Introducing Auckland
Auckland’s a city of volcanoes, with the ridges of lava flows forming its main thoroughfares and its many cones providing islands of green within the sea of suburbs. As well as being by far the largest, it’s the most multicultural of NZ’s cities. A sizable Asian community rubs shoulders with the biggest Polynesian population of any city in the world.
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The traditional Kiwi aspiration for a freestanding house on a quarter-acre section has resulted in a vast, sprawling city. The CBD was long ago abandoned to commerce, and inner-city apartment living has only just started to catch on. While geography has been kind, city planning has been less so. Unbridled and ill-conceived development has left the centre of the city with some architectural embarrassments. To get under Auckland’s skin you’re best to head for the rows of Victorian and Edwardian villas in its hip inner-city suburbs.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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New Zealand’s other adventure capital
14 January 2012
As the home of bungee jumping and jet boating, New Zealand has long been a mecca for thrill-seeking travellers. Adrenaline...
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Top 10 things to throw yourself off
13 September 2011
Have you had a good plummet lately? No? Well, if you’d like to add an adrenaline rush and an element...
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A guide to New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup (for non-rugby fans too)
16 July 2011
By Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater, Lonely Planet authors If you’re travelling around New Zealand in September and October 2011...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Major Festivals & Events in NZ
by moonflower78 14 September 2011
What time of year are you travelling? What kinds of festivals do you like? (e.g. music - a particular type? food, art, etc?) big day…
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RE: Air Asia Fares
by westwood 14 September 2011
We flew many times with Royal Brunei to Bkk from Auckland because we were able to get child fares for the billy lid till he was 17. Big…
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4 days near Auckland in September - Coromandel?
by SydneyRose2011 14 September 2011
Hi all, My boyfriend and I are flying into Auckland in a couple of weeks for one of the world cup matches. We dont want to stay in Auckla…
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Our favourite Auckland Blogs (beta)
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New Zealand Tour, 17th october to 25th October 2011, Northland, Auckland and Surrounds a Rugby World Cup Final, The Emirates A380 all the way from Auckland to Manchester.
Blog: Midwife Moira's Travel Blog. With Emirates Cabin Crew on the side. - 12 January 2012
Into our final week of our Rugby Tour it was time to head North. The SH 1 North was a good road, in no time at all we left the sprawl of Auckland, through the charming beach resort of Orewa and into the town of Whangarei. Heare we loaded up with food, wine & beer. As we had made good time we pushed on to the seaside town of Ahipara. The famous Ninety Mile Beach runs from the town of Ahipara to almost the top of the island. Ahipara’s other claim to fame is that it featured in the classic surfing film, ‘Endless Summer’.
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New Zealand Tour. 13th to 17th October 2011. Whangamata, Auckland and Rugby Semi Finals.
Blog: Midwife Moira's Travel Blog. With Emirates Cabin Crew on the side. - 11 January 2012
Today, sick of the rain, our objective was to seek some sun. The weather forecast said that the Whangamata Cost was fine, so that’s where we went. Whangamata reminded me of the Natal South Coast, (South Africa) in the winter. It was a sleepy, laid back, surfing and finishing town. The beach was idyllic, a long strip of white sand. The surf breaks are good, but at the same time the sea is safe for swimming in. It was a relaxed, laid back, beach community. Perfect for a family holiday.
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New Zealand Tour, England V Scotland Game RWC 2011, Shame on you English Rugby Squad!
Blog: Midwife Moira's Travel Blog. With Emirates Cabin Crew on the side. - 14 December 2011
It only took about 3 hours to drive from the peaceful town of Kawhia to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.
