Source: dehek.co.nz/auckland/

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most accessible city. With a population of over one million people and home to the country's main international airport, the thriving cosmopolitan city is the heart of entertainment. From upbeat nightlife venues to a variety of scenic attractions and exciting activities, ‘the City of Sails’ offers a world of exploration for all to indulge in. White-sand swimming beaches border the coast to the east of the city and to the rugged west, wild surf beaches prevail. Venture through rich rolling farmland to explore surrounding coastal towns and rural countryside.

Auckland is built within the isthmus of two harbours. To the west, Manukau Harbour flows into the Tasman Sea, while the Waitemata Harbour opens into the Hauraki Gulf on the east, spanned by the spectacular Harbour Bridge. The Hauraki Gulf is beautifully dotted with sailboats and various boat cruises operate to enable exploration of the Gulf and surrounding islands.

The city scope also extends over an ancient volcanic field, with over 40 volcanic vents and seven small but immediately visible extinct volcanoes on a neck of land only 1.5 kms wide at its narrowest. Auckland’s highest natural feature, Mount Eden stands 196 metres in height and provides panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Attractive cafes and restaurants offering fine food fare encompass the city, while downtown shops and markets provide a wide array of purchases. Queen Street is Auckland’s main boulevard offering shopping leisure ranging from small shops to big department stores. Convenient shopping malls are scattered throughout the city including the premier, St Lukes, containing over 120 specialty stores and a massive foodcourt.

Many people are drawn to Auckland’s world renowned attractions, which lure visitors from around the globe. Sky City is a multi-faceted complex encircling entertainment venues such as the Sky Tower (the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest tower), Auckland’s thrilling Casino and a delightful 700 seat theatre. Gift shops, fabulous restaurants and bars, a conference centre and the Sky City’s famous hotel, complete the complex. Car parking facilities are available.

The Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and New Zealand’s only theme park, Rainbow’s End, provide interesting entertainment, as do the wide array of adventure activities. Try rap jumping off the face of a building, the thrills of rocketing sky-high at 160km in a bungy rocket, tandem sky diving, hot air ballooning or para sailing.

Auckland is also a great base for which to explore neighbouring destinations. Popular tourist areas, the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Coast boast golden beaches and endless sunshine. The Bay of Island’s can be encountered by travelling north, while the Coromandel is located further south of Auckland. Another place of interest, only 3 hours south of Auckland, is one of New Zealand’s greatest attractions, the Waitomo Caves. Kilometres of subterranean limestone caves stretch beneath the earth, illuminated by tiny glow worms and decorated with beautiful speleothems.

‘The City of Sails’ is sure to beckon you time and time again. Enjoy your stay in New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and be sure to indulge in all this Auckland has to offer.