The City of Sails
Auckland has one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. With more boats per capita than any other city in the world, Auckland deserves its reputation as a sailor's Mecca (cemented by repeated successful defences of the America's Cup).
It is surrounded by varied and exquisite scenery with attractive harbours and beaches to the east. The rugged Waitakere Ranges, thundering, undeveloped surf beaches and burgeoning vineyards to the west. A multicultural environment characterised by a blend of European, Asian and Polynesian cultures, particularly on the busy and atmospheric Karangahape Road.
Of particular interest is the distinctive Sky Tower, a casino with a glorious circular, glass viewing gallery at its bulbous summit. From here, the views of the city, its beaches and the mountains, the coast and sea beyond are stunning. The particularly brave tourist can abseil down the side of the building to the street, a drop of over 100m (328ft). Explore one of the stunning golden-sand islands of the Hauraki Gulf, accessible by ferries from Waitamata Harbour and visible from the Sky Tower.
Most of the city centre is walkable but the outlying suburbs of Devonport, Herne Bay, Parnell and Ponsonby (with their attractive eateries and well-reputed fashion industry) are serviced by a reliable public bus network and taxi system.
