealand. Two domestic terminals allow frequent and accessible flights throughout the country.
Auckland is on four touring routes - Twin Coast Discovery, Pacific Coast Highway, Thermal Explorer and the Great New Zealand Touring Route.
The Auckland region includes four cities - Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere; and three districts - Franklin, Rodney and Papakura.
There are 12 i-SITE Visitor Information Centres around the region. They provide impartial and comprehensive information, as well as reservation services.
MEMORY: Submitted by mark esteves from New Zealand
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My stay was totally a blast that I hated to see my bags already packed to leave New Zealand.
"
Auckland is called the 'City of Sails'. Aucklanders love to get out on the harbour.
Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
Auckland's winter is mild – the average daily temperature is 12°C. Calm, sunny days are perfect for exploring in the rainforest, walking the west coast beaches or hiking to the summit of Rangitoto.
Indoor entertainments are many - Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Sky Tower and Auckland Museum can be enjoyed whatever the weather. A packed theatre, music and dance programme keeps the central city lively at night.
