About
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and its main economic hub, set in the Auckland Region of the country's North Island in Oceania. It is home to about one-third of New Zealand's population, and it is often called the City of Sails, a nickname that reflects its harbours and its strong connection to the water.
What the city is like
Auckland sits between two harbours, and the sea is never far from any part of it. The city is also built around a series of volcanic hills, which rise above the streets and give many viewpoints over the surrounding water and suburbs. Its skyline is marked by the Sky Tower, which is one of the first things visitors tend to notice as they arrive.
Why visit
- The harbours: Walks, waterfront areas and boat trips all make the most of the city's position on the water.
- The volcanic hills: Climbing or driving up them offers wide views across the city and out to the coast.
- The Sky Tower: A landmark that gives a clear sense of the city's layout and its harbours.
- The city itself: As the country's economic centre, Auckland has a busy, cosmopolitan feel that contrasts with the quieter places beyond it.
Auckland makes a useful base for exploring the wider Auckland Region, where the same mix of harbours, hills and coastline continues beyond the city limits. Whether you come for a few days or as a stop on a longer trip around New Zealand, the city gives you a clear picture of how much of the country's life is shaped by the sea and its volcanic landscape.