AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND
By Lisa Agnew
Auckland, New Zealand, is not the city it once was. Situated on an
isthmus between the body of the North Island and what is known
as Northland, it has grown into the country’s cosmopolitan hub
and one of the most geographically spread-out cities in the world.
With a population of just over a million, Auckland has the verve
and energy of any large city, yet with a certain South Pacific flavour.
A high percentage of Polynesian residents give various suburbs
within the city a distinctly tropical feel, as it is indeed the largest
Polynesian city in the world, playing host to festivals, which take
place throughout the Southern Hemisphere summer, and regular
Sunday markets that offer a profusion of Polynesian food, clothing
and curios. This diversity of culture goes to prove that it is indeed
possible for all creeds to live together relatively happily, as
English, Dutch, Maori, Pacific Islanders, Indians, Chinese,
pakeha (white New Zealanders) and minorities of several other
different cultures all co-exist in close proximity.
AUCKLAND HARBOUR
The harbour area is another defining aspect of Auckland, its
flowing soul, studded with many islets and constantly alive with
water traffic. A ferry trip to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf is
one of the best ways to experience this body of water, as the
island is a popular destination for those who seek to partake of
the island’s wine trail or quieter coastal beaches. Because of its
position trapped between two bodies of water, the quality of light
in Auckland is infused with a bold clarity, casting everything in
vivid tropical splashes of colour.
WHEN TO VISIT AUCKLAND
If the sun is out, you will definitely need sunglasses and skin
protection. However, the winter months can be a little chilly, even
though Auckland's climate is defined as semi-tropical. The
weather can be fickle, although snow is unknown this far north
(you will have to go to at least the middle of the North Island for
any winter skiing).
For those wanting to escape the bustle of the inner city, Auckland
overflows with parks, beaches and scenic outlooks. The
Waitakere Ranges are bush-clad hills in Auckland's western
suburbs, offering mostly easy walks through the native flora as
well as uniquely rugged black sand coastline, a remnant of
Auckland‘s volcanic past. Rangitoto, an extinct volcanic island
icon situated in Auckland's main harbour, also offers an
opportunity to go walking, but the climb to its summit is steep and
rocky, so is not recommended for everyone. If you come in
summer, the Pohutakawa trees will probably be in flower. This
coastal native tree lives to a ripe old age and can be seen at
various locales around the city virtually clinging onto a cliff-face
with knarled, ancient roots. The bright red cone-shaped flower
looks a little like a Christmas decoration and, with their
appearance coinciding with the Christmas season, the tree has
been dubbed the New Zealand Christmas tree.
GETTING TO AUCKLAND
Getting to Auckland is simplicity itself, as the city acts as the
gateway to New Zealand and is the country's most cosmopolitan
center. The food is authentically international, with Chinese,
Italian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Turkish, Arabian, Pacific
Is and Mongolian food all on offer, as well as dishes suited to the
less adventurous palette. Restaurants are ubiquitous, although
you will find more in some areas than in others (city centre,
Parnell, Newmarket, Devonport and the Eastern Bays are all good
areas in which to seek a sublime gastronomic experience). After
your meal, you could explore the Eastern Bays, a necklace of
picturesque beaches which make for fantastic moonlight strolling.
Auckland tends to be quite safe for any kind of after-dinner activity
but, as with anywhere, do please employ common sense. The
opportunistic thief is just as likely to strike in Auckland as in New
York or London. Further on from the Eastern Bays is the
Pohutekawa Coast, an area of coastal settlements and rolling
farms. There, during business hours, one can find various well-
made crafts and New Age trinkets, most made either by local
craftsmen or imported from a little further down country. Further
south is the rolling hill country which stood in for the Shire in the
film version of Lord of the Rings. Visitors can still see Hobbiton
recreated there, although the film’s set has been removed.
With a population of a little over 4 million people (and several
more million sheep!), Kiwis (the nickname for someone from
New Zealand) have long had to endure a myriad of jokes at the
expense of their livestock (via a brand of humour usually
perpetrated by Australians, with whom there is something of a
love/hate relationship). Yet the truth is that the country's dearth of
people is both a blessing and a curse. The city does not suffer
from over-crowding (although, if you happen to be at the Sky City
Casino in Auckland on New Year's Eve, you might want to argue
that point. The Sky City complex, at the corner of Victoria and
Federal Streets, is home to the tallest tower in the Southern
Hemisphere which, at 328 metres, offers breath-taking views for
more than 80 kilometers in every direction). It is still relatively
pristine, and good management of tourist numbers will help it
remain so. The infrastructures, whilst mostly world-class, do
suffer from under-utilisation and under-funding. As a result, most
Aucklanders rely on their cars for transport, and the city boasts an
excellent motorway system.
Auckland can now take its place as a vibrant international
destination to be enjoyed by all who utilise the long-distance
airline carriers or opulent cruise ships that regularly call into its
ports.
