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Auckland

Travelling to Auckland, New Zealand? The first thing you notice when you step off the plane into Auckland is the air: warm yet fresh; salty yet sweet. Auckland is where mountains meet the sea, world-class fashion meets Maori culture, and native forests co-exist with a skyscraper skyline.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. With its sunny climate and spectacular harbour and bridge, it’s a fantastic place for water sports. Particularly renowned for yachting and widely known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland hosted the America’s Cup in 2003. Auckland has two stunning coastlines thanks to its position between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, and an abundance of beaches. Native bush covers the surrounding hills in a glorious green blanket, where you can enjoy hiking or mountain biking. The Waitakere Ranges lie to the west; the Hunua Ranges to the south. Just past the Waitakere Ranges you’ll find west coach beaches such as Piha and Murawhai, which with their iron sands and rugged untouched coastlines are a favourite with locals. Auckland is also a gateway to more than 50 islands, two of the most popular being Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and sandy beaches, and the remote Great Barrier Island, with its bushwalks and hot springs.

If one half of Auckland boasts glorious nature, then the other half can brag about its art and culture. This vibrant pacific city is a melting pot of cultures including Maori, Asian, European and Polynesian. This has culminated in a diverse array of recipes being served up on plates and a glorious range of shopping. Aucklanders share a passion for fresh food and good wine and Auckland has a vibrant nightlife with world-class restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. For a great night out, head to the Viaduct, High Street or the suburbs of Ponsonby, Parnell and Newmarket. For excellent cafés visit Tamaki Drive as it follows the eastern waterfront to the beaches and cafés of Mission Bay and St Heliers.

Maori culture is more prevalent in the city of Auckland than any other in New Zealand, with The Auckland Museum housing New Zealand’s most precious Maori artifacts. You’ll find fabulous art and sculpture in Auckland's many dealer galleries and museums, with The Auckland Art Gallery featuring New Zealand's premier art alongside international travelling exhibitions. For a magnificent view of Auckland city and its surrounding islands head up the Sky Tower which, at 328 metres, is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, or traverse the magnificent volcano Maungawhau, one of 49 volcanoes throughout the city. After experiencing Auckland, you’ll find yourself singing the praises of this salty-sweet paradise time and time again.

What's on in Auckland?

Auckland Attractions

Visit	AJ Hackett Bungy Auckland is home to the worlds first harbour bridge bungy jump and is operated by the bungy originals, AJ Hackett Bungy.
Visit	Auckland Museum Overlooking the Waitemata harbour and occupying one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings, the Auckland Museum War Memorial Museum is the cultural and spiritual touchstone for New Zealanders.
Visit	Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo has New Zealand's largest collection of animals and is recognised as one of the world's most progressive zoos. It is home to 179 different species and over 1300 animals.
Visit	Sky Tower At 328 metres Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction.

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