The stunning city of sails, Auckland

We’ve just taken a group to visit the new multimillion dollar exhibit at Auckland Zoo called Te Wao Nui. It is a great way to see New Zealand plants, animals and Maori art works. Walk-through aviaries are home to many native birds such as tui and kereru (wood pigeon) and our cheeky parrot, the kea. In the coastal enclosures you can see New Zealand fur seals and in the nocturnal house, the shy kiwi.

Our City of Sails has just been voted Australasia’s leading travel destination in the World Travel Awards, ranking above Bora Bora and the Yasawa Islands in the South Pacific and Cairns and Sydney, Australia.  Here are just a few of the reasons why:

Fast facts about Auckland City:

  • The world’s love affair with this unique city started hundreds of years ago when the Maori called this land ‘Tamaki makau rau’ or a maiden with 100 lovers.
  • Home to 1.4 million people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds
  • The climate is temperate and semi-tropical with temperatures from 5 – 24°C in summer and 8 – 16°C in winter
  • The region encompasses 48 volcanoes, two mountain ranges and more than 50 sub-tropical islands in the Hauraki Gulf
  • Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is almost completely surrounded by water
  • With over 85,000 boats, the Auckland has the highest boat ownership per capita in the world.
  • Cosmopolitan and cultured, Auckland offers museums, art galleries, fine wine, cuisine and entertainment.  With thousands and cafes and restaurants to choose from, you’ll never run out of dining options
  • Auckland has an experience to suit every taste – you can take a walk on the top of the Harbour Bridge, sky dive, bungy jump, sail an America‘s Cup yacht, hike volcanic domes, sit on pristine black or white sand beaches, island-hop, shop and dine – all in the same day!