Known in the Maori language as Tamaki Makau Rau, or the city of 100 lovers, today over a million people or one-third of the nation's population reside in this largest city of New Zealand.  Enclosed by the surrounding urban environment, Auckland's radience shines as an example of a cultural melting pot where Polynesians, Europeans and Asians mingle and assimilate.  The largest presence of Polynesian population in the world has contributed to the vivacious cultural milieu with an increasing Asian influence from the growing body of Asian immigrants.  The Skytower in the heart of the city provides a distinctive landmark that gives a great view of this modern city.  Auckland is enlivened by modern cosmopolitan facilities and a variety of entertainment whereas the touch of green forest and aquamarine ocean is only a few miles away.  The Aucklanders' passion for hopping on the yacht and challenge the waterfront earns the city the nickname of "Ciy of Sails."  Apart from its lively tourism industry as a gateway to other regions of New Zealand, Auckland is also becoming a very attractive place for education in the past few years.     

City Name: Auckland

Area: 16,140 sq km

Population: 1.2 million

Location: North Island

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +12

Telephone Area Code: 09

The Maori in Auckland have maintained an oral tradition that their forefathers had sailed to the shores of Auckland on canoes about 800 years ago.  They established a Polynesian community and lived on fishing and simple farming.  Different Polynesian tribes got along relatively peacefully, but by the time European settlers arrived in 1839 the Maori population was greatly decimated by tribal warfare, disease and famine from the depletion of farmlands.  Following the signing of Waitangi treaty by the chiefs of various Polynesian tribes in 1840, this area was named Auckland and was chosen as the capital of the new colony until Wellington took over that prestige in 1865.  The ensuing period saw the power struggle between the settlers and the Maori over land rights which resulted in heavy loss of lives and casualties on both sides; an event which the Maori referred to as the 'White Man's Anger.'  The turn of the 20th century was an era where New Zealand saw the nation's vigorous move toward a better welfare development as well as the re-emergence of the Maori culture and identity.  The overall economic boom has contributed to the growth and prosperity of Auckland that it is regarded as the fastest growing city of New Zealand today.     

The Auckland region is made up of four cities: Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere; and three districts, Franklin, Rodney and Papakura.  Auckland City lies at the centre of the region between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbors, covering the area of about 60 square kilometers.  The region's landscape is dominated by extinct volcanoes whose formation could be dated back over 150,000 years ago, and the coasts are bubbled with picturesque islands.

Auckland experiences every type of weather, but it never gets cold enough to snow.  Spring months can be calm or sunny one day and random showers the next.  The most busy tourist season of the year is during the warmer months from December to March.  The best time to hit the beach is January and February when the weather is quite warm.  The quieter season for travelers comes with the slightly cooler temperature during the Autumn months.

Summer sun in Auckland can be fierce and it is highly recommended that visitors put on clothes that protect their skin as well as sunglasses, hat and high SPF+ sunscreen.  Rain gear may also prove useful as showers are frequent and often unexpected.  Mosquitoes repellent and jacket are recommended for the evening.  In the winter months, a sweater or jacket is usually required.

Auckland climate chart (temperatures are indicated in degree celcius)

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by Royal Exclusive Travel