Index Page

Eden/Epsom

Ponsonby

Parnell

Airport

North Shore

Markets

Galleries

Contact

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Auckland has little to offer the overseas visitor and thus whizz through before you've had much of a chance to unjetlag. You could while away five or six pleasant days in this, the largest polynesian city on earth.

Auckland is home to a million souls - a polychromatic melting pot of races and cultures. Predominantly British, but with, naturally enough, a very strong Maori element. On top of these base tones add in the peoples of the Pacific Islands - notably Samoa, Tonga, Niue, and the Cooks - Dutch, Dalmatian, and (especially recently) Chinese. But then add the coloratura high notes - Korean, Indian, Greek, Italian, African, Middle Eastern and many more. The result is a true multi-cultural city which for the most part works harmoniously and successfully.

Auckland is, above all else a maritime city. It is built on a narrow isthmus that bridges two coasts: the Tasman Sea to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east. The isthmus itself enfolds two magnificent harbours - the Manukau and its more famous twin, the Waitemata Harbour.

The Waitemata and its front-yard, the Hauraki Gulf, are among the world's most stunning sailing and boating waters and Aucklanders are thus boat crazy. Not for nothing do they call it the City of Sails. On the average summer weekend the harbour and gulf are confettied with white canvas.

Auckland has been rated by an international magazine as the fourth best city in ther world in which to live. Spend even a few days here and you'll begin to understand why.

General information

• Basics - emergency numbers, police, accidents and emergencies.

The best way to deal with staying, eating and shopping in Auckland - 'cos it's a very big place - is locality by locality. And then add in some of the special effects - like markets, galleries, etc.

There are only a limited number of localities you'd probably want to stay in:

• Near the Airport

• Central City

• Ponsonby

• Parnell and Newmarket

• Mt Eden/and Epsom

• Takapuna and Devonport on the North Shore.

And then there are the special interests:

• Markets

• Galleries

To find out how to save money on accommodation have a look at the fine and ancient art of hotel pricing

Get the full download now.

Index Page

Eden/Epsom

Ponsonby

Parnell

Airport

North Shore

Markets

Galleries

Contact