Auckland Tourist Information and Tourism

(Auckland, North Island, New Zealand NZ)



Auckland Information and TourismAuckland is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant city and is situated on the North Island. With a magnificent coastal location, Auckland lies next to the Hauraki Gulf and contains many scenic bays and harbours, including both the Waitemata and Viaduct Harbours - trendy waterfront areas located next to the city centre, famous for playing a part in the America's Cup yachting regatta.

One of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand, Auckland is known for its popular sailing, earning it the nickname 'City of Sails'. There are more than 100 beaches within an hours' drive from central Auckland and the majority of beaches here are generally categorised by area, being known either simply as the East, West or North beaches.

Located on the corner of Federal Street and Victoria Street, the official Auckland Visitors Centre resides in the Sky Tower Atrium and dispenses useful tourism advice. Further tourist information is available at the NZ Visitors Centre on Quay Street, as well as at the visitor centres within both the domestic and international airports. At the Takapuna Tourist Centre on Hurstmere Road is information about the less touristy attractions on the North Shore. There are also good tourism outlets based at the nearby Great Barrier Island, the Waiheke Island and the Waitakere Ranges.





Auckland Information and TourismThe most popular hotels options in Auckland can be found in Mount Eden, Parnell and the Devonport districts, and also along Hobson Street, Princes Street, Quay Street and Queens Street, which contain many mid-range hotels and luxury accommodation options with exceptional facilities. There are also some reliable budget choices situated in the city centre, suiting Auckland backpackers and residing on roads such as Fort Street, Greys Avenue, Liverpool Street, Queen Street, Turner Street and Vincent Street, within the inner suburbs. More information about Auckland Hotels and Accommodation.

Auckland is home to countless outstanding tourist attractions and some of the most popular include the Sky Tower - one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and the tallest building in New Zealand, built in 1997; the Town Hall - dating back to the early 20th century and featuring striking Italian-style architecture; Acacia Cottage - a historic wooden house, famous for being amongst the North Island's oldest buildings; the Harbour Bridge - connecting the city to the North Shore, crossing Waitemata Harbour; Highwic House - built in the mid-19th century and full of period features; the University of Auckland - created in 1883 and now home to over 30,000 students; Saint Patrick's Cathedral - a Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to the 1880s; the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity - a large Anglican church, hosting many seasonal events; and the Anglican Cathedral Church of St. Mary - widely regarded as one of the finest examples of a Gothic-style wooden church in the world. More information about Auckland Tourist Attractions and Auckland Landmarks.

Auckland Information and TourismAuckland also has many excellent museums, filled with interesting information about this popular region of the North Island. Major cultural highlights in this area include the Auckland War Memorial Museum - the city's premier museum, housing a wealth of historic artefacts from throughout New Zealand; the acclaimed New Zealand National Maritime Museum - containing a diverse collection of maritime memorabilia; the Navy Museum - home to a large collection relating to the country's rich naval heritage; the Museum of Transport, Technology and Social History (MOTAT) - full of historic exhibits, including vintage cars, trams and planes; the Auckland Art Gallery - with an exceptional permanent collection of paintings from all over the world, housed in a beautiful Victorian building; and the Compendium Art Gallery - specialising in local New Zealand paintings, sculptures and handicrafts. More information about Auckland Museums and Auckland Art Galleries.

Attractions nearby Auckland include many districts, suburbs and small towns. Close by you will find more than 20 vast regional parks, administered by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC). Other areas of particular interest nearby include Devonport - located on the outskirts, at the end of the North Shore Peninsula; West of Auckland - home to a dramatic landscape, with many coastal areas, popular surfing conditions and more than 100 walking / tramping trails; and the magnificent Hauraki Gulf Islands - comprising around 50 islands, including the Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands, Waiheke Island, the Great Barrier Island, Motuihe Island and Tiritiri Matangi Island.

The North Island area of New Zealand contains a huge number of highly regarded vineyards, wineries, breweries and hop fields, many of which are within easy reach. Famous throughout New Zealand, these vineyards produce a host of different leading wines and are particularly concentrated in Matakana, to the north of Auckland, the Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, and some areas of West Auckland, such as Kumeu and the stunning Henderson Valley.

Auckland, the largest city on New Zealand's North Island, is a vibrant place to visit at any time of the year and with over 100 stunning beaches, many exceptional walking / tramping trails, and an average of seven to eight hours of sunny weather each single day, it is hardly surprising that this enticing holiday destination attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world.

More Auckland Information / Fast Facts and Orientation