Auckland, New Zealand

Black Magic in Auckland, New Zealand

Photo:

An effervescent, bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis with a decidedly Down Under flavor and uppity inner-city districts with stylish bars and clubs. But the best part of being in Auckland is that you sip your Zealong tea, replay Black Magic crossing the finish line, tuck an umbrella under your arm, and not give a damn whether it rains or shines. Yep, it's that carefree!

Auckland Travel Guide

Introduction

Auckland is the "City of Sails." It has more sailboats per capita than anywhere else in the world, and its sailors, an intrepid lot, brought home yachting’s premier trophy, America’s Cup, in a 5-0 sweep over their American rivals in 1995, and five years later, in 2000, successfully defended it. That they let it slip away in 2003 is of small consequence, for by then these Kiwi lads were being drafted by sailing clubs from around the world. The city, in any case, is an effervescent, bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis with a decidedly Down Under flavor and the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. And like Rome and San Francisco, or even Down Under sibling Sydney for that matter, it is built on hills – hills that give the city its contours and its character. Green spaces abound, as do cultural venues and uppity inner city districts brimming with stylish bars and edgy clubs, upscale restaurants and cafés, and no dearth of hip galleries and trendy boutiques. But the best part of being in Auckland, whether as a resident or visitor, is that you can sip your Zealong tea, replay Black Magic crossing the finish line, tuck an umbrella under your arm, and not give a damn whether it rains or shines. It’s that carefree!

Location

Auckland is situated near the northern end of New Zealand's North Island, lying largely on a narrow isthmus between two harbors, Waitemata and Manukau, encompassing some 60 square kilometers (23 square miles).

How to Get There

Sightseeing

Neighborhoods

How to Get Around

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Where to Party

Essential Information

Nearby Destinations

How to Get There

Auckland's international airport is the principal entry point for most visitors arriving in and departing from not only Auckland but New Zealand. It is serviced by Air New Zealand, Qantas, British Airways and several other international carriers. Auckland is also linked to all other major cities in New Zealand, both by air and road.

Sightseeing

Main Neighborhoods