"Auckland" Auckland by fishandchips

Auckland Travel Guide: 1,035 reviews and 2,291 photos

Sky Tower at night - Auckland
Sky Tower at night
A few facts

As a British colonial settlement, Auckland came into existence in 1840 as the site chosen for his capital by the first governor, Lieutenant William Hobson. Hobson decided upon the name Auckland, in honour of his patron and former commander, Lord Auckland (at that time, the viceroy of India). Hobson was invited by the local Maori tribe Ngati Whatua to set up in the area as the tribe were concerned about safety from other tribes. Auckland remained as New Zealand’s capital until 1865 when Wellington became the capital.

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city with just over 400,000 living in the Auckland City and approx 1.25 million living in the greater Auckland area. Auckland is built on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes. The city is known as the 'City of Sails' due to the number of yachts found in the harbour and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf. Around 63% of residents are of European descent, 11% are Maori, 13% are of Pacific Island descent (Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city) and there is a growing Asian population of around 12%.

Like most "biggest in the country" cities, Auckland is a place pointed at by every other place in New Zealand with a wee bit of derision. Tall Poppy syndrome at its worst maybe as Auckland is a big and vibrant city with the best and worst that New Zealand has to offer. From Queen street shopping to Devonport to One Tree Hill (less its famous tree!!) Auckland has some nice bits. The bad stuff centres around some rather nasty spots that you will likely never see (eg around Don Croots Drive) however don't let that change your mind - Auckland is a very nice spot to visit.

Auckland is Really Five Cities!!
Auckland is Really Five Cities!! - Auckland

Auckland's biggest problem is its inability to make some fundamental decisions on most things that affect the whole of Auckland. This is due to the city being run by five separate (very, very, very separate!!!!) city councils who don't tend to see eye to eye on any issue. Transport systems are unfortunately amongst the worst in the World when making big city comparisions. Auckland is a city of cars with commuters making the big drive into & out of Auckland each day to get to work. This makes travel during peak hours very slow. The city councils have been involved in trying to resolve this item and have been for 25 years or so. A very recent development has been the government move to turn Auckland in a 'super city' from a council perspective. This is causing a few issues for councillers who may lose their jobs but should get Auckland's infrastructure moving.

What to do
The charms of K' Road - Auckland

The charms of K' Road

I'm in Auckland every 2nd week (Wellington every other...) so will add mostly tips on where to eat and have a good time. I have family in Auckland so do get to see a bit more of the city when they pick me up and take me out!! There are many nice walks and drives around the rolling hills, bays and parks of Auckland.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:The variety of things to do
  • Cons:The traffic
  • Intro Updated Apr 17, 2009
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Reviews (27)

Auckland Zoo - Auckland Auckland Zoo Things to Do (3)

The Auckland Zoo is an okay way to spend a couple of hours checking out the animals - big and small - from all over the... more travel advice

Inside Gina's - Auckland Gina's Restaurants (11)

Gina's is a fantastic place to go for a meal. It's lively, loud and lots of fun. The waiters are all young men and the... more travel advice

Inside Vivace - Auckland Vivace Restaurants (11)

Vivace is a classy spot for a meal on High St - the small street running parallel to Queen St. The restaurant has... more travel advice

Myers Park - Auckland Myers Park Things to Do (3)

Myers park is a nice place for a bit of peace and quiet in the midst of the hussle and bussle of central Auckland.... more travel advice

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