The largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, Auckland, is an amazing hotspot of landscape, sea, cosmopolitan charm and culture. On a narrow isthmus of land that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of the North Island, it is one of the world's most livable cities. It comprises four separate cities, Manukau in the south, Waitakere in the west, North Shore in the north and Auckland City itself, on and around the isthmus.

Auckland's Record Breaking

• Auckland has the highest freestanding tower in the Southern Hemisphere, the SkyTower.
• Auckland is also one of the biggest cities in the world in area, over twice the size of London.
• Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia. For some Polynesian island nations, there are more expatriates living in Auckland than in their homeland.

Local Knowledge

If you have time to kill at the airport, there is miniature golf, about 1km (15 minutes) walk from the terminal, complete with a hole on a pirate ship, which beats hanging around in the terminal for hours.

Getting Around

It is often easier and cheaper to hire a car instead of using taxis and public transport, simply because the city is so large and spread out. However, to get around using public transport you can use the MAXX web site, which also has a text messaging service to find out the time of the next bus, ferry or train or to find the quickest way to get to your destination using public transport. The Auckland Discovery Pass provides travel on all forms of public transportation in Auckland EXCEPT the Fullers ferries and the Airbus that runs from the CBD to the airport.

Regional Attractions Accessible From Auckland

• The Islands offshore include Great barrier Island, Tiri Tiri Matangi Island, Kawau Island, Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island
• The wine regions are beyond Auckland’s North Shore
• Bay of Islands
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• The Coromandel

Best Views

The two best views of the city can be had from Mount Eden and One Tree Hill. Both are volcanic cones that were once the site of Maori "pas" or fortified villages (evidence of the "pas" can still be seen at both places).

Mount Eden is a 200 metre high volcanic structure that is the highest point in Auckland, and which easily affords the best view of the city. From its summit you can get a full, panoramic, 360 degree view of the city's bays, islands, hills and cityscape. It is also right next to Eden Gardens, a very attractive park with some nice rose and flower gardens planted in the rich volcanic earth.

One Tree Hill is so named after a lonely pine tree that grows on the summit. The tree is the burial site of one of Auckland's 'founding' fathers, Sir John Campbell, who played an important part in the city's early development.

Best Months

	The warmer months (Nov to Mar) are best for enjoying the outdoors, though it might be advisable to avoid the time around Christmas when NZ kids are on school holiday. June to August is the winter high season and the closest ski fields to Auckland is Whakapapa on Mount Ruapehu which are at least a four hour drive.
	Auckland's near-subtropical climate makes the weather conditions varied & unpredictable. A warm & wet climate brings hot, humid summers & mild, damp winters. High rainfall occurs throughout the year, with a concentration during winter months.

Clothing

"Kiwis" (people who live in New Zealand) will tell you that Neil Finn, from the band Crowded House, wrote the hit "Four Seasons in One Day" about Auckland and that should give you a hint. Take something warm, something for a hot day, something for a glam night out, something for a day on a yacht.

Shopping

Auckland is home to fashion designers the 'very original' category, especially in High Street in the city. The Aotea Square markets (Queen Street) are held on Fridays and Saturdays and often feature original designers in addition to the usual market fare. Ponsonby is another great shopping area. On Ponsonby Rd there are many women's wear shops.

K' Rd, a local abbreviation of Karangahape Rd, has cultural stores such as Third Eye (Indian), Buana Satu (Polynesian), vintage stores like Fast and Loose and Vixen (St Kevin's Arcade), designer stores. Newmarket has designer outpost shops. Look to Teed St for Drop Dead Gorgeous - offering brands such as Stella McCartney, Chloe and 3.

