In the lower part of this region you'll find Auckland, New Zealand's biggest and most populated city. Almost completely surrounded by water, the aptly-named 'City of Sails' is a thriving multicultural metropolis. It is a city of a million people of all nationalities, but you are never far from nature or excitement.
A short ferry journey away is Waiheke Island, with fantastic wineries, cafes, local art, and a relaxed pace of lifestyle.
As you travel further north, you'll find that you are never far from the ocean. The west coast is untamed, with black sand beaches and wild surf. On the east coast, by contrast you'll find sheltered white sand beaches with rolling sand dunes, and plenty of private havens.
The love affair with Auckland spans a thousand years. Maori called this land ‘Tamaki makau rau’, a maiden with 100 lovers. It was a place desired by all, fought over for the riches and beauty of its terrain, an enchanting stretch of land lorded over by 48 volcanoes, bound by harbours and the idyllic islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
Today Auckland is still loved and desired by all who visit.
Its natural beauty is astonishing – a cloak of verdant green peaks and forests, sparkling blue waters, shimmering golden sands, surrounding a glittering silver cityscape.
Auckland is cosmopolitan and cultured, with museums and art galleries, thousands of restaurants and cafes; animated with diverse languages and ethnicities.
Auckland is stylish, with a sharp eye for fashion, art, fine wine and cuisine; and sporty, with a passion for the ocean that has earned it the nickname; ‘City of Sails’.
At night, Auckland shines, in a sea of city lights and buzzing restaurants and theatres.
It is New Zealand’s largest city, and more than one million people call it home. It’s guaranteed you, too, will fall in love with Auckland.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
1.4 million, New Zealand’s largest city |
| Climate: |
November to April 18-25 ºC, May to November 12-17 ºC |
| Cultural Mix: |
Largest Polynesian City in the world. 13% Pacific Island, 12% Maori, 61% European |
| Famous For: |
Three harbours: Waitemata, Manukau and Kaipara
Forty-Eight: Volcanic Cones
Two mountain ranges: Waitakere and Hunua
The Hauraki Gulf: with more than 50 sub tropical islands |
| Transport: |
Auckland International Airport: New Zealand’s largest and busiest airport
Getting from the Airport to City
Auckland International Airport is a 21Km for the city centre
Taxi: The airport to city taxi fare is approximately $50NZ. Ranks are situated at the western side of the International Terminal.
Airbus: Airport to major city hotels. Departs every 20 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes during the evening from the front of the terminal. Adult fare one-way $13.00 return $22.00 |
Northland is unique. No other region in New Zealand offers so many exciting, diverse and easily accessible visitor experiences, all set in a superb, natural sub-tropical environment.
‘Northland Naturally’ is our regional theme and it introduces you to a Northland that is beautiful, unspoiled and wonderfully rich in history and culture.
‘Northland Naturally – First Region of New Zealand’, expresses a dynamic combination of natural resources joined with the warmth, spirit and determination of a proud and resourceful people.
With numerous islands and a myriad of secluded beaches, ancient kauri forests and lush native bush, every bay, shore and forest has a story to tell. It has to be seen to be believed.
The culture, history and natural maritime beauty of the region are matched with world-class recreational facilities and accommodation, including breathtakingly positioned coastal lodges. You can enjoy fine Northland harvested food and wine, award winning arts and crafts and internationally renowned fishing, diving and boating right across the region.
Quick Facts
| Category |
Details |
| Population: |
The region has a population base of more that 140,000, spread through cities, towns and communities on a land area of 13,800 square km. |
| Climate: |
Northland is a sub tropical climate zone, with warm humid summers and mild winters. A typical summer has long spells of sunshine with warm balmy evenings. January and February are the hottest months. Winters are mild. Summer high temp average 24ºC or 75ºF and winter low average 7ºC or 45ºF. |
| Cultural Mix: |
The Polynesian explorer, Kupe, made the first landfall on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour and many Northland tribes people trace their ancestry back to him.
The eighteenth century saw the arrival of European migrants from England, France, Scotland, Dalmatia, Ireland and Wales to establish missions here or work in the kauri industry and agriculture. |
| Famous For: |
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds – signing of the treaty
- Russell – 1st Capital of NZ
- Kauri Forests – largest, oldest trees
- Hokianga - arrival of Kupe
- Cape Reinga – departing point for spirits
- 90 Mile Beach
- Bay of Islands - Hole in the Rock, 144 islands, aquatic paradise, Stone Store, Kerikeri Mission Station, arts, crafts, fruit
- Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa
- Poor Knights Islands – world renowned diving
- Kauri Cliffs Golf
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| Transport: |
Northland is perfectly suited to self-drive holidays. The traffic is light and the roads are well maintained. For those who don’t wish to drive themselves, major coach companies serve the entire Northland region, providing links to all centres.
There are three Northland airports, situated in Whangarei, Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) and Kaitaia. Air New Zealand operates regular flights to and from Auckland. Charter flights are available by arrangement with several companies. |
| The people: |
Musicians
Kiri Te Kanawa, Keith Urban, Nesian Mystik
Artists
Ralph Hotere, Milan Mrkusich, Chris Booth, Virginia King, Robyn Kahukiwa, Cliff Whiting, Richard Parker, Manos Nathan
Poets/Writers
Hone Tuwhare, Glen Colquhoun, Briar Wood
Chefs
Paul Jobin (Pure Tastes), Brenton Lowe (a Deco) |