Auckland overview

Auckland is situated in the North Island and is the largest city in New Zealand with a very laid back lifestyle. Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails", there is a bigger boat to person ratio than anywhere else in the world.  The city is twice the size of London but with less than a million inhabitants.

There are many things to see and do in Auckland; Visit the Skytower which is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere where the views over the city are spectacular, there is also a revolving restaurant plus an outside deck and glass floor panels. The tower is part of the Sky City Entertainment Complex where there is also a casino, restaurant, cinema, conference centre and theatre.  Auckland is a shopping paradise! There are many markets and shopping centres, which sell everything from gifts and souvenirs to designer clothing.  The Auckland museum is situated on the domain, which is an extinct volcanic hill; the museum is one of the most visited attractions of the city and features a vast collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts and cultural displays.  Three times daily there is a Maori cultural performance, which includes dancing and singing plus an insight into Maori culture, history and mythology.

The climate in Auckland is almost sub tropical with summers being hot and humid and winters are mild and wet.