"Auckland" a Auckland Travel Page by grkboiler

Auckland is a fast-paced cosmopolitan city with plenty to see. It is home to the most popular sailing race in the world, The America's Cup, and has some great architecture with modern skyscrapers that are very creatively designed. Auckland is also the location to the tallest structure in New Zealand and the southern hemisphere - the Skytower. With an exciting waterfront and a very walkable downtown, Auckland has plenty to offer.

Auckland was the first stop of my 8 day trip to New Zealand. I flew in from Melbourne and stayed here for 2 1/2 days. I got a good feel for the downtown area and the waterfront, but I didn't see nearly enough of Auckland's surrounding areas. This gives me a great excuse to come back.

Auckland was settled by the Maori in at least the 13th century. The first Europeans arrived in the 1830s and chose the site to settle because of its natural harbour. Auckland became the capital of New Zealand in 1840 and remained in charge until Wellington was named capital in 1865. It is the fastest growing city and largest industrial and commercial centre in the country.