Other Facts

Telephone Area Code: 09
Population: 1.3 million
January Average Maximum Temperature: 27°
July Average Maximum Temperature: 18°
Local emergency contact number for all Police, Fire and St John Ambulances: 111

Activities

Day Tours in Auckland

Auckland has a mix of theatre, art, fashion and culture and its wonderful outdoor lifestyle ranks among the best in the world. It can offer the visitor some great holiday experiences as outlined below:-

	Skytower At 328 meters, this is the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering views of up to 80 kilometres away and fine dining in the Orbit revolving restaurant. From Sky Tower you can do the Sky Jump, a cable controlled base jump from a height of 192m. Or, try the Sky Walk, a walk around a 1.2m walkway with no hand rails!! Book with us.
	Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo has 150 animal species, 500 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah), and the place to see the iconic New Zealand Kiwi. Motions Rd, Western Springs.  9.30AM-5PM. Book with us.
	Kelly Tarlton's Home of "Antarctic Encounter" and "Underwater World", it's an aquarium which includes a trip through a transparent tunnel while the fish and sharks swim all around you, with tanks of sting rays and feeding-time demonstrations. Located on Auckland’s scenic Tamaki Drive. Book with us.
	Pride of Auckland Yacht Enjoy a cruise aboard an ocean going yacht, sailing with the wind and tide. Sit back, relax and take in the sights, listen to informative commentary or try your hand at the rigging and at the helm. You will be treated to complimentary tea or coffee and homemade muffins, freshly baked. Book with us.
	MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) It's an interactive museum with over 300,000 items. Look out for the WWII Avro Lancaster Bomber and the Solent Flying Boat in the Sir Keith Park Memorial Aviation Collection. Great North Road, Western Springs.

Things to do in Auckland

This list will assist you in accessing all the natural and man-made visitor attractions and activities that Auckland has to offer.

	Auckland War Museum Apart from a war memorial, it is one of the best general museums in New Zealand, standing with an imposing position in the Auckland Domain, a large park on top of on an extinct volcano. Domain Drive, Parnell, +64 9 309 0443. 10AM-5PM.
	New Zealand National Maritime Museum Interesting exhibits chronicle New Zealand's extensive maritime history with indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a fleet of heritage vessels, which provide a real-life experience of 19th century maritime transport. Come on a sailing day, and climb aboard for a voyage around the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. Corner Quay and Hobson Street, Viaduct Harbour, +64 9 373 0800
	Auckland Art Gallery With the largest collection of art in New Zealand, it is split across two buildings, the main gallery and new gallery. Corner Wellesley and Lorne Streets, [12] 10AM-5PM.
	The StarDome Observatory The StarDome brings together astronomers and enthusiasts, with an amazing 360° digital dome theatre and the 0.5m Zeiss telescope to inspire a love of the sky & the science behind it. Located on the slopes of One Tree Hill. The park also contains Maori archaeological sites, a kid's playgrounds and a working farm.
	Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens Located in Manurewa (South Auckland) has over 10,000 different plant types spread over 65 hectares with both natives and exotics.
	Otara Flea Market Huge selection of clothes, household items and food. Otara is densely populated by polynesian people and this market reflects the culture of the area. Well worth a wander around. For other markets see local city council web sites. Every Sat, open from 6AM - 12 noon at the Otara Shopping Centre, Newbury St.
	Bush Walks Unguided walks through forestry whose entrances can be found by roadsides. The paths are generally either wooden or smoothly-trodden earth.    Drive or walk up one of Auckland's many volcanic cones such as One Tree Hill or Mount Eden to experience panoramic views of the city, and to see sheep and cows in a major metropolitan area!

Activities Outside Auckland

	Bay of Islands, Cape Brett & 'Hole in the Rock' From rolling farmland to the deserted beaches and ancient temperate forests discover the soul of New Zealand one of our North Island coach tours. Cruise out the the Bay of Islands' Hole in the Rock. Book with us.
	Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Rotorua Depart Auckland on a tour that enables you to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and a number of leading attractions in Rotorua, including a Farm Show and Te Puia with its mighty geysers & boiling mud pools, and a cultural performance of Maori song and dance inside Te Puia’s sacred meeting house. Book with us.
	Ruakuri Cave Come up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. Ruakuri is New Zealand's longest guided underground tour. It will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Book with us.
	Wine tasting on Waiheke Island Waiheke is home to some fantastic wines and has some of the best beaches in the area. Can get crowded during the weekends, but very quiet during the week, it seems a world away from Auckland, and is only 35 minutes away via Ferry.
	Tiritiri Matangi Island Regular ferries take visitors to the island from downtown Auckland. The island is an open sanctuary and is now predator free. Visitors can walk among birds that are almost extinct on mainland New Zealand. The large takahe, a colourful bird from the rail family, thought to be extinct until discovered in Fiordland in 1948, thrives on the island. They can be seen and photographed by visitors to the island in the bush areas and also around the open area near the shop.
	Waitakere Ranges The Waitakere Ranges are Auckland’s best kept secret. With stunning waterfalls breathtaking views and rugged but beautiful beaches, around 45 minutes drive from central Auckland.

