Travel Eye on Auckland (North Island, New Zealand)

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Overview:

Auckland, the 'City of Sails' is the main gateway city to New Zealand. Built on the remnants of 48 extinct volcanoes, it is home to more than one million people, making it the largest city in New Zealand as well as being the main commercial and financial centre.

With a larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth, it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and every weekend the waters of the Hauraki Gulf come alive with a flotilla of colourful sails. The best way to experience the city is from the water, sailing around the attractive harbour or on a ferry cruise to one of the many stunning islands dotted about the Gulf.

Beyond the bustling downtown area, dominated by the southern hemisphere's tallest building, the Sky Tower, the city sprawls outwards, with low-slung buildings and wooden houses among leafy parks and walking tracks. The suburbs wind their way around picturesque bays and harbours and between volcanic hills that provide panoramic views over the city and mountains, encompassing numerous green urban parklands that are dotted with sheep.

Auckland sits astride a narrow isthmus between two magnificent harbours, the Waitemata and the Manukau, making it a maritime playground that extends to the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf. In fact, Aucklanders claim the most pleasurecraft per capita of any city in the world. It is host to many sailing events, including being the home of the America's Cup, the most prized cup in yacht racing.

Locality:

Auckland is situated on a narrow strip of land, flanked by two magnificent harbours to the east and west. The shallow Manukau Harbour opens out to the Tasman Sea to the west , while the Waitemata Harbour lies at the heart of the city centre and is Auckland's deepwater port.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Auckland is home to many fine galleries and museums. The Auckland Museum is noted for its outstanding masterpieces of Maori art and displays of New Zealand's natural history and birdlife. Downtown, the Auckland City Art Gallery is host to international exhibitions and contains a fine selection of New Zealand and European works. The Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum on the city waterfront depicts New Zealand maritime history. Check with the Visitors Information Centre for the frequent performances of live theatre, shows or concerts coinciding with your visit.

Auckland city has a fascinating assortment of shops from the designer boutiques of Parnell and Newmarket to the casual atmosphere of the city markets and stalls. Restaurants are mostly in Ponsonby, Parnell, the waterfront suburbs such as Mission Bay or St Heliers and the inner city and frequently specialise in the local seafood delicacies.

Don't miss a harbour cruise and perhaps a visit to a nearby island. Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands are popular for their sandy beaches, native bush and idyllic lifestyle. Waiheke is also a flourishing centre for winemakers and artists. Rangitoto Island, formed from a volcano only 600 years ago, is worth a visit for its magnificent views. Also accessible by ferry is the historic suburb of Devonport.

A number of public gardens and reserves surround Auckland city and demonstrate the wide variety of plants of this region. A convenient way to see the highlights of Auckland is by taking a half or full day sightseeing tour. Only a short trip from the city are the west coast beaches including Muriwai and the nearby Gannet Colony and the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, all of which feature short scenic walks.

Auckland is the world's biggest Polynesian city with Maori, Samoan, Cook Island and Tongan people all contributing to the city's vibrant culture. Local markets and churches in particular provide an insight to the local cultures.

Attractions and Activities

Auckland is also home to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, where you can come face to face with real live sharks and penguins. Located on the picturesque waterfront along Tamaki Drive, just minutes away from downtown Auckland, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is the city's premier marine attraction, providing an all weather 'close-up' interactive experience of the Southern Oceans.

A rare mix of aquarium, zoo and museum, visitors are assured of several close encounters with penguins, sharks, giant eels, stingrays and many other species of fish. The Antarctic Encounter takes visitors on a snow cat ride through a colony of King and Gentoo penguins living in a simulated Antarctic environment of snow and ice. There is also a replica of Antarctic explorer Captain Scott's hut on display.

Rising 1080 feet (328 meters) above Auckland city, Sky Tower is one of the tallest structures in the world. Views from each of its four public access areas give an unrivalled 360° view of the city, its suburbs and the land, hills and sea that surround Auckland.

A "City within a City", Auckland's Sky City features two casinos, ten restaurants and bars, free live entertainment, a theatre, a conference center, Sky Tower and a top class hotel. Located in the heart of the city, Sky City is a non-stop center for excitement and entertainment.