| Page Views: 5,753 Last Visit to Auckland: - I Used To Live Here | AUCKLAND! by allikat - last update: May 16, 2007 |
Well...what can I tell you about Auckland?
It's a big place - it covers an area three times bigger than London yet has a fraction of the population. It still manages to feel congested, however. It is a huge, sprawling mass, and actually comprises 3 separate cities - Manukau, Waitakere and Auckland merge into one. It's appalling roading system is notorious in New Zealand, and rightly so. I understand the documentary series focussing on the various goings-on to be witnessed on the Southern motorway is marketed around the globe. Efficient public transport is for other cities it seems. So, negatives out of the way, let's move on...
Because, you know, it's really not such a bad place.
This thriving, multi-cultural city is home to dozen upon dozen of languages. Most migrants to New Zealand start off in Auckland, and few move far from the area.
The city is surrounded by water, and Auckland deserves it's title of 'City of Sails' having the highest number of boats per capita anywhere in the world. Living in Auckland, if you don't own a boat, your neighbour does, and fun on the water features heavily for those living here. |
|  | Great views for Free! One Tree Hill gives great views of this sprawling city for free. The Sky Tower probably does give better views, but I think One Tree Hill, an extinct volcano cone and ancient Maori pa (or settlement) site, shouldn't be missed. I walk up to this viewpoint most weekends.
This photograph shows the Sky tower, with the extinct volcano of Mount Eden. These cones are liberally scattered around the city. Apparently, if you know what you are looking for, nearly 50 cones can be spotted around the Auckland isthmus. The entire city is built on a volcanic plateau, and at some stage - hopefully distant - another cone will pop up somewhere hereabouts. |
| | Rangitoto and the Waitemata Harbour This picture, taken from the same spot up One Tree Hill, is looking out to Rangitoto Island, the largest of Auckland's extinct volcanoes, and also the youngest, having only given up the ghost a few hundred years ago!
Boat trips operate from downtown Auckland taking you out to this bush covered island, and you can climb to the summit (see my Rangitoto Island page for more pictures and details). Rangitoto is one of a number of islands sitting out in the Waitemata Harbour (the name means 'sparkling waters' in Maori) and all are worth visiting if you have the time and the largest, Waiheke, is a destination in itself. |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "Multicultural, close to the water, lots going on." | | Cons: | "Absolutely disgusting traffic problems. And getting worse." | | In A Nutshell: | "Cliche it may be, but Auckland is the City of Sails." |
allikat's Auckland Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 9 - Photos: 9 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3 | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | Transportation
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3 | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 allikat's Auckland Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for allikat about Auckland | | | | |
volopolo Thu Oct 9, 2008 19:16 UTC
did you see my homepage about sky towers? | besal Sun Aug 31, 2008 08:49 UTC
Great tips on Auckland. Regards. Amir | norain Tue May 27, 2008 09:53 UTC
Thanks for tips. | Gillybob Mon Jan 7, 2008 21:46 UTC
Whatever I pack to bring and not take back just leaves room in the suitcase for souvenirs and stuff! You name it, I'll bring it. Gillybob greetings |
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