Auckland - best of both worlds

All the excitement and culture of a cosmopolitan city - and a paradise for the adventure seeker. Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails.

Auckland is undoubtedly a city that has something for everyone. Whether it's the excitement of an adventure activity, a cultural experience of a different kind or just relaxing and lapping up the atmosphere at a waterfront cafe, the "City of Sails" has it all.

Even Auckland's scenery is varied. Located between two stunning and ever-changing harbours, Auckland is the watersports capital of New Zealand. The golden sand beaches of the east contrast with the wild beauty of the black sand beaches to the west. And on Auckland's doorstep is the Hauraki Gulf - a playground of islands easily accessible from the city centre. The highlights don't stop at the coast however and inland are sub-tropical rainforests and rolling green farmland as seen in Oscar-winning film, The Piano.

Adventure

The diversity of the Auckland landscape provides an inviting playground for the adventure seeker and adrenaline activities are in abundance.

There's an endless selection of water activities, such as swimming with dolphins, kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing, but those looking to be challenged can step up the pace with adventure activities like four-wheel biking, canyoning through native forest, abseiling, caving, surfing, parachuting, parasailing, bungy jumping and much, much more.

Walk the Auckland Harbour Bridge seven days a week, with day, weekend and night-climb options available. Climbs are conducted in groups of 12, each led by an experienced guide who will provide a comprehensive pre-briefing as well as an interesting and entertaining commentary throughout the 1 1/2 hour adventure. Base Complex, Westhaven Reserve, Westhaven Marina.

The Islands

Right on Auckland's doorstep is the magnificent Hauraki Gulf which stretches along the great 250km sweep of coastline north and south of the city.

Nearly 50 of the islands which stud the gulf (including Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and Tiritiri Matangi Island) are protected in the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park. Stunning beaches, secluded inlets, island volcanoes, wildlife reserves and great sailing are just some of the experiences to be found within the park and gulf.

Cuisine

This Pacific Rim region boasts some of the finest cuisine and wine in the world and there are now over 900 restaurants in the Auckland region.

A vibrant waterfront area is the Viaduct Harbour, which pulsates with bars and restaurants. Dining in the city or across the bay in Devonport not only means a splendid view of the harbour but also a choice of many seafood delicacies.

There's also the opportunity to dine at one of the many wineries in Auckland - which are mainly found in the Northwest, on the beautiful Waiheke Island, in South Auckland around Clevedon and at Matakana, just north of the city.

Some of the trendiest places to sample local cuisine and do a spot of people watching include Ponsonby Road, Vulcan Lane/High Street and Parnell.

Pubs and Clubs

Home to a third of New Zealand's population, it's no surprise that Auckland is buzzing at night. Downtown Auckland alone is a hive of activity with enough bars and clubs to guarantee something for everyone's taste.

Check out the bars in the CBD (particularly the streets running off Queen Street), at the Viaduct Harbour, along K Road and in Ponsonby and Parnell.

Culture

With its multi-cultural population, Auckland offers all the things associated with a sophisticated cosmopolitan city. Culture is found in the form of galleries, museums, theatre, and concerts; all of which have the distinctive Auckland blend of Polynesian and European themes. The newly restored entertainment centres around Queen Street include the Aotea Centre, The Civic, and the Auckland Town Hall.

To experience Maori culture, the Auckland Museum provides a vibrant concert featuring the traditional Maori welcome, songs and the Haka (made famous by the All Blacks). The Auckland Museum also has the largest collection of Maori artefacts in the world, including magnificent cloaks made from native bird's feathers.

Other highly recommended museums include the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, the Museum of Transport Technology and Social History (MOTAT), the Navy Museum in Devonport and the Howick Historical Village.

Art buffs shouldn't miss the Auckland Art Gallery, Toi o Tamaki and its contemporary wing The New Gallery, both in the central city. Other popular galleries include the George Fraser, Artspace on Karangahape Road, the Artis Gallery and the Ferner Gallery of Fine Arts. There's also an eclectic art scene to be explored around the Titirangi Village in West Auckland and on Waiheke Island.

To experience Polynesian culture first hand, head down to the lively and colourful Otara markets on a Saturday morning.

Sightseeing

Auckland's Sky Tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere with views that will take your breath away. Catch the lift up 328 metres or try your luck at one of three casinos at the bottom. Alternatively, visit One Tree Hill, immortalised in the U2 song, or climb volcanic Rangitoto Island for panoramic views of the city.

If you're keen for a face-to-face encounter with sharks but prefer the security of aquariums to scuba-diving gear, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is an experience you won't forget in a hurry.

Victoria Park Market is an excellent place to pick up souvenirs, ethnic clothing and a wide assortment of local art and designs. Karangahape Road (known to locals simply as K Road) is the city's red light district. It's the best place to head for alternative shops and cafes and colourful nightlife.

Cinemas

If you're keen for a flick, check out the following cinemas:

• Rialto Cinema on Broadway, Newmarket

• The Hollywood Cinema in Avondale (often screens silent movies as well as the American films).

• The Academy Theatre on Lorne Street (shows foreign films and avant-garde).

• SKYCITY cinemas at 297 Queen Street, is home to a number of cinemas as well as Megascreen, the largest screen in New Zealand

Visitor Must - Sees

• Auckland Museum

• Waiheke Island's wines, walks, arts and crafts

• Cruising on the Waitemata harbour

• Auckland Zoo

• Dining on the waterfront at the Viaduct Harbour or Mission Bay

• A trip up the Sky Tower

• NZ National Maritime Museum

• City views from One Tree Hill and Mt Eden

• West Auckland wineries and walks in the Waitakere Ranges

• Rangitoto Island

• See whales and dolphins on the Hauraki Gulf

• Great Barrier Island

• Tiritiri Matangi Island

• Saturday Farmers Market at Matakana

• Goat Island Marine Reserve

More Information

More information can be obtained from Tourism Auckland by ringing 0800 Auckland or visit www.aucklandnz.com.

There are i-SITE visitor information centres at the international and domestic airports, SKYCITY Atrium, Princes Wharf and Waiheke Island.