Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus,
surrounded by two harbours namely the Waitemata and the Manukau at the
southern end of the Auckland Peninsula. It is the prime gateway to New
Zealand and is the locus of commercial and the industrial activities of the
country.
This alluring city is a harbour city of its own kind with spectacular views
and breathtaking scenery. Its a perfect place to explore and experience the
excitement and the unforgettable adventure of the islands and to experience
the culture and sophistication of this world class city.
Being New Zealand's largest urban area, the city offers something to
everyone from great beaches to beautiful harbours to breathtaking shopping
places like Ponsonby Road for unique clothing, jewellery and furniture to
great nightlife for the people. In short, Auckland is a destination packed
with great spots to turn one’s vacation into a memorable extravaganza!
Fact
File
Country : New Zealand
Population : 1.2 million
Area : 16,140 sq km
Languages : English, Maori
Climate : Winter (June-September) :Warm westerly winds often make
some winter days mild, but other days can be cold and very rainy. It never
gets cold enough to snow (even frosts are rare). Average winter temperatures
are around 58 F/13 C, though they can vary greatly.
Spring months are unpredictable when it can be wonderfully calm and sunny
on one day and rainy and cold on the other. Summer (December-March) is the
most consistent weather with average temperatures rising upto 75 F/24 C.
Rains during summers are less frequent but still very common.
Official Currency : New Zealand Dollar (NZD); 1 NZD = 30.772 INR =
0.7074 US Dollar = 0.5822 Euro (subject to change).
Location : Auckland is located in the northern North Island, and
stretches along the gap between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. The are
two beautiful harbours surrounding the city, Waitemata and Manukau, and
water is within kilometres of everywhere.
Getting There
By Air : Auckland International Airport is located 21km (14 miles)
south of central Auckland, in the suburb of Mangere. It is one of the two
main international gateways to New Zealand – the other being
Christchurch, on the South Island. Airbus provides an efficient service
between the international terminal to the city centre. Besides this, regular
shuttle taxi service which operates 24 hours for the convenience of the
passengers.
Getting Around
The
Britomart Transport Centre provides a hub where one can access buses, trains
and ferries as well as general transport information.
By Road : There is an excellent bus service called the Link, which
travels around the interesting areas of the city centre.
By Train : The Tranz Metro train service has three routes running
from Britomart station: one to Waitakere and two to Pukekohe. Other ways to
move around the city are taxis, cycles and hired cars.
Accommodation
The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the
tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
5 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Hilton
Quay West Suites
Hotel Skycity Grand
4 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Crowne Plaza
Hotel Carlton
Hhotel Auckland City
3 star hotels in the city:
The Heritage
Hotel Hyatt Regency
Major Tourist attractions
Sky Tower : From here one can enjoy a spectacular view of the city
of sails from high up, and can even opt for the fast route down by doing the
Sky Jump!
Sky city Auckland : 
This
complex is adjacent to the Sky Tower and is the pulse of Auckland
entertainment life, with beaming restaurants and free live entertainment for
all.
Auckland Maritime Museum : This museum is a tribute to city of
sails. One can steam around the Auckland harbour on board the historic
steamer, the Puke.
Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tamaki) : A great collection collection
which presents early works by European Settlers and modern art works.
Auckland Museum : Cultural heritage of the Maoris is the striking
feature of the museum and is situated in one of Auckland’s amazing
historic building.
Other Attractions
Auckland Zoo
Rawaka Experience Maori cultural show
Matakana Wine Coast Sheep World Farm and Nature Park
Hauraki Gulf Islands.
