Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand and it is often mistaken for the capital of the country (which is Wellington). Situated in between the waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours it is no surprise that the nickname for Auckland is “City of Sails”. The surrounding areas offer rainforests, volcanic cones and lots of amazing islands, like Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands for exploration by visitors. Aucklanders have roots in European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and there is a very strong Maori heritage. In Maori language Auckland is called “Tamaki-Makau-Rau” or “The maiden with a hundred suitors”, earning this name from the many tribes that coveted the region. The city is very much in the centre of the North Island, hence it is an ideal base from which to explore the surroundings. Most international visitors traveling to New Zealand will start their “kiwi” adventure in Auckland. The city features prominently in many major New Zealand touring routes.