By Lisa Agnew
Auckland, New Zealand, is not the city it once was. Situated on an
isthmus between the body of the North Island and what is known
as Northland, it has grown into the country’s cosmopolitan hub
and one of the most geographically spread-out cities in the world.
With a population of just over a million, Auckland has the verve
and energy of any large city, yet with a certain South Pacific flavour.
A high percentage of Polynesian residents give various suburbs
within the city a distinctly tropical feel, as it is indeed the largest
Polynesian city in the world, playing host to festivals, which take
place throughout the Southern Hemisphere summer, and regular
Sunday markets that offer a profusion of Polynesian food, clothing
and curios. This diversity of culture goes to prove that it is indeed
possible for all creeds to live together relatively happily, as
English, Dutch, Maori, Pacific Islanders, Indians, Chinese,
pakeha (white New Zealanders) and minorities of several other
different cultures all co-exist in close proximity.
AUCKLAND HARBOUR
The harbour area is another defining aspect of Auckland, its
flowing soul, studded with many islets and constantly alive with
water traffic. A ferry trip to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf is
one of the best ways to experience this body of water, as the
island is a popular destination for those who seek to partake of
the island’s wine trail or quieter coastal beaches. Because of its
position trapped between two bodies of water, the quality of light
in Auckland is infused with a bold clarity, casting everything in
vivid tropical splashes of colour.
WHEN TO VISIT AUCKLAND
If the sun is out, you will definitely need sunglasses and skin
protection. However, the winter months can be a little chilly, even
though Auckland's climate is defined as semi-tropical. The
weather can be fickle, although snow is unknown this far north
(you will have to go to at least the middle of the North Island for
any winter skiing).
For those wanting to escape the bustle of the inner city, Auckland
overflows with parks, beaches and scenic outlooks. The
Waitakere Ranges are bush-clad hills in Auckland's western
suburbs, offering mostly easy walks through the native flora as
well as uniquely rugged black sand coastline, a remnant of
Auckland‘s volcanic past. Rangitoto, an extinct volcanic island
icon situated in Auckland's main harbour, also offers an
opportunity to go walking, but the climb to its summit is steep and
rocky, so is not recommended for everyone. If you come in
summer, the Pohutakawa trees will probably be in flower. This
coastal native tree lives to a ripe old age and can be seen at
various locales around the city virtually clinging onto a cliff-face
with knarled, ancient roots. The bright red cone-shaped flower
looks a little like a Christmas decoration and, with their
appearance coinciding with the Christmas season, the tree has
been dubbed the New Zealand Christmas tree.
GETTING TO AUCKLAND
Getting to Auckland is simplicity itself, as the city acts as the
gateway to New Zealand and is the country's most cosmopolitan
center. The food is authentically international, with Chinese,
Italian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Turkish, Arabian, Pacific
Is and Mongolian food all on offer, as well as dishes suited to the
less adventurous palette. Restaurants are ubiquitous, although
you will find more in some areas than in others (city centre,
Parnell, Newmarket, Devonport and the Eastern Bays are all good
areas in which to seek a sublime gastronomic experience). After
your meal, you could explore the Eastern Bays, a necklace of
picturesque beaches which make for fantastic moonlight strolling.
Auckland tends to be quite safe for any kind of after-dinner activity
but, as with anywhere, do please employ common sense. The
opportunistic thief is just as likely to strike in Auckland as in New
York or London. Further on from the Eastern Bays is the
Pohutekawa Coast, an area of coastal settlements and rolling
farms. There, during business hours, one can find various well-
made crafts and New Age trinkets, most made either by local
craftsmen or imported from a little further down country. Further
south is the rolling hill country which stood in for the Shire in the
film version of Lord of the Rings. Visitors can still see Hobbiton
recreated there, although the film’s set has been removed.
With a population of a little over 4 million people (and several
more million sheep!), Kiwis (the nickname for someone from
New Zealand) have long had to endure a myriad of jokes at the
expense of their livestock (via a brand of humour usually
perpetrated by Australians, with whom there is something of a
love/hate relationship). Yet the truth is that the country's dearth of
people is both a blessing and a curse. The city does not suffer
from over-crowding (although, if you happen to be at the Sky City
Casino in Auckland on New Year's Eve, you might want to argue
that point. The Sky City complex, at the corner of Victoria and
Federal Streets, is home to the tallest tower in the Southern
Hemisphere which, at 328 metres, offers breath-taking views for
more than 80 kilometers in every direction). It is still relatively
pristine, and good management of tourist numbers will help it
remain so. The infrastructures, whilst mostly world-class, do
suffer from under-utilisation and under-funding. As a result, most
Aucklanders rely on their cars for transport, and the city boasts an
excellent motorway system.
Auckland can now take its place as a vibrant international
destination to be enjoyed by all who utilise the long-distance
airline carriers or opulent cruise ships that regularly call into its
ports.
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