Auckland

Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' and has more than 500,000 boats anchored at marinas in the city. With a population of 1.6 million people, it holds about a third of New Zealand's population. Auckland is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. With great swimming beaches fifteen minutes north of the CBD, a magnificent harbour, islands for sailing and a vibrant young city always ready for a party, Auckland is one of the most enjoyable cities in the Southern Hemisphere.

A cloak of rainforests spill over the surrounding hills and mountains where dozens of volcanos lay dormant. The Hauraki Gulf is home to many scattered holiday islands, including two of the best: Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island. With so much to see and do, Auckland has something to offer everyone, whether you sail the waters of the surrounding bay, experience the culture and heritage in the city or jump off the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere.

Attractions: Auckland Zoo offers daily keep encounters, allowing you to come eye to eye with some amazing native and exotic animals. Watch the graceful animals of Africa or discover the native wonders of New Zealand by journeying through New Zealand's unique coastal habitat. The zoo is also home to the Tuatara, which at 225 million years old, is the world's oldest living dinosaur.

Rainbow's End is New Zealand's premier theme park, located just off the Southern Motorway. The theme park has something for the whole family and has plenty of world-class rides and attractions that you won't find anywhere else in the country, including the Corkscrew Coaster, Goldrush and Fearfall.

Transport around City: If you are planning an extended stay in Auckland, you can get an AT HOP card and use Auckland's public transport system to get around the city. This includes most bus and ferry routes and trains. You can also purchase paper tickets for train and ferry travel rather that purchasing an AT HOP card.

Recommended Restaurants: Wild Fire (Auckland CBD), Soul Bar & Bistro (Viaduct Harbour), Portofino (Auckland CBD), Origine (Auckland CBD), Tokki (Milford), Federal Delicatessen 'The Fed' (Auckland CBD).

Recommended Bars: Muddy Farmer (CBD) Empire Tavern (CBD), Bellini Bar (Auckland CBD), The Bramble (Onehunga), Beau (Ponsonby), Neck of the Woods (Auckland CBD).

Recommended Hotels: Hilton Hotel (Auckland CBD), Sky City Grand (Auckland CBD), Citylife Auckland (Auckland CBD), Mercure Hotel (Auckland CBD), Auckland City Hotel (Auckland CBD), Arena Hotel (Auckland CBD).

Culture: Mostly European origin, also the home of the largest Polynesian population in the world. Auckland is the urban scene for food, arts, music and culture.