AUCKLAND INFORMATION

Auckland is New Zealand's largest urban area with a population of just over a million people. Auckland is the centre of commerce and industry, and is perhaps the most vibrant, bustling multicultural city in New Zealand and is the biggest Polynesian city in the world. This cultural influence is reflected in many different aspects of city life.

Auckland City is, together with its neighbouring cities, part of the Greater Auckland area. As the term 'Auckland' may refer to the local authority alone, to the whole metropolitan area, or even to the broader region, this may lead to ambiguity, since people from other parts of New Zealand or from overseas often do not draw any distinction.

Auckland's population, as the largest and most cosmopolitan city of New Zealand, is made up of 185 ethnic groups.

Maori people are first thought to have settled in the Auckland region approximately 650 years ago. Auckland would seem to have been a highly sought after area due to its rich and fertile land. The name given by the early Maori for the area, 'Tamaki', meaning 'battle', would seem to confirm this. The city's landscape is dominated by volcanic hills, the twin harbours, bays, beaches and islands. Its nickname 'the city of sails' is very apt. Auckland has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Tamaki-makau-rau ( in Maori for Auckland) is dotted with volcanic hills, many of which were once the site of Maori pas, or fortified villages, and which currently afford great views of the city. Auckland lies between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, and its geography is such that glistening waters seem to beckon from every point.

It is a water lover's paradise, with some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and watersports in the country.