Auckland
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The region of Greater Auckland spreads coast to coast across a narrowing of the North Island, reaching from the Manukau Harbour in the west to the Waitamata Harbour in the east, and covering some 500,000 hectares. Built on a series of hills many of which are extinct volcanoes, the city is quite picturesque and with two coastlines and some lovely offshore islands it is perhaps one of the nicest cities of it’s size. Auckland’s population is just over 1.3 million people, which is almost third of the total New Zealand population, and it is still growing. The region has some 25 regional parks and an astounding 1,600 kilometres of coastline, hence the Aucklanders love affair with boats – indeed this city is widely known as the City of Sails !
Over a third of New Zealand’s businesses are based here, handling some 70% of the country’s imports and 40% of it’s exports. There are three universities, world class theatres, art galleries, excellent retail outlets, a vast variety of wining and dining opportunities, and numerous parks, gardens and sporting facilities. The Auckland International Airport is a major world destination. Auckland’s lifestyle has been recognised as one of the most desirable of all the major cities in the world.
The area now known as Auckland was inhabited some 650 years ago by Maori tribes who may well have fought each other for the right to occupy the fertile countryside – the early Maori name for the area was “Tamaki” meaning battle. Then in 1840 Captain William Hobson the Governor of New Zealand decided on the strength of the land fertility and the proximity of both Waitamata and Manakau Harbours that this was to be the site for the new capital of New Zealand. He chose the name of Auckland from his patron and former commander Lord Auckland, who at the time was Viceroy to India. Work to build this new city began around the Mt. Eden area, and in 1841 there were just 2,000 inhabitants. By 1851 a Borough (Council) of Auckland was created and the population continued to grow to a massive 70,000 in the 1920’s. Gradually more suburb areas came under the auspices of Auckland Council and eventually Greater Auckland was born.
Auckland the city and region has a lot to offer the visitor, and it would be easy to fill a holiday just in this region alone. Here are just a few of the places to visit and things to do:Museums – The Auckland Museum in a fine building and fantastic location overlooking the Waitamata Harbour and houses a vast array of New Zealand’s history and culture. The National Maritime Museum at Viaduct Harbour has many separate galleries and includes a fascinating video depiction of the great Maori migration from Eastern Polynesia. There is also a Museum of Transport and Technology.
Also, on a historic note a visit to the One Tree Hill is a must for visitors. The tree has long gone, but the volcanic summit cone is quite distinct and there are features on significant archaeological interest on this one time Maori fortified hill. South of the city centre there is a rewarding Historic Village at Howick, a very English suburb of Auckland. The village depicts life as it was in this township around the mid 19th Century.
Art Galleries – several major art galleries are based here, including the Auckland Art Gallery and the Flagstaff Gallery in Devonport.
Parks and Gardens – The Auckland Botanical gardens are in Manurewa. Parnell is home to the Parnell Rose Gardens. Also, Twin Lakes Countryside Garden is well worth a visit. Regional Parks are located throughout the region.
Adventure and Theme Parks – several to choose from but for adrenalin rush go to Rainbow’s End Theme Park on a 23 acre site in Manukau, and for something much more sedate there is the Sheepworld Farm and nature Park outside the city on the road north from Orewa. Or visit Kelly Tarton’s Underwater World.
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Being the City of Sails you can never be far from a marina, and visits to the Viaduct Harbour and Pine Harbour will delight yacht enthusiasts.Downtown one can never escape the Sky Tower which rises some 328 metres direct from street level, and is a real focal point. There are three observation levels and amazing 360 degree views of the city and harbour. Whilst you can relax with a coffee, or wine and dine in the tower, for those who must it is possible to either bungy jump (the Skyjump) or walk around the high level gangway (the Skywalk).
On the subject of high level thrills, it is also possible to climb the Harbour Bridge, a fun way to experience the bridge and great views all around. But if you must you can also bungy below the bridge stopping just short of the cool waters of the Waitamata harbour !
Further afield the city now has the only indoor snowhall in the southern hemisphere, where you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content regardless of the outside weather. It is close to the northern motorway just twenty minutes from downtown.
More relaxing is a visit to the calming hot springs at Waiwera, near Orewa. Here there are thermal mineral waters, pools, spa and fun slides in a superb location on the Hibiscus Coast that has a wonderful microclimate being protected by the surrounding hills.
The Goat Island Marine Reserve is a real pleasure to visit with excellent snorkelling and diving, or if you wish just sit back and enjoy the marine life through the glass-bottom boat as you take an eco cruise.
Also, in the north of the region Matakana Village is well worth a visit, with it’s relatively “slow” pace of life, boutique wineries, arts and crafts and places to eat and drink.
