About
Auckland
With so many attractions and activities on offer when visiting this busy city, you will doubtlessly require your own personal Auckland holiday sightseeing guide in order to help manoeuvre your way successfully around this spectacular urban sprawl. Auckland tours and day trips can be organised relatively easily prior to, or during, a visit to New Zealand, offering visitors a hassle free and relaxing way to enjoy the sights and sounds of a city which contains a bursting population of over one million residents. New Zealand is an extremely popular holiday destination and has won numerous awards. It remains as fashionable as ever with globetrotters today and is currently the country’s largest export industry, according to the country’s official website for tourism. Located to the southeast of neighbouring Australia, New Zealand consists of two main islands and a few smaller more sparsely populated isles. Also known as ‘God’s own country’ because of its natural splendour, the views on offer in New Zealand are truly spectacular and more than worth the long-haul flight from UK shores. The region of Auckland is situated in the northern half of the North Island and Auckland City remains the largest suburbia in Polynesia. Auckland itself is split into four districts, each of them equally as dazzling and spectacular as the next. While the North Island is typically recognised for its idyllic beaches and stunning landscape, Auckland City remains a hub of commercial activity where many different nationalities and cultures come together to create a uniquely vibrant atmosphere. Romantically recognised as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is famous for its yachts which cruise undisturbed through the vast Hauraki Gulf and adorn the hectic Waitemata Harbour. Others often refer to Auckland as the ‘City of Volcanoes’ due to its close proximity to a volcanic field, part of the landscape which contributes marvellously to the mysterious beauty of the immediate surrounding area.
Made up of several cities, Auckland City remains Auckland's most popular with holiday makers. Its numerous restaurants, fashion boutiques and selection of clubs and bars make the city a hit with those looking for sparkling entertainment. There is a real vibrancy and buzz surrounding the city’s heartbeat and any opportunity to explore Auckland’s nooks and crannies should be seized without hesitation. Moving away from the city centre, Auckland’s other districts are packed with sublime beaches all along the west coast of the island and awe-inspiring backdrops more in-line with the country’s more publicised stereotype. The North Shore area possesses the longest unbroken coastline in New Zealand according to the region’s tourist board, while it also enjoys on average a magnificent 240 days of sunshine every year. Waitakere City along the west coast is also splattered with mesmerising beaches and also boasts some of the best wineries New Zealand has to offer. Visitors to Auckland come with exceedingly high expectations and very few leave disappointed. The region has various famous landmarks and sights ranging from captivating architecture to prominent museums and galleries. The first stop for most visitors when exploring Auckland is the country’s Memorial Museum, which displays some of the most notable and interesting artefacts from New Zealand’s relatively short history. Alternatively the New Zealand National Maritime Museum is another option for those more interested in more aquatic themed pieces. The main attraction for most visitors however remains Auckland’s Sky Tower, which offers crystal clear views of up to 80km across the country and a fine restaurant to relax in once finished. It is currently the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 1,076 ft. Other popular destinations remain Auckland Zoo and the Otara Flea Market which sells almost anything. New Zealand is a stunning country whichever time of year you choose to visit, equally exquisite either in winter or summer. However, the country welcomes most of its visitors throughout its summer months, which stretch from September all the way to April. Temperatures reach up to 30 degrees C across the height of summer which occurs throughout the December, January and February months. Auckland has lots to offer and people now want to experience and understand for themselves what makes New Zealand so special. It will certainly be one of the leading holiday destinations for the summer 2011. Whether you are looking for an extensive break, a romantic getaway or a weekend escape, a visit to one of the most vibrant cities in the world has everything you are looking for.