About Auckland City

Auckland is New Zealand’s commercial hub. It’s also the largest Polynesian city in the world and the most multi-cultural, with over 180 different ethnic groups. Auckland is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities, ranking third in the 2017 Quality of Living survey conducted annually by the global HR consultants Mercer. It’s held that slot since 2012. A similar survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Auckland 9th of 140 cities.

The region is a food-lovers’ paradise, with trendy cafes, ethnic eateries and award-winning restaurants. Being located between two harbours, fresh seafood is an Auckland speciality, and the region also features a range of vineyards and olive groves.

Aucklanders can choose between a sophisticated urban lifestyle, living in the suburbs or moving a short distance to the countryside to live on a lifestyle block surrounded by farmland and native bush.

Over 1.4 million people live in Auckland - around a third of New Zealand’s population. It’s the region of choice for over half of new migrants attracted by a good climate, stunning natural environment with beautiful harbours, beaches, and parks and its vibrant, cosmopolitan centre. As the largest City on the North Island, Auckland is an international city that is welcoming and safe.

The close proximity to Manukau and the North Shore mean that the attractions within the regions are all easily accessible.

Within the Region

• Rangitoto Island. A dormant volcano not far from downtown Auckland accessible by kayak, boat or ferry. Walk up the old lava flows to the summit for spectacular views across the harbour and back to the city.
• The Coast to Coast Walkway. Crosses New Zealand's narrowest neck of land. Start in Viaduct Harbour on Auckland’s east coast and travel west through urban landscapes, beautiful parklands and over dormant volcanoes to finish 16km later at Manukau Harbour.
• Beaches. Lots. East coast beaches – golden sand, west coast beaches - rugged black-sand surf beaches
• Waiheke Island. Beautiful island beaches and some 30 wineries, all a 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
• Kelly Tarlton’s SEALIFE Aquarium. As well as the world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons, this hosts the biggest species of stingray on the globe
• Auckland Museum. Discover more than 1000 Maori taonga (treasures) at the largest collection in New Zealand (and the world).
• Great Barrier Island. The first island in the world to be designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary – joining only two other locations. The island is off the grid and with minimal outdoor lighting.
• The Pasifika Festival. An annual event exploring the authentic villages representing different Pacific Island nations.
• Regional Parks. Auckland has 26 regional parks. Find the perfect picnic spot, book one of the popular BBQ sites, take a walk through the forest, stroll along the coast or take a dip in the sea.