When in Auckland
A trip to New Zealand is a most inspirational event and arriving in its capital provides a glimpse of everything these wonderful islands have to offer.
While it may not be as old as some areas of the world, such as Western Europe, Auckland is nonetheless steeped in history. Desired by all and conquered by many who visited it, Auckland was christened the city of 1,000 lovers by the Maori.
Samuel Marsden became the first known European to discover the Hauraki Gulf, where Auckland resides, after Captain James Cook missed the opportunity to visit the area when he charted the region in 1769. But before this, it was home to the Maori, with the majority of those currently spread around the South Seas claiming heritage from the city and surrounding area.
Auckland currently accounts for around a third of New Zealand's population and from the 500 Scottish settlers who made Auckland their home in 1842, the number of people living in the city has grown to 1.3 million today.
This is a wonderfully diverse and multicultural city, which has for centuries attracted travellers from around the world, who have been drawn to its beauty. While dominated by people of European descent, there is a growing Asian population and many Maori and Pacific islanders remain in Auckland.
Regularly voted one of the favourite and best lifestyle cities in the world, there is rarely a dull moment in this city, as the cosmopolitan and intriguing downtown is complemented by the wonderful and beautiful wide open spaces, including both beaches and parks. For those seeking adventure, Auckland offers everything from scenic helicopter tours of the city, to a climb up and over Auckland's historic Harbour Bridge.
The busy centre is complemented by the tranquillity offered by the gardens of Auckland, which are dotted around the city. On the west coast of the island, just 30 minutes from Auckland's business district, visitors can enjoy the simple pleasures of life with a cheap trip to the fantastic beaches. Many of these are stunning for the simple surprise that the sand is black, giving the beaches a surreal appearance against the blue sea. Not far from the rugged coast lies native rainforest, providing visitors with a taste of the tropics.
Not far from the shores surrounding Auckland lies Great Barrier Island, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the rugged terrain and get away from it all. The relaxing surroundings offer travellers the chance to either take life easy or take part in a variety of activities, from tours to more adventurous deeds such as mountain biking and sea kayaking. The island offers a glimpse of how New Zealand must have appeared to the first Europeans who arrived in the area: untouched, unspoilt and outstandingly beautiful.
For those interested in the Maori and their history, guided walks of Auckland are available, led by Maori descendents and offering a unique insight into their traditions and the island's colourful past.
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Introduction
