Travel to Auckland

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland earns its nickname as the ‘City of Sails’ for its enthusiasm for the sport of sailing. It is a multicultural blend of Asians, Polynesians and Pakeha (people of European descent). Auckland is also blessed with a magnificent setting between two large bays where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea come within 14kms of each other. Although Auckland is not New Zealand’s capital city, it is the biggest city on New Zealand’s North Island and has a population of around 1.3 million people. More on New Zealand travel information here.

Auckland hotels

The ‘City of Sails’ isn’t short of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, inns and self catering accommodation facilities. The well known hotels in Auckland are well staffed offering excellent facilities making the traveler feel at home. These hotels can best be booked on-line. Reserving Auckland hotels in advance on-line provides cheaper hotel rates.

The centre of Auckland lies between K road and the waterfront district and many of the reputed hotels are to be found here. Ponsonby is a trendy area located to the northwest of the city centre and boasts some luxurious 5 star hotels. In general Auckland hotels can be found in every district of the city. Click here to view a variety of hotels in Auckland which all easily can be secured on-line.

Highlights

• Explore some of Auckland’s most interesting historic buildings, such as Acacia Cottage, made from wood and famed for its age.
• A must-see is the Sky Tower - New Zealand's most popular paid attraction. At 328m, it is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere.
• Take a boat trip around the superb Hauraki Gulf Islands, where you can see around fifty islands.
• Visit some of Auckland’s landmarks such as Auckland Town Hall, noted for its impressive Italian-style architecture or Auckland Harbour Bridge.
• Two of the best views of the city are foud atop Mount Eden and One tree Hill, both of which are part of a number of dead volcanic mounds that are dotted about suburban Auckland.

Day trips by hire car

A hire car in Auckland is certainly worthwhile, as you can make some excellent daytrips to the Northlands. Auckland’s roads are in perfect condition and driving a hire car is the most practical way to get around and visit fascinating attractions. Auckland car hire can be arranged online.

Howick Historical Village, in the city's Pakuranga suburb, offers insight into New Zealand's early colonial days; while Ambury is a working farm near Manukau Harbour. The Northlands and the stunning Bay of Islands, including the historic sites of Waitangi and Russell make great day trips by hire car.

The main car hire companies are to be found in Auckland as well at Auckland International Airport which is situated 13 miles southwest of the city centre.

Best though is to book a hire car for Auckland before you arrive on-line. Car hire is definitely the best way to explore this beautiful region of New Zealand.