Auckland is often described as being a collection of villages. It is divided into seven administrative areas, each with their own attractions and unique activities. Auckland's Hauraki Gulf is dotted with holiday islands easily accessible by ferry, including Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island.
Auckland City
Auckland City, including 65 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, covers the largest land area (63,174 hectares) of the region's four cities. It is governed by Auckland City Council.
Auckland City is well-known for its tranquil outdoors oases as well as its bustling inner city. Close to the CBD and Auckland University is the Auckland Domain, which is also home to one of the country's best attractions, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Not far from the domain is Dove-Myer Robinson Park, also known as the Parnell Rose Gardens. Cornwall Park, surrounding volcanic One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), is the largest urban park and has picturesque volcanic stone walls, avenues of oak trees, a kauri plantation and dozens of walkways.
A string of beaches are accessible from the central city along Tamaki Drive. You can hire skates or a bike to cruise the cycle path leading to Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St. Heliers
For more information about Auckland City, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz or www.hotcity.co.nz
Manukau City
Manukau City, to the south of Auckland City, is where New Zealand welcomes the world. It is New Zealand's third largest city, is host to Auckland International Airport and home to more than 150 ethnic communities.
Manukau has an appealing blend of urban and rural spaces, plus 300 kilometres of picturesque coastline. The rolling fields of the Clevedon Valley are home to the national polo grounds and a collection of vineyards, and near the airport is the new Villa Maria Estate complex. There are nine golf courses.
Some of Auckland's most well-preserved archaeological sites are located in Manukau City, while the colonial era is re-enacted at the Howick Historical Village. Families are also attracted to attractions such as Rainbow's End and Butterfly Creek.
For more information about Manukau, visit www.welcome2manukau.com or www.manukau.govt.nz.
North Shore City
The North Shore of Auckland epitomises the lifestyle that Aucklanders cherish – easy access to urban luxuries, beautiful beaches and proximity to the sea and native bush.
A stroll from the ferry wharf in Devonport leads visitors to Mount Victoria for spectacular harbour views. Nearby extinct volcano North Head is riddled with World War II fortifications (bring a torch so you can explore the tunnels).
Near Takapuna, peaceful Lake Pupuke is a deep freshwater lake in the crater of a dormant volcano and a regular venue for rowing, sailing and canoeing. Water activities are also accessible from the North Shore's dozens of sandy beaches fronting the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf.
Follow the Harbourside Art Trail around Birkenhead and Northcote to combine some café stops with visits to artists in their own studios.
For more information about North Shore City, visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz.
Waitakere City
Waitakere City is famous for its wild west coast, its rainforested Waitakere Ranges and the tranquil bays along its harbourside coastlines.
A large chunk of the ranges is protected as a regional park. It is laced by 250 kilometres of walking tracks.
The Arataki Visitor Centre in Scenic Drive has information on all of the walks. The centre itself boasts impressive carvings by local Maori, breathtaking views and a short, 1.6 km nature trail introducing the native species endemic to the area. A tramline and narrow gauge railway are operated in the ranges on weekends.
Waitakere City's natural attractions have made it a magnet for artists and there are arts hubs in Titirangi (centred on Lopdell House) and Henderson (the Corban Estate Arts Centre).
For more information about Waitakere City, visit www.waitakere.govt.nz or www.destination-waitakere.com.
Rodney District
Rodney district promotes itself as Auckland's playground. With its neighbour Waitakere City, Rodney has a rugged western coastline famous for its surf breaks and a rare on-shore gannet colony at Muriwai Beach. Its east coast, by contrast, has safe swimming beaches and a string of iconic parks such as the Goat Island Marine Reserve, where friendly fish meet snorkellers and scuba divers.
The village and surrounding countryside at Matakana has a fast-growing reputation for its classic red wines and organic produce. Its Saturday morning farmers’ market is a popular destination for city dwellers on a day out.
For more information about Rodney district, visit www.rodney.govt.nz.
Auckland City
Auckland City, including 65 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, covers the largest land area (63,174 hectares) of the region's four cities. It is governed by Auckland City Council.
