Auckland
Travel Guide > Oceania > New Zealand > North Island > Auckland
Introduction
Auckland is one of the world's most liveable cities, and Kiwi's know it. Auckland is home to over a quarter of the country's population, which is around 1.3 million people, and all indications are that it will continue to grow rapidly. Auckland is also has the largest polynesian population of any city in the world! Originally settled by Maori's in the 1350s, because of fertile soil, many Maori's had left the area by the time Europeans had shown up because of fire arms had made coastal Maori towns to vulnerable to raids. Auckland was settled in February of 1840 and the Governor of New Zealand and it the countries first capital. The capital was moved to Wellington in 1865 because at that time the South Island was being settled quicker. Even after losing the capital status Auckland continued to grow.
Known as the "City of Sails", Auckland is strung narrowly along an isthmus between two harbours at the north of New Zealand, with the Pacific Ocean to its east and the Tasman Sea out west. Auckland has many wonderful sights and museums. Making this city a wonderful place to spend a few days. There is also a very nice night life which can get pretty rowdy. Just remember not to judge a bar by its name, because something that might sound like a dive might be a very class place.
Neighbourhoods
Auckland can be divided into four neighbourhoods:
- Auckland City
- Manukau
- Waitakere
- North Shore
Sights and Activities
Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is located downtown. This large observation and telecommunications tower is over 328 m (1,076 ft) tall making it the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and offers great views of the city. For the more adventurous traveller there is even an option to Sky Jump off the tower at speeds up to 85 km/h. A Sky Jump is a cross between a bungy jump and a base jump. Also the Sky City Casino and Event Centre, a large casino and event centre, is located in the Sky Tower complex for a different kind of adventurous traveller. This casino was refurbished in 2006 and has over 1,600 gaming machines. There are also over 100 tables for games like blackjack and roulette.
Other Down Town Sights and Activities
- Aotea Square - Is large paved public square and is considered the city centre. It is littered with several shops and has a weekly arts and crafts market on Fridays and Sundays making it a great place for shopping. Queen Street runs along its eastern edge.
- Queen Street - Is the main street of Auckland and is undergoing extensive repairs.
- Auckland Civic Theatre - Is a large heritage theatre built in December of 1929 that can seat 2,378 people. It is one of only seven remaining cinemas in the world like it and incorporates many elements from Buddhist and Moorish building styles.
- Auckland Town Hall - Has a concert hall which is believed to have some of the best acoustics in the world. Phone: +64 9 309 2677, Address: 50 Mayoral Drive
- Harbour Bridge - Is the eight lane bridge that connects Saint Marys Bay in Auckland with Northcote in Shore City.
Museums
- Auckland War Memorial Museum - Also known as the Auckland Museum, this museum has an excellent collection on New Zealand history from prehistoric times to the present. Located on a hill over looking the city it also offers excellent views. The War Memorial is located just outside the main entrance to the museum
- MOTAT - Is an museum dedicated to transportation and technology and is located in Western Springs.
- Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World - is a good aquarium located in the easter suburb of Mission Bay.
Sports
- Eden Park Stadium - Is the Auckland's main stadium and is where the All Blacks rugby union play.
- Viaduct Basin - Is the marina were the America's Cup regattas were held in 2000 and 2003
Natural Sights
- Auckland Domain - Is the largest park within the city with great views and a good golf course.
- Mount Eden - Is an volcanic cone with a grassy crater. It is also the highest point in the city offering great views.
- One Tree hill - Although it no longer has its one tree this volcanic cone that dominates the skyline of the south and inner suburbs is a great hike. The tree was lost in a politically motivated attack but an obelisk marks its spot today.
- Mount Victoria - This volcanic cone is located in North Shore City and offers amazing views across the bay back at Auckland.
- Rangitoto island - Protects the entrance to the harbour and is a main feature on the eastern horizon.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Auckland International Airport (AKL) is the main airport for the country and is where most travellers start or end their trip in New Zealand. This large airport has direct flights to most countries in the world and is located in a western suburb about 21 km south of the Auckland city centre. Remember the airport has very strict bio-security with the use of dogs and x-ray machines. To avoid any fines just declare any biological material.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
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This is version 9. Last edited at 23:09 on Jun 3, 08 by Lavafalls (+21). 19 articles link to this page.
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