Oceania

Auckland City

The Auckland metropolitan area in the North Island of New Zealand is the major and most populous urban area in the country with a population approaching 1.4 million residents, 31 percent of the country’s population. Demographic trends indicate that it will continue to grow faster than the rest of the country. Gradually more cosmopolitan, Auckland also has the largest Polynesian people of any city in the world, and has seen many people of Asian ethnicity move there in the last two decades. In Māori Auckland’s name is Tāmaki-makau-rau,

Auckland Cultures:

Many cultures are in Auckland. The majority of inhabitants claim European – predominantly British – descent, but substantial Maori, Pacific Islander and Asian communities exist as well. Auckland has the largest Polynesian people of any city in the world and a superior proportion of people of Asian origin than the rest of New Zealand. Ethnic groups from all corners of the world have a presence in Auckland, making it by far the country’s most multinational city.

Place to spot:

Auckland has many places to visit. Name of the popular places are:

Auckland Museum: The museum is open daily between 10am and 5pm. Admission is free however donations are highly respected. Location: The Auckland Public Domain. Ph: (09) 306 7067.

Auckland Zoo: Location: Motions Road, Western Springs. Ph: (09) 360 3800

Kelly Tarlton’s Antartic and Underwater World: Location: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei. Ph: (09) 528 0603

Mission Bay Beach: Location: Mission Bay Beach, Tamaki Drive.
Museum of Transport and Technology: Location: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs. Ph: (09) 846 0199.

Sky Tower: Location: Corner of Victoria and Federal St, Auckland Central. Ph: (09) 363 6000.

Victoria Park Market: Location: Victoria Street West, Auckland Central
Stardome Observatory: Location: One Tree Hill Domain, Manukau Rd, Epsom. Ph: (09) 624 1246

Accommodation of Auckland:

Auckland has a wide variety of hotels and accommodation available with pricing to match all budgets. From hotel rooms, apartments and backpacker style accommodation, Auckland has options to suit both luxury and budget travelers.

Duxton Hotel: Located within 10 minutes walking distance to the main business area.
Carlton Hotel: Located just five minutes’ walk from the main shopping area and Queen St.

Quay West Hotel: Located just 2 minutes walk to Queen St, Quay West offers an unrivalled location right in the central business district.

Ascott Metropolis Hotel: Renowned as New Zealand’s only all suite hotels, this landmark building offers deluxe suites right in the centre of town.

Crown Plaza Hotel: A very popular hotel located three minutes walk to Queen St as well as the convenience of being directly connected to the Atrium shopping complex.

Skycity Hotel: Located right in the centre of town, Sky city hotel offers spacious, newly appointed rooms with full hotel facilities

The Heritage Hotel: A boutique hotel located in a completely refurbished landmark building, approximately eight minutes walk from Queen St.