The Auckland Region of New Zealand is a diverse and dynamic destination that offers something for everyone! It is home to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand and a vibrant metropolis, filled with art galleries, parks, museums, shopping and dining. Auckland is surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf, which is home to a number of beautiful islands, such as Waiheke, Rangitoto, and Tiritiri Matangi. It is also bordered by the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, which are lush and scenic national parks. Auckland is a great place to start your journey in New Zealand, or to spend a few days exploring its many charms.
An Overview of the Auckland Region of New Zealand
| Auckland Location: | Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand, between the Waitemata Harbour and the Manukau Harbour. |
| Bordering Regions: | Auckland is bordered by the Northland Region to the north and the Waikato Region to the south. |
| Region Size (km2): | Auckland Region covers 4,941 km2, making it the second smallest region in New Zealand after Wellington. |
| Population: | Auckland Region has a population of 1,571,718 (2018 census), which is 33.4% of New Zealand’s population! |
| Main Cities and Towns: | Auckland, North Shore, Manukau, Waitakere |
| Most Popular Tourist Destinations: | Auckland Viaduct Sky Tower Orewa Beach Mission Bay Beach Piha Beach Waiheke Island Rangitoto Island Goat Island National Parks |
Highlights of the Auckland Region!
Places to Visit in Auckland
Auckland City
Auckland City is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand, located on the North Island. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture, as well as stunning natural surroundings! Auckland offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, from museums, art galleries, to shopping and dining. You can also explore the iconic Sky Tower, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and the many islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland Viaduct
Auckland Viaduct is a a former commercial harbour that has been transformed into a lively waterfront precinct, filled with upscale apartments, trendy restaurants and rooftop bars! It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who enjoy relaxing and soaking up the views of the stunning Auckland Harbour.
Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in Auckland‘s skyline, and is the second tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere at 328-meters tall! One of the most popular things to do in Auckland is to travel up to the top of the Sky Tower and enjoy the panoramic 360-degree views of the city and the sea from the three observation decks. If you are looking for more of a thrill, you can even jump off the side!
Auckland’s Beautiful Beaches
The Auckland Region has been blessed with some of the most iconic beaches in New Zealand! From the wild black-sands surf beaches on the west coast, to the golden bays in Auckland Harbour, they are a beach-lovers paradise!
Orewa
About 40-minutes drive north of Auckland Central is Orewa, a charming beach town that is renowned for its long and golden sandy beach and vibrant town center. It is a popular holiday destination, with a range of accommodation, dining, and shopping options, and is perfect for family holidays. Orewa is a friendly town, with a warm and sunny climate, and a fun and festive atmosphere.
North Shore
North Shore is a coastal area north of Auckland City, known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and laid-back vibe. It is a favourite destination for surfers, swimmers, and kayakers, who enjoy the waves and the coastal trails! You can also visit the historic Devonport, the scenic Takapuna, the artsy Birkenhead, or the rural Albany.
Mission Bay Beach
Mission Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Auckland, located on the eastern suburbs of the city. It is a wide and sandy beach, with calm and clear water, and a grassy reserve with picnic and barbecue facilities. You can also enjoy the views of Rangitoto Island, the volcanic cone that dominates the horizon. Mission Bay Beach has a lively and cosmopolitan vibe, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops along the promenade.
Piha Beach
Piha Beach is a stunning black-sand beach on the west coast of the Auckland Region, and is famous for its surf and incredible scenery. It is surrounded by the rugged Waitakere Ranges, which offer many walking tracks and waterfalls to explore. Piha Beach is also home to the iconic Lion Rock, a volcanic outcrop that stands guard over the beach and provides panoramic views of the coast.
Auckland Region: National Parks
Waitakere Ranges
Waitakere Ranges National Park is a place where beautiful native bush, thriving wildlife and rugged black sand beaches come together. The park covers over 27,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline, and features natural treasures like the Karekare and the Kitekite Falls. The Waitakere Ranges are a hikers paradise, and has over 250 kilometres of walking tracks, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
Hunua Ranges
Hunua Ranges National Park is the largest mainland forest within the Auckland region, with over 25,000 hectares of native forest and farmland! The park is popular for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails throughout it. One of the most popular attractions in the Hunua Ranges is the spectacular Hunua Falls, a 30-metre waterfall that plunges into a pool below
Hauraki Gulf: Auckland’s Bays and Islands
The Hauraki Gulf is the beautiful coastal feature in the Auckland region of New Zealand, which joins the Pacific Ocean to the north and east. It is over 4000 km2, and is home to a number of islands, including Waiheke, Rangitoto, Goat Island, and Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is a scenic island only a short ferry ride from Auckland, and is a popular destination for a day-trip from Auckland City! The island is known as the ‘island of wine‘, as it is home to a number of award-winning wineries and vineyards. You can explore the island (and go on a winery tour!) by bike or car, and discover the stunning beaches and fantastic restaurants on the Island.
Goat Island
Goat Island is a small island in the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, about 92 km north of Auckland. It is one of New Zealand’s most popular marine reserves, with clear waters and abundant marine life! It is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, where you can see the different marine animals that call this reserve home!
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open nature reserve in the Hauraki Gulf, about 30 km north-east of Auckland. It is one of the most successful conservation projects in the world, where unwanted predators have been eradicated and rare native birds have been reintroduced. The island is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 80 species of birds, including the takahe, kiwi, kōkako, and saddleback.
Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field, with a distinctive symmetrical cone rising 260m over the Hauraki Gulf! It has the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world, and is a safe haven for endangered native birds! You can take a ferry, kayak, or boat to the island, and hike to the summit for stunning views of the city and the gulf.
