Auckland

Auckland is a large metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand. It has an urban population of about 1,531,400 (June 2024). It is located in the greater Auckland region, the area governed by Auckland Council, which includes outlying rural areas and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, and which has a total population of 1,798,300 as of June 2024 It is the most populous city of New Zealand and the fifth largest city in Oceania. While Europeans continue to make up the plurality of Auckland’s population, the city became multicultural and cosmopolitan in the late 20th century, with Asians accounting for 34.9% of the city’s population in 2023. Auckland has the fourth largest foreign-born population in the world, with 39% of its residents born overseas. With its sizable population of Pasifika New Zealanders, the city is also home to the largest ethnic Polynesian population in the world.

Places to go

Perfect Destinations In Auckland

Sky Tower

The Sky Tower, located in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, stands at 328 meters as New Zealand’s tallest freestanding structure. Visitors can also enjoy dining at its revolving restaurant, Orbit 360°. At the height of 328 meters, Sky Tower is the highest man-made structure in the entire southern hemisphere.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

The Auckland War Memorial Museum, established in 1929, is located in the Auckland Domain, a central city park. It houses extensive collections of New Zealand’s natural history, Māori and Pacific Islander artifacts, and military history. Known for its iconic neoclassical design, the museum also offers cultural performances and panoramic views of Auckland from its vantage point.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

First established in 1888, the Auckland Art Gallery, or Toi o Tamaki, known to the Maori community, was the first permanent art gallery in New Zealand. It is known for its large body of national and international art exhibits. Set in the heart of central Auckland, bound by Albert Park, Auckland Art Gallery is only a two-minute walk from major bus stations in downtown Auckland and is easily accessible.

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, located on Tamaki Drive in Auckland, offers an immersive marine experience featuring over 30 exhibits, including the world’s first curved aquarium tunnel. Established in 1985, it is home to diverse sea creatures such as sharks, stingrays, and a colony of King and Gentoo penguins. Visitors can explore the Antarctic Ice Adventure and Shark Dive experiences, making it a popular destination for marine enthusiasts.

Domain Wintergarden

The Domain Wintergardens is a famous landmark in Auckland and has been recognized as one of the Category 1 historic places by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. The venue attracts many tourists because of its unique architecture and the ever-changing display of the flora found there. A stroll in the fern garden is refreshing, with its scenic beauty and the various kinds of birds seen around the area. Plants like cacao, heliconia, etc., are also seen in glasshouses.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island located just 25 minutes by ferry from Auckland, is one of the city’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Formed around 600 years ago, it is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. Visitors can explore its rugged lava fields, climb to the summit for panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, and hike trails leading through native pohutukawa forests. The island is uninhabited and accessible via ferries from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

An island where the sweet chirping of birds never stops echoing, Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the most active and significant wildlife sanctuaries in New Zealand. The wildlife conservation island is a predator-free environment that provides a suitable habitat for about 87 varieties of species of birds, among which 12 are said to be endemic. The island is truly a wildlife wonderland and attracts around 32,000 tourists annually. A 75-minute ferry ride is all it takes to get to the bird’s paradise from the Auckland mainland.

Auckland Zoo

It is one of New Zealand’s premier zoological parks. Spread over 40 acres of land, it is home to nearly 1400 animals of 138 different species. It is divided into regions specific to where the various animals are from. It is located in Western Springs, just 4 km from Auckland’s city centre. This 40-acre zoological garden is home to some 120 species of native and exotic animals.

Viaduct Harbour

The Viaduct Harbour, based in Auckland, New Zealand, comes to life at night. The place is always buzzing with people, booze, food, and fun: just about everything you need to make a night memorable. The Viaduct is a residential, commercial, and entertaining area where one can choose to dine in with their loved ones. The Harbour was formerly known as the Viaduct Basin, and as of yet, it is the busiest place in the Auckland Central Business district to be in during the night.

Piha Beach

Piha Beach, located on Auckland’s rugged west coast, is renowned for its black sand, dramatic cliffs, and strong surf, making it a favourite for surfers and nature enthusiasts. Situated about 40 km from central Auckland, it features Lion Rock, a prominent volcanic formation offering panoramic views of the coastline. The beach is also known for its strong rips, so swimming is recommended only in patrolled areas.