Starting off in Auckland Instead?!

Due to it being the off season in New Zealand, because of their winter we have decided to start our adventure in Auckland. There are more employment opportunities in the off season as well as more selection of flats for rent. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and the population is roughly 1,000,000. Here is some information on Auckland:

About Auckland

Auckland's waterside location has fostered the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails".

Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Two of the best island getaways are Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island.
Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences.

Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. Discover for yourself why it is one of New Zealand's best destinations.

History and Culture

Auckland has been captivating to passing travellers for 800 years. New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori, called this land "Tamaki Makau Rau", a maiden with 100 lovers. It was a place desired by many and fought over for its riches, including its forested hills, productive volcanic soils and harbours full of seafood.

The first sailors to settle here were the Maori, and in later years migrants from the Pacific Islands have contributed to the Polynesian population. You can take a walk through the city with a guide from the local iwi (tribe), visit the Auckland Museum, or wander through the weekend markets at Otara and Avondale for the flavours, sounds and sights of the South Pacific. In the city centre, Auckland’s recent popularity has an international education destination has seen an explosion of ethnic restaurants and shops, especially Asian-style eateries.

People and Personalities

Modern day Auckland stretches from the town of Wellsford in the north, to the rolling Bombay Hills in the south. It is surrounded by three harbours – the Waitemata, the Manukau and the Kaipara, New Zealand’s largest. Administratively, it is divided into four cities (Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere) and three districts (Franklin, Rodney and Papakura).

From the first Maori waka and colonial ships, Auckland has attracted immigrants. By the 1890s, it had a cosmopolitan flavour, with dozens of languages heard in the bustling streets and new inhabitants from Europe, China and India. This theme continued throughout the 20th century, particularly in the 1950s when the population was boosted by the post war ‘baby boom’. Many European immigrants were attracted from countries such as Hungary, Holland and Yugoslavia; bringing Auckland more cosmopolitan tastes and its first proper restaurants. Many rural people relocated to seek work in the ‘bright lights’ of the city, and large numbers of Maori migrated to Auckland.

Today, Auckland is the world’s largest Polynesian city. Around 63% of its residents are of European descent, 11% are Maori, 13% are of Pacific Island descent and there is a growing Asian population of around 12%. In the city centre, Auckland’s growing popularity as an international education destination has seen an explosion of ethnic restaurants and shops.

Cosmopolitan and Cultural

Auckland has perfected the style of cuisine called “Pacific Rim”, blending Asian and Pacific flavours. Seafood features prominently on Auckland restaurant menus. Try New Zealand greenlipped mussels, succulent Clevedon Coast oysters or the local lamb or venison. The historic inner city suburbs of Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Parnell offer dozens of dining options, or try a waterfront restaurant in the Viaduct Harbour or Mission Bay. A steaming parcel of fish and chips is best eaten at a peaceful beach or bay. Another quick picnic idea is some fresh bread and a selection of cheese from the Puhoi Valley, north of the city.

To go with the food, Auckland produces a number of award-winning wines from its 80-plus vineyards. Wine making has thrived in Auckland since the early 1900s. Waiheke Island is famous for its reds, the west and north-west of Auckland is home to some of New Zealand’s oldest wineries, while Clevedon to the south and Matakana to the north are newer grape-growing districts attracting attention. Look for admired Auckland labels such as Kumeu River, Stonyridge and Matua Valley. Some of the larger vineyards have very good restaurants offering dining among the grapes.

After dinner, there are plenty of options for enjoying Auckland’s nightlife. Lively bars and pubs – many of which also serve food - can be found all over the central city, while the big dance clubs are centred on Karangahape Road, known locally as K Rd. The city’s casino is located in the Sky City complex, which also has bars, restaurants and a hotel. Live music and theatre can be found in large venues such as the Aotea Centre, the Bruce Mason Theatre and Sky City Theatre. The Civic Theatre in Queen St has recently been restored to its art nouveau glory. Another historic venue is The Pumphouse, an old brick water pumphouse constructed in 1894 on the edge of Lake Pupuke on the North Shore. Other smaller theatres are scattered through the central city and outer suburbs.

Visual arts are on show at the city’s numerous galleries, the largest of which are the Auckland Art Gallery and its neighbour the New Gallery, which focuses on modern art. There are numerous private galleries in the city centre. Artists enclaves, where you can visit the artists in their home studios, can be found in places such as Waiheke Island, Titirangi and Devonport. Follow the Harbourside Art Trail around Birkenhead and Northcote, which combines visits to artists in their own studios with a chance to relax in local cafes.

All of New Zealand’s top fashion designers, many of which are gaining international reputations, have stores in Auckland. Real bargain-hunters can head to the Dress-Smart mall for factory and outlet stores. Unique Pacific-flavoured crafts, including tapa cloths and carvings, are also readily available in specialty stores and souvenir shops near the waterfront.

The Great Outdoors

There are spectacular views from many of Auckland's natural and man-made landmarks.

The region is dotted by 48 volcanic cones, with easy access to the summits of Maungawhau (Mt Eden), Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), and Rangitoto Island. In the heart of the CBD, you can't miss the imposing Sky Tower, which at 328 metres is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also climb to the apex of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the more adventurous can bungy jump from it.

The region is surrounded by rainforested hills, such as the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. They offer dozens of bush walks for all abilities. The Waitakere Ranges are also the gateway to the wild west coast, where surf pounds black-sand beaches, all just a 40 minute drive from downtown.

Here's more information on Auckland's vast network of regional parks, including the spectacular Auckland Botanic Gardens: www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz.

Well thats it for now stay posted for more!!!