"Auckland: ‘volcanoes’ and ‘sails’" Auckland by vtveen

Auckland is by far the biggest city in New Zealand with more than 1 million inhabitants. They all are living in one of the many suburbs surrounding the inner-city on all sides.
These suburbs stretch out for miles and miles, because it seems every 'Kiwi' wants to have a home with a at least a garden.

The commercial heart of the city lies along the waterfront and goes up Queen Street with lots of commercial buildings, shops and restaurants.
Other important shopping areas are Parnell Road and Ponsonby and Jervois Rds.

Don’t expect the ‘normal’ Auckland tips like Sky Tower and Kelly Tarlton's on my page, but I will try to add more or less 'off the beaten path tips'.

downtown Auckland from Mt. Eden

Auckland has been built on an isthmus between the Abel Tasman Sea and the Hauraki Gulf. This isthmus came into being on about 50 volcanoes.
It is said they all are dead, or at least dormant (everybody hopes so !!). The youngest - Rangitoto - erupted about 800 years ago.

Nowadays all these volcanic cones are excellent look outs for a view of the city and the harbours with the islands. It does not matter which one you take - One Tree Hill, Mt. Eden or Mt. Wellington - you have to visit at least one.

sails before downtown Auckland

Auckland is called 'city of sails'. And when you are driving around you do understand why. Everywhere along the waterfront you will find harbours with lots of sailing boats.

Thanks to America's Cup the Waterfront area has been transformed into a modern trendy neighbourhood with lots of restaurants, cafe's and vibrant (water)activities.

We saw both the America's Cup Regatta's in 2000 and 2002 in Auckland. Was a great experience to see this event, so important for most of the 'Kiwi's'. We still do have our own "red socks".