Auckland Region

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Introducing Auckland Region

Paris may be the city of love, but Auckland is the city of many lovers, according to its Maori name, Tamaki Makaurau. In fact, her lovers so desired this beautiful place that they fought over her for centuries.

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It’s hard to imagine a more geographically blessed city. Its two magnificent harbours frame a narrow isthmus punctuated by volcanic cones and surrounded by fertile farmland. From any of its numerous vantage points you’ll be astounded at how close the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean come to kissing and forming a new island.

As a result, water’s never far away – whether it’s the ruggedly beautiful west-coast surf beaches or the glistening Hauraki Gulf with its myriad islands. The 135, 000 pleasure crafts filling Auckland’s marinas have lent the city its most durable nickname: the ‘City of Sails’.

Within an hour’s drive from the high-rise heart of the city are dense tracts of rainforest, thermal springs, deserted beaches, wineries and wildlife reserves. Yet big-city comforts have spread to all corners of the Auckland Region: a decent coffee or chardonnay is usually close at hand.

Yet the rest of the country loves to hate it, tut-tutting about its traffic snarls and the supposed self-obsession of the quarter of the country’s population that call it home. With its many riches, Auckland can justifiably respond to its detractors, ‘Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful’.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. newzealandtravel avatar
    Re: 5 free days to fill with adventure in Auckland region on a budget

    by newzealandtravel 01 August 2011

    Why are you relying on public transport? If you know where to look you could rent a car for around $NZ150 plus petrol for, say 700km …
  2. OurOyster avatar
    RE: 5 free days to fill with adventure in Auckland region on a budget

    by OurOyster 28 July 2011

    The Coromandel is really good for adventure travel. Not sure how the weather would be though as it will be my first winter here! Another…
  3. Bestbet avatar
    Re: 5 free days to fill with adventure in Auckland region on a budget

    by Bestbet 28 July 2011

    Woodhill forest about 50k west of auckland has a pretty good mtn bike park, costs are $30 for bike and gear hire for an hour then $5 every…

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