Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is the most populous urban area in New Zealand. It sits on the North Island, surrounded by beautiful harbors and volcanic landscapes. Nearby Auckland is an island of vineyards and beaches. This multicultural city has a food and art scene to rival some of the more cosmopolitan cities around the world—and is always close to natural wonders.
Auckland is a modern seaside city on the Hauraki Gulf. It is the largest city in New Zealand, and the Auckland region includes rural areas and the islands to the east. Its heritage in Polynesian culture, particularly the Māori, is part of the genetics that make up this now multicultural city. The Māori call the city Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning “Tāmaki desired by many.” A fitting name for a city filled with and surrounded by an abundance of beauty. Vestiges of artifacts and art from Māori culture can be found in multiple places in, and around, Auckland.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum had a dedicated section to artifacts, art, and traditional performances of the Māori people. Also within the city is the Memorial Heritage Experience, a chance for the traveler to participate in interactive cultural performances while learning about customs and traditions.
Though Auckland may have much more to do than beautiful traditions, like the fresh and local ingredients used to cook their meals. Seafood is a staple food, while lamb is found in plenty. The Sky Tower is a popular spot in the middle of the city that offers a high-end meal experience with a 360 view of the city. However, south of the city, there are attractions that shine with a natural beauty… literally.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a spot that all travelers will enjoy, and only two hours south of Auckland. Boat tours through the cave system are a journey in an underground cathedral of nature. The best part is that glowworms cover the side and ceiling of the caves, creating a vision of the night sky in the darkness of the caves. This ethereal sight is not to be missed.
Almost three hours to the southeast of Auckland is Whakarewarewa Forest Park, a forest of Californian Redwoods and a lush native forest. Though, the real star in this park is the hot springs and mineral pools at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Important to the local Māori Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao tribe, this area has heated pools and geysers to admire. Then there’s admiring the relaxation of sitting in hot springs and some of those heated mineral pools, letting the stress melt away while enjoying the thrill of a getaway on New Zealand’s north island.
Arriving in New Zealand, travelers will be immersed in the pristine scenery depicted in films like Lord of the Rings, and a culture lasting 700 years that rooted in the land proudly.