Auckland
The majestic "City of Sails" is surrounded by water, which defines its sparkling appeal. The magnificent harbour is reminiscent of other famous waterside cities, but with its own unique charm. The site of the 2000 & 2003 America's Cup, Auckland has a rich maritime history. Auckland is relatively small geographically, which makes it a pleasure to explore on foot. It has a dynamic population that makes it a cosmopolitan, sophisticated city, with an easy, friendly and comfortable feel to it.
Facts
| Population | 1.3 million |
| Electricity | 240 Volts AC, 50Hz flat, 3 pronged plugs used. |
| Emergency numbers | Ambulance, fire or police: 111 |
| Telephone | Country code: +64 Area code: 09 |
Embassy/Consulate
1. Beijing Immigration New Zealand
Add：Ta Yuan Diplomatic Office Building 2-5-1, 14 Liangmahe Nanlu
Postal/Zip Code：100600
Tel: 0086-10-6532 6688
Fax: 0086-10-6532 5681
2. Shanghai Immigration New Zealand
Add：Immigration New Zealand, Suite 507, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Road West, Shanghai
Postal/Zip Code：200040
Tel: 0086-21-6279 7368
Fax: 0086-21-6279 7369
DISTRICT：Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, Jiangxi and Anhui provinces
3. Hong Kong Immigration New Zealand
Add：Suite 6508, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Tel: 0085-2-2877-4488
Fax: 0085-2-2877-0586
District：Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces
1. Auckland Zoo
The beautifully landscaped and renovated zoo has a particularly prime primate exhibit. New additions arrive regularly, so check the website for current events and new arrivals.
Address: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Web: www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
2. Butterfly Creek
This tropical butterfly bastion shows off a variety of 800 free-flying tropical butterflies on luscious grounds with waterfalls, ponds, flourishing foliage, turtles, fish & exotic birds. Ride the miniature Red Admiral Express train through the grounds and stop at the Buttermilk Farm petting zoo.
Address: 12 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland
Web: www.butterflycreek.co.nz
3. Rangitito Island
A dormant volcanic island - only a 45 minute ferry ride from Auckland - makes up part of the gorgeous scenery of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Hike to the summit of the volcano or stroll through the lush landscape of the lower fields.
Address: Rangitito Island, Auckland
Web: www.rangitoto.org www.fullers.co.nz
4. Kelly Tarlton’s Underworld & Antarctic Encounter
A unique aquarium housed in old storm water holding tanks. An acrylic tunnel runs through the venue above a moving footpath to re-create the feeling of scuba diving around the New Zealand coast.
Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Auckland
Web: www.kellytarltons.co.nz
5. New Zealand National Maritime Museum
Dedicated to one of New Zealand’s national obsession, this museum explores 1,000 years of seafaring history. New Zealand National Maritime Museum is a suitable attraction for both young and old.
Address: Hobson Wharf, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Web: www.maritimemuseum.co.nz
Auckland’s cuisine is inventive and incredibly diverse representing the multitude of cultures that make up its population. There are many seafood restaurants around due to the coastal location of Auckland. This means the city always has a wealth of fresh seafood at its disposal.
1. Harbourside
Harbourside is a chic restaurant with stunning views and delicious seafood. Enjoy the freshest of New Zealand’s seafood with relaxed à la carte dining, inside or outside on the sheltered balcony with breathtaking views.
Address: 99 Quay Street, Auckland
Web: www.harboursiderestaurant.co.nz
2. Dine
Top New Zealand chef, Peter Gordon returns to his roots to establish this superb restaurant serving enchanting International fusion creations, unique blend of Asian, Pacific and traditional European cuisine. A private dining room is also available.
Address: 90 Federal Street, Auckland
3. Orbit Restaurant
Orbit Restaurant offers a superb views of the city, 190 metres above the ground. The restaurant is situated at the top of the SkyTower building and the dining room rotates once every hour.
Address: Victoria Street, Auckland
Web: www.skycityauckland.co.nz
4. Sails Restaurant
The restaurant is situated in the heart of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest marina, Westhaven, so every table looks out over thousands of yachts. A luxurious interior compliments the breathtaking views in this award-winning restaurant.