Auckland City is well-known for its tranquil outdoors oases as well as its bustling inner city. Close to the CBD and Auckland University is the Auckland Domain, which is also home to one of the country's best attractions, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Not far from the domain is Dove-Myer Robinson Park, also known as the Parnell Rose Gardens. Cornwall Park, surrounding volcanic One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), is the largest urban park and has picturesque volcanic stone walls, avenues of oak trees, a kauri plantation and dozens of walkways.
A string of beaches are accessible from the central city along Tamaki Drive. You can hire skates or a bike to cruise the cycle path leading to Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St. Heliers
For more information about Auckland City, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz or www.hotcity.co.nz
Manukau City
Manukau City, to the south of Auckland City, is where New Zealand welcomes the world. It is New Zealand's third largest city, is host to Auckland International Airport and home to more than 150 ethnic communities.
Manukau has an appealing blend of urban and rural spaces, plus 300 kilometres of picturesque coastline. The rolling fields of the Clevedon Valley are home to the national polo grounds and a collection of vineyards, and near the airport is the new Villa Maria Estate complex. There are nine golf courses.
Some of Auckland's most well-preserved archaeological sites are located in Manukau City, while the colonial era is re-enacted at the Howick Historical Village. Families are also attracted to attractions such as Rainbow's End and Butterfly Creek.
For more information about Manukau, visit www.welcome2manukau.com or www.manukau.govt.nz.
North Shore City
The North Shore of Auckland epitomises the lifestyle that Aucklanders cherish – easy access to urban luxuries, beautiful beaches and proximity to the sea and native bush.
A stroll from the ferry wharf in Devonport leads visitors to Mount Victoria for spectacular harbour views. Nearby extinct volcano North Head is riddled with World War II fortifications (bring a torch so you can explore the tunnels).
Near Takapuna, peaceful Lake Pupuke is a deep freshwater lake in the crater of a dormant volcano and a regular venue for rowing, sailing and canoeing. Water activities are also accessible from the North Shore's dozens of sandy beaches fronting the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf.
Follow the Harbourside Art Trail around Birkenhead and Northcote to combine some café stops with visits to artists in their own studios.
For more information about North Shore City, visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz.
Waitakere City
Waitakere City is famous for its wild west coast, its rainforested Waitakere Ranges and the tranquil bays along its harbourside coastlines.
A large chunk of the ranges is protected as a regional park. It is laced by 250 kilometres of walking tracks.
The Arataki Visitor Centre in Scenic Drive has information on all of the walks. The centre itself boasts impressive carvings by local Maori, breathtaking views and a short, 1.6 km nature trail introducing the native species endemic to the area. A tramline and narrow gauge railway are operated in the ranges on weekends.
Waitakere City's natural attractions have made it a magnet for artists and there are arts hubs in Titirangi (centred on Lopdell House) and Henderson (the Corban Estate Arts Centre).
For more information about Waitakere City, visit www.waitakere.govt.nz or www.destination-waitakere.com.
Rodney District
Rodney district promotes itself as Auckland's playground. With its neighbour Waitakere City, Rodney has a rugged western coastline famous for its surf breaks and a rare on-shore gannet colony at Muriwai Beach. Its east coast, by contrast, has safe swimming beaches and a string of iconic parks such as the Goat Island Marine Reserve, where friendly fish meet snorkellers and scuba divers.
The village and surrounding countryside at Matakana has a fast-growing reputation for its classic red wines and organic produce. Its Saturday morning farmers’ market is a popular destination for city dwellers on a day out.
For more information about Rodney district, visit www.rodney.govt.nz.
Papakura District
Papakura district is the interface between urban Auckland and the rural communities to the south. It includes a busy commercial centre as well as the forest-covered Hunua foothills, rolling pasture and large horticultural holdings. It is well known to the thoroughbred horse industry, with an extensive sales complex at Karaka and a training track at Takanini. Papakura also has one of the country’s busiest airports, at Ardmore, which is home to the New Zealand Warbirds Association and its DC-3 flightseeing operation.
For more information about Papakura district, visit: www.pdc.govt.nz.
Franklin District
Franklin district is Auckland's southern gateway. Its scenic highlights include the isolated Awhitu Peninsula to the west, the Hunua Ranges and the Seabird Coast on its eastern side, at the edge of the Firth of Thames.
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway and adjacent farm park offers children and steam train enthusiasts a great day out.
For more information about Franklin district, visit www.franklin.govt.nz
