Auckland

The 'City of Sails' is one of the world's most exciting waterside cities. By some distance, this is New Zealand's largest and liveliest city and it is a great base for exploring the wider Auckland area. The city is surrounded by water, resting as it does between the two natural harbours of Manukau and Waitemata. The water splits the city up so that it is in fact several smaller 'cities' that link up to make the one urban mass that is Auckland.

First settled in approximately the mid 14th century the fertile land was much fought over by the various Maori tribes of the area. The Europeans first settled the area in 1840 when it was named for Lord Auckland, Viceroy of India. The city began life as the country's capital but this honour was taken away in 1865 when Wellington took over the role. This did not stunt the cities growth and it has consistently been the fastest growing city on the Islands since the turn of the last century.

In recent years, Auckland has been a magnet for immigrants from other Polynesian Islands and The South East Asian mainland. This gives the city a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere you won't experience elsewhere in New Zealand.

Where to Go and What to See

Auckland Museum

Situated in the Domain (a large park in Central Auckland) the main highlights are the displays of Maori artefacts including a 25metre long carved wooden war canoe. The other Museum worth a look is the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. The exhibits cover every aspect of the countries links with the sea from outrigger canoes to the Americas Cup Challenge Yacht KZ1 there are boats of all kinds. The museum also attempts to explain the European and Maori voyages of discovery that brought them to these shores.

The Skytower

For spectacular views over the city and beyond take the lift to the top of this 328-meter tower. The tower, one of the worlds tallest, forms part of Sky City Complex, an area of cafes, bars and restaurants as well as a casino.

Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter

This snappily named aquarium is named for the Kiwi diver who inspired it. The exhibits have been mounted with a huge amount of imagination and include a replica of Scotts hut, a penguin colony and an aquarium you can walk through by means of a tunnel.

Auckland Zoo is also well worth a visit. Aside from the usual displays of African big game, there is the more interesting local fauna on show. These local curiosities include the tuatara, a 2-foot long lizard found only on islands off the main NZ coastline. Another attractions are the Kiwis and other native species of birds.

Parnell Village

This is an area of restored Victorian buildings reinvented as Auckland's trendiest district. There are numerous art and craft shops, galleries and excellent restaurants. Houses of note in the area include the Kinder House and Ewelme Cottage both fine examples of the architecture of the period (1860ish). Also of interest is the Howick Historical Village. This is a restored military settlement from the Victorian period.

One Tree Hill

Auckland is built in an area formerly of high volcanic activity and many of the cones can still be seen. Most famous is One Tree Hill so named for the one tree sitting atop its summit. Originally this Pa (fortified hill settlement) was huge and much of the original earthworks are still visible. The only feature of this 'hill' is an obelisk dedicated to the Maori. Another famous 'cone ' is that of Mount Eden, visitors are drawn here to catch the view across the city, the bays and harbours to the Hauraki Gulf.

Eating, Drinking and Sleeping

The extra dimension that the ethnic mix of Auckland gives is the range of cuisine's on offer. No longer is New Zealand cooking based on a British 'meat and two veg' menu, it is multi cultural. The Kiwi staple as far as drinking goes is still beer and there are many great pubs and bars across the city, many of them with live music. Whilst you are in NZ try some of the local wines. Exquisite. Auckland is a place that comes alive at weekends when many of the most popular places will be absolutely heaving. There are large numbers of different sorts of accommodation from hostels and campsites to large international hotels. Take your pick according to your budget.