Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city and its economic powerhouse. Stretching from the wild, expansive west coast and the Tasman Sea, to the white sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east, the Auckland region is a marine playground, a gateway to other parts of New Zealand, and a centre for commerce, entertainment and education.
Maori were the first sailors to settle here close to 1,000 years ago. In 1840, British colonial settlement saw Auckland chosen as New Zealand's first capital.
The city of Auckland is based on a narrow strip of land between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, surrounded by hilly ranges and dormant volcano cones. Just off shore lie Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands; two of New Zealand's top getaway destinations, just a short ferry ride from the city.
Nowadays, home to 1.4 million people from over 100 ethnicities, and from all corners of the world, Auckland is the largest and fastest growing region in New Zealand. It's a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures with a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity offers a rich cultural and gastronomic experience.
Auckland's islands, bush and harbours are set against the backdrop of a modern city environment providing a platform for a lifestyle that sees Auckland ranked as the fifth best city in the world for quality of life.
The best place to enjoy stunning views of the city is the 328-metre Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Admire the view from the observation deck or restaurants; take a walk around the perimeter or for the truly daring - bungee jump for a 192-metre thrill!
Economy
Two thirds of the country's top 200 companies are based in Auckland and nearly a quarter of the world's Fortune 500 companies have a presence in the city. The scale, diversity and overall capability of Auckland businesses are unmatched in New Zealand. Auckland's central city provides a hub for professional services, a centre for culture, recreation and leisure, and a focal point for higher education, international visitors and marine activities.
Population
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of approximately 438,100 people in the city boundary and 1.4 million in the greater Auckland area. This represents about one third of New Zealand's population. Around 63 percent of its residents are of European descent, 11 percent are Maori, 13 percent are of Pacific Island descent and there is a growing Asian population of around 12 percent. This makes Auckland the world's largest Polynesian city.
Climate
The climate is temperate, with warm summers (averaging over 24°C) and cooler winters (averaging 16°C). The summer months are between December and March. The mild climate is perfect for walkers to enjoy the many rainforest-covered hills and west coast beaches.
