Auckland
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"The City of Sails"
Contents |
Introduction
Auckland (Tamaki Makaurau), with a population of 1.2 million, is the largest city in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the main arrival point for travellers flying into the country. Ethnically diverse, Auckland is also the world's biggest Polynesian city. It is built on volcanic cones and between natural harbours.
Regions
Auckland is composed of four "cities":
- Auckland City - comprising the city centre and surrounding suburbs
- The North Shore - over the Harbour Bridge
- Manukau - South Auckland, known for its Pacific population
- Waitakere - West Auckland, known for bush, beaches, and "Westies"!
There are also a number of islands in the Hauraki Gulf including populous Waiheke.
Climate and Weather
Auckland is notorious for "four seasons in one day" weather. Rain tends to be fleeting or intermittent rather than sets in, so don't be discouraged by a shower! Particularly in summer, it can also become humid.
The risk of sunburn can be high, even with cloud cover, so make sure you wear sunblock during the summer months.
Attractions
- General & Tourist
- Auckland Zoo
- Sky tower
- Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World
- Waiwera thermal reserve and slides
- Auckland Zoo
- Outdoors
- Surf beaches of Muriwai and Piha
- Tiri Tiri Matangi Island - wildlife reserve
- West Auckland bush
- Woodhill Forest for mountain-biking
- Rangitoto Island
- Auckland's volcanoes
- Surf beaches of Muriwai and Piha
- Shopping & Cafes
- Fashion shopping in Newmarket
- Ponsonby Road's cafes and restaurants
- Eclectic shops on K Road
- Fashion shopping in Newmarket
- Thrillseeking
- Harbour Bridge Climb
- Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump
- Skytower Jump
- Harbour Bridge Climb
- Museums & Galleries
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Maritime Museum
- Auckland City Art Gallery
- MOTAT
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Scenic
- Harbour cruises
- Devonport
- Harbour cruises
- GLBT
- K Road nightclubs
- Ponsonby Road
- Hero Festival (February)
- K Road nightclubs
- Cultural
- South Auckland's Otara markets (Saturdays)
- South Auckland's Otara markets (Saturdays)
- Events
- Free Summer concerts
- National and international rugby, cricket, netball, tennis etc.
- Easter Show
- Chinese Lantern Festival
- Grey Lynn Park Festival (November)
- Round the Bays 8.5km Fun Run/Walk (March)
- Big Day Out (January)
- Free Summer concerts
Transport
From the Airport
The Airport is quite isolated and in Manukau, so it is difficult to exit without paying for transport. Trying to hitch is usually unsuccessful.
Door-to-door shuttles are available, and more economical than taxies. The price varies according to regional destination, and can be up to $40NZD.
There is a regular Airbus service running between the Airport and city centre every 20 minutes, or every 30 minutes after 6pm. It costs about $13-15 one way, or around $20 return.
Arriving By Bus
Travellers coming north into Auckland by inter-city coach will usually be able to disembark at main stops at Manukau and by the Skytower in the city centre.
Public Transport
Auckland's public transport includes buses, ferries and trains, and it is not difficult to get around the city without a private car. You can get day and three-day passes which will save you money. There is also a useful journey planner available at Maxx, which will help with finding routes. Most public transport is available between 7am and 11pm. For Friday and Saturday partygoers, the NiteRider bus service leaves the inner city for the suburbs at 2am and 3am for a flat-rate fare.
Couch Surfing
As at December '06, there are over 300 members in Auckland, half of whom are active
Meetings
There have been Couchsurfing meetings in "Lenin bar" in the Viaduct.
Guides
(Aucklanders - add yourselves here if you'd like to be a guide for CouchSurfers arriving in the city)
Tips
Make sure your host gives you good directions on getting to their place, particularly if you are arriving via public transport. You can also generate and print maps from Wises or Smaps.
Auckland's attractions are spread out, so don't discount hosts who don't live in the city centre. Different suburbs have different characters, and many have their own shops, cafes and bars. Ask your host about his or her area.
If planning to stay with a student, be aware that the university semesters are March-June and July-November, with exams at the end of each. Both universities are in the city centre.
Free & Useful
Auckland International Airport has a free internet spot with three computers available - on your left as you exit the luggage chains and are ready to head out.
Auckland has a Freecycle group (offering and requesting items to keep them out of landfills) here
- This article is a stub. You can help by expanding it.wikitravel:Auckland