Over on the west coast the Auckland region is blessed with the beautiful Waitakere Ranges , a wonderland of forested hills and breathtaking coastline. The Regional Park covers some 16,000 ha and around 250 kilometres of lovely trails to follow. Along the coastline there are exciting beach locations of Bethells, Karekare, Piha, and Whatipu. The award winning movie “The Piano” was filmed here in the Park.
Many visitors to Auckland may not be aware that it has an important wine producing role too. Indeed the Greater Auckland region has been producing wine since the mid 19th Century. There are currently some 80 vineyards in total, located in one of five main areas, being: Kumeu, Matakana, South Auckland (around the Mangere / Clevedon area), West Auckland (in the Henderson Valley) and Waiheke. All five are worth a visit, and guided tours are always available or you can obtain a local map and self drive.
On the north shore of the Hauraki Gulf the extended Auckland urban area has taken on an identity of it’s own, and is now referred to as North Shore City – becoming New Zealand’s fourth largest city. The coastline still retains some beautiful beaches , native bush, and fantastic sea views, yet with all the facilities of a modern city. Devonport (population 11,000), at the mouth of the Waitamata Harbour and the start of the North Shore, was one of the earliest settled areas of Auckland as Maori occupied the small volcanic hills from around the mid 14th Century. The township subsequently became a shipbuilding and naval base, and is still the home of New Zealand’s navy. There are excellent views of the city and harbour skyline (day or night) from nearby Birkenhead Point.
Further north but almost now joined with Auckland and North Shore is the lovely Hibiscus Coastal town of Orewa. Often seen as the gateway to the Far North and the start of the scenic Twin Coast Discovery route (see Northland Region), Orewa is a good base for all things this side of Auckland. A lovely 3 kilometre gently sloping beach makes for a perfect stroll and great setting for family beach sports. The town also has a vibrant nightlife, or for those who still want the big city lights it is only half an hour to downtown Auckland. The peninsular which tends to separate Orewa from North Shore is called Whangaparoa and is home to some scenic townships, bays and beaches: Red Beach, Arkles Bay, Army Bay, and Tindall Bay to name a few. There are reserves, parks (including Mahurangi Park) which provide excellent walks and invariably great coastal views.
Auckland is very much a maritime city, and the presence of several interesting offshore islands certainly adds to that aspect of the city. Rangitoto is perhaps the most immediately visible from many parts of the east coastline. It is a relatively young island being formed from a great volcanic eruption only some 600 years ago. A short (35 minute) ferry ride from downtown will reward visitors with fascinating lava formations and sites of archaeological interest, also at the right time of year the many pohutakawa trees will be in bloom. Guided tours are available.
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Waiheke Island is larger and further to the south east than Rangitoto, but also within a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown (or a little longer by car ferry from Half Moon Bay). Waiheke is perhaps best known for it’s red wines as the island enjoys a micro climate of warm sunny summers and fresh sea air together with some vine friendly rocky soils. More recently there has been an increasing interest in olive growing too. The island also has plenty of native bush and beautiful white sandy beaches giving it a surprising tranquillity for one so close to the city. Whilst Aucklanders often say the island represents the best day out from the city, those visiting for the first time are encouraged to stay a little longer to fully explore the island’s treasures. Car rental is available at the ferry terminal and will allow visits to the World War II emplacements at Stony Batter, the Music Museum at Oneroa, the Historic Village near Onetangi , and of course the various wineries around the island. There is also a lively Saturday flea market held in Ostend.Great Barrier Island is more remote from the city and provides the north eastern barrier of the Hauraki Gulf (hence the name). Indeed it is some 100 kilometres out to the island, which can be reached by airplane (a 30 minute flight) or by boat (a four and a half hour voyage). The island is significant in size, being some 285 square kilometres in area, and has a unique environment which is closely protected by the resident population of around 1,000. Largely pest and predator free the island’s natural flora and fauna flourishes. The landscape is quite rugged, but pristine and beautiful with mountains, valleys, canyons, natural hot springs and white sandy beaches along the coastline. It is a walker’s paradise with some 100 kilometres of tracks, but is also a great place to horse ride, play golf, mountain bike, swim, surf, kayak, snorkel and scuba diving. Sea fishing is very popular and the waters are renowned for the quality and variety of marine life. There are a number of places of archaeological interest (as the island was settled by early Maori) and a majority of the island now has conservation protection. The island is a great holiday destination, and offers a wide variety of holiday accommodation.
Kawau Island to the east of Great Barrier is closer to the mainland and reached by water taxi from the city. The island was home to the first Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey, whose home at Mansion House is a popular attraction. The island has numerous walks, beaches, and archaeological sites. Swimming, boating and fishing are all available on this smaller, but more accessible, island.