Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Auckland
09 / POP 1.42 MILLION
Why Go?
Paris may be the city of love, but Auckland is the city of many lovers, according to its
Maori name, Tamaki Makaurau. Those lovers so desired this place that they fought over it
for centuries.
It's hard to imagine a more geographically blessed city. Its two harbours frame a narrow
isthmus punctuated by volcanic cones and surrounded by fertile farmland. From any of its
numerous vantage points you'll be surprised how close the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean
come to kissing and forming a new island.
Whether it's the ruggedly beautiful west-coast surf beaches, or the glistening Hauraki
Gulf with its myriad islands, the water's never far away. And within an hour's drive from
the city's high-rise heart, there are dense tracts of rainforest, thermal springs, wineries and
wildlife reserves. No wonder Auckland is regularly rated one of the world's top cities for
quality of life and liveability.
When to Go
»
Auckland has a mild climate, with the occasional chilly frost in winter and high humidity
in summer.
»
Summer months have an average of eight days of rain, but the weather is famously
fickle, with 'four seasons in one day' possible at any time of the year.
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If you're after a big-city buzz, don't come between Christmas and New Year, when
Aucklanders desert the city for the beach en masse; the sights remain open but many cafes
and restaurants close, some not surfacing again until well into January.
Best Places to Eat
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Depot (
Click here
)
»
Ima (
Click here
)
