Auckland and surrounding areas

Auckland is a vibrant international city, located on or around a narrow isthmus and flanked by two magnificent harbours - to the east, the Waitemata and to the west, the Manukau. Many of the city's icons are by, or even in, the sea: the suburb of Devonport, for example, with its gracious villas and ferry ride direct to the CBD; and Rangitoto Island, a volcanic cone with its distinctive and elegant profile that always tugs the heartstrings of Aucklanders' away from home. Although this is the largest city in New Zealand, the great outdoors is never far away. Auckland is generously catered for with great tracts of reserve lands and the wild, wind-swept beaches of the West Coast are famously under populated. From the rural surrounds of West Auckland, from Muriwai and South Head across to the picturesque east coast beaches, through to areas such as the Manukau Heads in the south and the Firth of Thames coastal region in the east, Auckland is a diverse and exciting locale.

North Shore

The North Shore and Takapuna are perennial favourites with locals for their exquisite beach frontages and some of the most prime real estate in the city. Takapuna is the commercial hub of the North Shore and boasts excellent retail and entertainment facilities, as well as sublime eateries. A forerunner to the magnificent East Coast Bays, which enjoy panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, the suburb is now hailed as one of Auckland's finest.

Viaduct Harbour

Centrally located and brimming with vitality, the Viaduct Harbour has been called the new heart of Auckland city. It has developed, in response to the excitement of the America's Cup campaigns, into a lively area with some of the city's best restaurants and bars. Its marina facilities have accommodated some of the world's most luxurious super yachts.

Waiheke Island

Past Rangitoto Island in the gulf, Waiheke Island is truly one of the jewels in Auckland's crown. Popular with both permanent residents and weekend holiday travellers alike, being a pleasant 30-minute ferry commute into the city, its beaches and vineyards rate among the country's best. This once-rugged wilderness has been transformed into a boutique island.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf partly protected as a conservation estate. The experience of history has taught locals to respect and preserve their natural environment.