Diary of Events

Coach Tours Which Include Auckland

The following fully escorted coach tours are our top 3 which include Auckland.

Ultimate North Island 10 days in New Zealand's North Island from Auckland to Wellington, via the Bay of Islands, gives varied activities such as a cruise to famous rocky coastal formations, a day with renowned naturalist Kiwi Dundee or his 3 protégées for a walk through fern groves and glow-worm studded gold mine, the thrill of sailing on a 12m yacht on Auckland Harbour, the sights and smells of Rotorua's thermal wonderland, Rainbow Springs Trout Farm, a Maori Hangi, the thunderous Huka Falls, and New Zealand's capital city, Wellington.

Best of New Zealand Fully escorted coach touring to see New Zealand's many seasons from cruising the rugged rocky coastline, Bay of Islands beaches, Maori native culture, glow-worm caves, Rotorua's geysers & hot mud pools, NZ's capital city, Interislander Cruise, fur seals & optional whale watching flight, touring past NZ's highest mountain, alpine scenic lakes, ski capital Queenstown, a tour of an historic castle, cruising on Fiordland past waterfalls & rock seals in Milford Sound, staying near icy glaciers and garden city Christchurch- all in 17 days.

All New Zealand Ultimate Our longest North & South Island tour with 23 days full of the best New Zealand attractions, including a 12m yacht sail on Auckland Harbour, visits to Kiwi Fruit & Avocado Orchards, and the famous Greenstone Valley 3 day Walk/Trek. It will be hard to describe this trip to friends, other than 'Fantastic'. If you've seen where the other tours go, then this will probably include it all. From Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound to Christchurch, this is a tour worth short listing.

Films Made in this Region

Auckland has attracted many Film Makers. Productions such as the famous Xena & Hercules series were filmed here, while other productions such as Lord of the Rings were filmed close by.

Other Auckland scenes are filmed in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 2008, Apron Strings 2008, Bridge to Terabithia 2007, The Ferryman 2007, 30 Days of Night 2007, The Tattooist 2007, The Chronicles of Narnia 2005 & Sleeping Dogs 1977.

Eating & Sleeping

Cuisine

With a mixture of European, Mediterranean, Asian and Polonesian cuisines, Auckland is proud of its restaurant reputation. The produce is first rate with  much of it produced locally, using environmentally sustainable methods, so you can eat well and eat virtually any type or style of food. Coupled with the proliferation of excellent wineries across New Zealand, Auckland is a gourmands' capital.

Regional Specialties

Close to Auckland, are the vineyards of Matakana and Waiheke Island, where Bordeaux and Syrah styles are popular. Tours go to these regions which include wine and cheese tasting's.

Accommodation

The following is a selection of the hotels Relaxing Journeys use in our escorted coach tours.

Mercure Hotel The Mercure Hotel Auckland is located on the city's spectacular Waitemata Harbour, just a few minutes walk from the Viaduct Harbour precinct, renowned as Auckland's centre of entertainment, dining and nightlife.

Rydges Hotel Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, Rydges Hotel offers an ideal location for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel is a short stroll from Auckland’s business and retail districts, the Casino, the America's Cup Viaduct Village and superb waterfront restaurants.

Copthorne Harbour City Copthorne Harbour City is situated in one of Auckland’s finest locations, right on the waterfront. The location allows quick and easy access to Auckland’s bustling Viaduct Basin, as well as immediate access to Auckland’s Central Business District, shopping, bars and restaurants and the Vector Arena.

Premium

Stamford Plaza Stamford Plaza is unquestionably Auckland’s finest five-star hotel. Located in the heart of the central business district and only minutes walk to the sparkling Waitemata harbour, Viaduct Village and Auckland’s best shopping, theatre and nightlife.

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