Auckland is the capital of New Zealand and one of the largest cities in the world. Around 1,500,000 people call Auckland home making it the biggest city in the country. Most international flights arrive into Auckland and the chances are you will visit or pass through the city on any New Zealand backpacking trip.
Auckland beautiful scenery makes it the perfect place to go sightseeing, with compact city centre, the harbour and also the amount of day trips and places to visit nearby. View my tips for making the most of your time in New Zealand.
Auckland Facts
• Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of 1.4 million
• The city has three harbours, is surrounded by two mountain ranges and has more than 50 islands offshore
• Auckland was initially known as ‘Tamaki Makau Rau,’ meaning a maiden with 100 lovers.
• It is the world’s 23rd most wealthy city
• The Sky Tower located in Auckland is the tallest free standing structure in the entire Southern Hemisphere.
Attractions
These are some unmissable things to do in Auckland:
Sky Tower
Auckland is home to the spectacular and world famous Sky tower, the tallest free standing structure in the Southern hemisphere. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The area where the tower is located even has a 360 degree revolving restaurant called Orbit. For the daring individual you can even take part in a Sky jump off of the Sky tower!
Other
• Sightseeing Boat Trip
• New Zealand Maritime Museum
• Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
• Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb
• Auckland Art Gallery
Best Day Trips from Auckland
If you want to escape the city and see more of the surrounding areas these places are worth visiting:
• Whitianga
• Rotorua
• Raglan
• Hobbiton
• Waitomo Caves
• Waiheke Island
• Piha, Karekare Rainforest and Waitakere Ranges
• Rangitoto Island
Auckland is a great city to explore as a tourist, it is also a popular destination for anyone seeking to take a working holiday in New Zealand. If you want to explore more of the country view my tips for travelling New Zealand by camper.
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