THE CITY
Auckland is called the ' City of Sails' as it is surrounded by water, which helps to define its appeal. The harbour is similar to many other famous waterside cities but has its own unique charm. Auckland has a long maritime history and was the site of the 2000 & 2003 America’s Cup. It is relatively small place in terms of actual area, which makes it easy to explore on foot. The population that makes up this cosmopolitan city gives it a friendly and comfortable feeling.
Auckland is both the commercial and cultural centre of New Zealand. It is situated on 50 islands and 48 dead volcanoes which make it unusual country. There are many ways to enjoy this city’s delights; you can stroll along by the water, a hike on a volcanic or just take a cruise through the harbour. The city has the largest Polynesian population in the world, which only adds to its cosmopolitan appeal. High-end fashion houses, sophisticated restaurants and chic bars compliment the abundance of outdoor activities.
The natural beauty of New Zealand made it an obvious choice for the setting of the imaginary Middle Earth, in the films of ' The Lord of the Rings' . This whole area is filled with craggy mountains, rolling, rustic hills, endless green meadows, gentle beaches and dramatic cliffs. It is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with pursuits from rock climbing and scuba diving, to parasailing and white water rafting. Horse riding is also a popular activity in New Zealand. Auckland has more boats per capita than any other city in the world. This may explain the national obsession with sailing. This green and leafy city is a pleasure to explore so do not rush your visit
BASIC INFORMATION
Auckland Airport
The Auckland International Airport services all of Auckland. It is located 21 km south of the City Centre and it is easily accessible by bus or taxi. Airbus provides a bus service between Auckland Airport and the city centre every 15 minutes
Public Transport
Due to its recent growth spurt and the International interest developing in Auckland as a tourist destination, traffic has become much more congested than it was a few years ago. However Auckland is still a relatively small city and the traffic is still manageable compared to many other large cities.
Post
Post offices and postal shops are everywhere in Auckland. A centrally located one is Wellesley Street Post Shop at the corner of Wellesley Street and Aotea Square.
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) = 100 cents. Just divide by 2 to get a rough conversion to Sterling.
Opening hours
Typical hours for shops are 9am-6pm weekdays, with an earlier closing on weekends.
Emergency numbers for Police, Fire and Ambulance is :- 111
Tourist information: - The Auckland Visitor Information Centre, Skycity atrium, Crn of Victoria and Federal Streets. Opening hours: 8am-8pm every day
What to see and do in Auckland - Part 1
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