Address: 103-113 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina, Auckland
Web: www.sailsrestaurant.co.nz
5. Gion Japanese Restaurant
This is a stylish, chic restaurant in the trendy Parnell area. Traditional sushi and inventive Japanese cuisine is served here. On the menu you will find dishes like squid ring tempura, beef teriyaki and salmon sashimi.
Address: 168 Parnell Road, Auckland
Web: www.gion.co.nz
Auckland has a varied array of high street fashion, local designers, house wares, crafts and eclectic markets to explore. A local note: Karangahape Road is widely known as the abbreviated K’Road.
1. DMC
DMC is a local record store specializing in dj-remix imports and film memorabilia. This is a necessary stop for “Lord of the Rings” fans. It offers a wide selection of film collectables and jewelry.
Address: 61 High Street, Auckland
Web: www.dmcworld.co.nz
2. Victoria Park Market
Built in 1901, this former city rubbish incinerator had its own electricity-generating steam boilers, heated by the rubbish-burning furnace, and stables for horses which pulled the garbage carts. Since its 1972 restoration, Victoria Park Market is now known for its maze-like collection of stalls, barrows and shops where you can find plenty of arts, crafts and ethnic specialties.
Address: 210 Victoria Street West, Auckland
Web: www.victoria-park-market.co.nz
3. Otara Market
It the largest Polynesia market in the world. An endless market selling everything from clothes, crafts, exotic food to CD’s in a lively, energetic, head spinning atmosphere.
Address: Newbury Street, Auckland
4. Nuffield Street
Nuffield Street, New market is a boutique-style destination with not only fashion shops, but also dining places and homeware stores. The 29 new stores opened in August 2006, with nine of these brand new to New Zealand.
Address: Nuffield Street, Auckland
Web: www.royalarcade.com.au
5. Parnell Shopping
Parnell Village is a historic shopping area five minutes east of the city with charming boutiques and cafés. Along Parnell Road, you’ll find art galleries that house local New Zealand artwork.
Address: 327 Parnell Road, Auckland
Web: www.parnell.net.nz
Auckland provides a wide range of accommodation options, all to make sure to suit all budgets and preference. You will find from 5-star hotels, well-known chain hotels to budget backpackers and cosy bed and breakfasts.
1. Mollies Hotel
For a luxury retreat, head over to this 5-star hotel. This boutique hotel offers only suites as accommodation in a Grand Victorian Mansion and nestled near Auckland’s famous Harbor Bridge. The day spa at Mollies is the perfect place in Auckland to relax and be pampered.
Address: 6 Tweed Street, St Mary’s Bay, Auckland
Web: www.mollies.co.nz
2. The Esplanade Hotel
This boutique hotel is located in the quaint suburb of Devonport a peaceful, relaxing oasis. It is only a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and minutes from the charming shops and cafés of Devonport.
Address: 1 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland
Web: www.esplanadehotel.co.nz
3. Copthorne Hotel Harbor City
It has a breathtaking central location on the Auckland harbor. All 187 rooms with modern comfort offer magnificent panoramic views of the Viaduct and the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. If you are travelling with children, this hotel provides family room.
Address: 196-200 Quay Street, Auckland
Web: www.milleniumhotels.com
4. Auckland City Yha Hostel
This is a lively, centrally located hostel that has both shared dorms and private rooms. Professional staff are on hand 24-hours a day, all to make sure to give you good service. Auckland City Yha Hostel has a shop and luggage safe, and kitchen facilities.
Address: 18 Liverpool Street, Auckland
Web: www.yha.org.nz
5. Georgia Parkside Backpackers
It has an outstanding location overlooking the Auckland Domain and housed in a renovated Victorian house. Here you can stay in a twin, double or shared rooms with heating, bedding and linen. It also provides a lovely outdoor garden with a barbeque area.
Address: 189 Park Road, Auckland
Web: www.backpackerboard.co.nz
1. Airport
The Auckland International Airport services all of Auckland. Located 21 km south of the City Center, it is easily accessible by bus or taxi.Airbus provides a bus service between Auckland Airport and the city center every 15 minutes.
2. Public Transport
Due to its recent growth spurt and the International interest developing in Auckland as a tourist destination, traffic has gotten more congested than it was 5 years ago. Given this, Auckland is still a relatively small city and the traffic is still manageable compared to other large cities.