"KIA ORA!" Auckland by I-Believe-I-Can-Fly

As New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is home to 1.2 million people, with the largest Maori population in the country and increasing swell of Asian immigrants.

Nestled between Waitemata and Manukau harbours, a gulf full of islands and rugged coast, Auckland lapped on all sides by water.

Known as the "City of Sails" because Auckland has the highest density per head of pleasure boats in the world.

Auckland skyline taken from Devonport

Auckland is built on the remnants of 48 dormant volcanoes that make fine vantage points. The best views of Auckland skyline is from the shore or from Mt. Victoria of Devonport.

Devonport is a small sea-side town with multi-colored Victorian rooftops. It's only several minutes away from Auckland's waterfront by Fullers ferry. It also can be reached by car.

Western Spring

Auckland is a nice enough city, but not all that spectacular. The main attraction is the Sky Tower, the largest building in the Southern Hemisphere.

Queen Street the main strip in Central Auckland runs north-south toward the water where it meets Queen Elizabeth II Square. The Ferry building across the QE II Square .

The Waterfront is at the bottom of Queen Street by Waitemata Harbour. Turn left to Viaduct Harbour which is home to restaurants, bars and also Visitor Center where I did a lot of booking for the trip to the South Island.

• Pros:It is always nice to meet close friends in foreign city
• In a nutshell:For the great fun I had in Auckland, please see my travelodges