Auckland is the most likely arrival point for visitors from overseas. It is the largest, and probably the most daunting, city in New Zealand.

The population of Auckland – that is of the Auckland region, rather than merely Auckland city – is 1.4 million. Auckland city is the most populous city in the nation, and Auckland region is the most populous region in the nation. Auckland city contains 9% of the population of New Zealand and Auckland region contains 31% of the population of New Zealand .

One of the great attractions of Auckland is its natural beauty. In the centre of the city, one may not immediately notice this natural beauty, except for the fact that there seem to be quite a lot of hills to climb. A little exploration, however, will soon reveal, that, even from the centre of the largest city in the nation, one can just walk into beautiful countryside.

Auckland is on an isthmus. It has harbours on both east and west and is almost surrounded by sea. It likes to call itself the ‘City of Sails ' and is, indeed, a noted yachting centre. Beaches too are within easy reach.

Auckland also has 48 dormant (not extinct) volcanoes within its limits, and every one of them has erupted during the last 150,000 years. Most prominent is Mt. Eden , walking distance from the city centre.

The area around Auckland was first explored by Europeans in 1820, with first European habitation dating from 1833, when a saw mill was established in nearby Warkworth. Following the signing in 1840 of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maoris and Europeans, Captain William Hobson, Lieutenant Governor of New Zealand, established the nation's capital in Auckland and 500 Scottish settlers arrived here in 1842. Auckland remained the capital for twenty-five years.

Today 12% of Auckland 's population remains of Maori extraction, and a surprisingly large proportion of 11% is of Polynesian descent. Auckland claims to be the largest Polynesian city in the world, in fact. It also claims to have more boats per head of population than any other city in the world.

The city centre of Auckland runs around the shores of Waitemata Harbour and Queen Street the main street. Queen Street meets the harbour at the Ferry building where you can catch ferries to the islands and to Devonport.

Albert Park is between the University and the Auckland Art Gallery. The Domain is the main open area in the city centre.

South of Auckland is is Manukau City where you will find Rainbow's End theme park and the Auckland Botanic gardens. Waitakere City is a a scenic area with vineyards, bushwalks and beaches. North Shore City is north of the Auckland harbour bridge and includes the town of Devonport with it's Victorian villas, beaches and stylish shops. Parnell is the oldest suburb in Auckland with fashion boutiques, restaurants and heritage listed buildings.