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There's never a dull moment in Auckland - the City of Sails. Here's where adventure sports, wild nature treks, pulsating parties, world-class food and drink, and history are at its best. There's so much to do, dream, dare! This North Island metropolis of New Zealand is blessed with a spectacular coastline, forests and skyline, all in one. Read on to know more about its best-kept secrets.
| Auckland - A Quick Overview | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Language | English |
| Population | 1,618,400 |
| Dial Code | 09 |
| Currency | New Zealand Dollar |
| Time Zone | GMT +13 |
| Area | 1,102.9 sq.km. |
Auckland is considered one of New Zealand's most important cities, because it has some of the country's most significant landmarks, both natural and made by the hand of man. The impressive Sky Tower, tallest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, was built between 1994 and 1997; and remains one of the city's most instantly recognizable landmarks. The city also boasts of the historic Acacia Cottage, a rare survivor from early colonial era. Of course, the Town Hall and Auckland Harbour Bridge are iconic landmarks of the city's history too. While Mount Wellington lets you feast on spectacular views that seem to be almost endless.
When in Auckland, you can wander and not mind even if you get lost. From lush rainforests, beautiful parks, stunning beaches and hundreds of walking trails, the whole region is a nature lover's paradise. Head to the crystal-clear wild black-sand beaches, stretched along the edge of the Waitakere Ranges. With an astonishing abundance of stunning flora and fauna, gigantic waterfalls, and other-worldly native species. Visit Tiritiri Matangi Island's open wildlife sanctuary. It's one of the world's most successful conservation projects and home to many of New Zealand's rarest native bird species, like the little blue penguins, bellbirds, stitchbirds, robins and kokakos.
Whether it's a blood-pumping sky dive or a leisurely glamping night out. Auckland has something for every type of adventure junkie. You can enjoy some of the most stunning cycling and walking trails in the world here. Take a relaxed sea kayak ride, a heart racing ride on a jet board or explore the stunning underwater world with snorkelling. Looking for some serious adventure? Then go jump off the Sky Tower or the Harbour Bridge or a full-on sky diving adventure. You can also get behind the wheel of a 4WD for an off-road driving adventure through forests and beaches. Or, get up close and personal with the wildlife here, swim with the sharks or just say hello to the cute Penguins. What's more? You can enjoy the vistas with a cool ride on the back of a Harley Davidson too.
New Zealand is world-famous for its culinary delights, something that the Kiwis are extremely proud of. Thanks to its abundant coastline, sea food is fresh and very famous too. Do try traditional Māori favorites of hangi (meat cooked on heated rocks in an underground pit), paraoa parai (fried bread) or kawakawa tea! Also, the Kina (sea urchin) which has been a traditional delicacy for centuries. Vegetarians can enjoy a hangi made with a kumara (a different type of sweet potato). Also, we recommend buying a big bag of Jaffas (crunchy sugar-coated chocolate balls) to pop into your mouth as you walk about. Matakana and Kumeu Regions of Auckland are known for their superb wineries and boutique vineyards set amidst the undulating countryside. Enjoy a wine tour or a leisurely lunch in one of the numerous vineyard restaurants. That's not all, you definitely cannot leave the country without trying out their famous Hokey Pokey ice cream (that's caramelized honeycomb) over literally anything.
Auckland is New Zealand's most populous urban city, located in the North Island Region of the country. Auckland lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west. The central part of the urban area occupies a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.
Although Auckland has lovely weather year-round, some months are better than the others. Pleasant temperature, sunny days and thin tourist crowd - enjoy the best of all three from March to May and between September and November. But, before you pick your travel dates, you should note that the seasons are reversed here: Winter in New Zealand coincides with summer in India, and vice versa.
Alas, there are no direct flights to Auckland from India. However, you can get connecting flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai, that go via Hong Kong and Australia, Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, depending on the airline you choose.
Auckland's first settlers were the Māori people in approximately 1350. They called it Tamaki Makau Rau, meaning 'isthmus of one thousand lovers'. The Māori constructed terraced pa (fortified villages) on the volcanic peaks of the city. This was before the Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840, in which the Europeans bought the land from the Māoris and colonized it. In 1840, the first governor, Lieutenant William Hobson, chose it as the capital of New Zealand. And by 1900, it became the largest city in New Zealand. The ancient landmarks of the Māori people still dot this booming metropolis.
Ready to jet, set, off to this stunning paradise? We have customized Auckland packages for every budget and every taste.
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