Auckland

Auckland is on the North Island of New Zealand and has the largest boat ownership per capita in the world and boasts three harbours, thus the City of Sails. Auckland is unique having harbours on two different bodies of water - the central part of the city is located on a strip of land between Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. The Auckland region also boasts two mountain ranges along with 48 volcanic cones and over 50 islands.

If you're looking for adventure and excitement, you're in luck. The Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, is located here. The Sky Tower was used for the highest bungee jump in the world in 1998 and today adrenalin hunters may make the plunge. Additionally, there is the Auckland Harbour bridge, the only harbour bridge bungee jump in the world.

For eco-tourists (or if you just love the outdoors!), the Auckland is surrounded by a spectacular natural environment. The region offers bird sanctuaries, rainforests, beaches, and even sea life encounters including dolphins. The New Zealand Department of Conservation runs camping areas through-out New Zealand including many in the Auckland area.

Getting to Auckland:

The gateway to Auckland and the north island is the Auckland International Airport (AKL). Auckland International airport is serviced by a large number of international carriers including Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Guruda Indonesia, Korean Air, Lan Chile, Qantas, Thai, and United Airlines.

Prior to landing in New Zealand, be careful to complete your arrival card properly. To protect New Zealand's environment, Customs will either x-ray all of your baggage or it will be hand inspected.