The Auckland Region...

A Great Place to Start and Enjoy
Your New Zealand Holidays!

It is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand with over one million people and the most prosperous economically.

Known as a gateway to New Zealand this region is a natural marine playground with lots of activities to enjoy.

The Auckland Region
Named for the City of Auckland and is made up of four cities: Manakau to the South, Waitakere to the West, North Shore to the North and the City of Auckland located on and around the isthmus and including the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Within the Auckland Region there are 48 volcanic cones, 22 regional parks and over 50 islands set amongst two magnificent harbors… the Waitemata and Manukau.

Travel to the Auckland Region and experience… fantastic shopping, dine in more than 900 restaurants, experience over 50 adventure activities, explore one of 90 picturesque vineyards and trek over 300 miles of walking/hiking tracks.

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Auckland Region and its Cities and Islands
The City of Auckland is only a small part of this beautiful region located on a spectacular harbor with many islands.

Accessible from the city center in downtown Auckland by a 20 minute ferry ride...

Manakau to the South in the Auckland Region
Manukau City a 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland is New Zealand’s third most populous city after Auckland and Christchurch. This unique city steeped in cultural heritage and the Polynesian heart of the Auckland Region is sometimes referred to as South Auckland. Manukau is home to over 165 different ethnic groups from Europe, Asia and the Americas with the highest number of Pacific Island residents in New Zealand.

It is home to the Auckland International Airport overlooking the Manukau Harbor, at Mangere, an extinct volcano that erupted over 18,000 years ago and former site of a pre-European Maori village.

Mangere Mountain is one of Auckland’s best preserved volvanic cones and craters. This sacred unique area is a mix of the old and new, the urban and rural, legend and living cultures to be enjoyed and experienced by all visitors.

Twenty minutes from Manukau city center visit... popular seaside spots in Beachlands and Maraetai on the Pohutukawa Coast.

Named after New Zealand’s Christmas Tree... The pohutukawa trees grow along the cliff tops creating stunning backdrops, especially spectacular at Christmas time when the red flowers are blooming.

Looking for a bit of adventure with some culture… check out the Pohutukawa Coast Trail. First stop is Whitford a country European town with rustic charm. It is the heart of equestrian activities and a center for surrounding farms with an emerging local arts and crafts industry.

This valley is known for its polo grounds, hosting the annual NZ Polo Champs.

On the trail you can explore Howick... A sleepy seaside village first settled by retired soldiers from the British Army and Marines. Visit the original colonial buildings built during the 1840 to 1880 timer period on a 7-acre site known as Howick Historical Village.

Last but not least… Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach in the sun at Duders Beach. Then head to a charming village in Clevedon Valley with its vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Explore an historic homestead museum, visit several award winning vineyards, or enjoy the charming local shops and cafes. If you are looking for adventure, explore the trails in the native bush above the Wairoa River at Clevedon Scenic Reserve and pack a picnic for this popular spot.

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Waitakere to the West
Thirty minutes west of downtown Auckland and its airport is New Zealand’s fifth largest city Waitakere, also known as West Auckland.

Discover breathtaking natural beauty... Visit the ancient rain forest - Waitakere Ranges and the dramatic black sand beaches. Visit Karekare, the location for the movie “The Piano”, to the award winning wine districts of Henderson Valley.

Explore more than 150 miles of rainforest trails... Relax by a meandering bush stream or majestic waterfall.

Experience remarkable panoramic views of Auckland City and its harbors... With a scenic drive along the high ridge of Waitakere Ranges Centennial Memorial Park from Titirangi to Swanson. Visit the Arataki Visitor Center to learn and discover the native flora and fauna.

Share your visit to the Waitakeres with a drive to those rugged wild west coast surf beaches with black volcanic sand at Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Bethells and Muriwai. While at Muriwai stop at the lookout points and observe a rare mainland gannet colony with thousands of birds, world renowned.

Enjoy wine tasking in the picturesque grape-growing Auckland Region of Henderson Valley with its small rural towns of Kumeu, Huapai and Waimauku where winemaking started more than 50 years ago. Relax and sample wine in courtyard and garden settings of 20 vineyards.

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North Shore to the North
From Downtown Auckland with a thirty minute ferry ride or a short drive north over the Auckland Harbor Bridge is New Zealand’s 4th largest city, the North Shore. The “Shore” is a city of beaches surrounded by the sea with 100 miles of unbroken urban coastline, the longest in the country.

Getting to the North Shore by ferry you can choose one of five wharf destinations, arriving at Devonport, Stanley Bay, Bayswater, Northcote or Birkenhead.

For most holiday travelers you will head to Devonport, home of the New Zealand Navy and suburb of Takapuna.

This charming centrally located village and main city center of the North Shore... Takapuna is a coastal suburb and best urban beach in Auckland. Enjoy the arts, award-winning cafes and restaurants, and a variety of boutique shopping while surrounded by spectacular views.

Experience some of the greatest views of downtown Auckland, Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf from the North Shore. Understandably this is a popular holiday destination declaring some of the most expensive real estate property in New Zealand.

In addition to the historic village of Devonport... To the north a heart-shaped freshwater lake, Lake Pupuke which occupies a volcanic crater.

A holiday visit to the North Shore insures enjoyment of an endless range of aquatic activities. Venture inland and explore the native bush reserves or quaint seaside villages. Travel to and play on the many beautiful beaches... admire spectacular scenery, while enjoying a warm climate. This vibrant location with all its attributes are why this is a popular holiday destination in the Auckland Region... for the locals and international travelers alike.

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Auckland - The Center of Auckland Region
Auckland is a collection of unique villages each with their own character and special landmarks.

Downtown Auckland
Experience the heart of the city with a cosmopolitan sophistication and its harborside location. Shop, play, dine and visit the local attractions in downtown Auckland on its main street... Queen Street, down to its vibrant waterfront.

Ponsonby
One of Auckland's hippest strips a few minutes from downtown, Ponsonby Road also known as Cappuccino Mile. Browse funky fashion boutiques and dine in some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars in New Zealand. Enjoy a stroll through the local historical buildings and discover its fascinating history.

Parnell
Spend some leisure time in this quaint charming village with its Victorian buildings, gardens, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Stroll through the tranquil park and immaculately manicured gardens, lawns and ponds of nearby Auckland Domain and the Auckland Museum.

Newmarket
Discover New Zealand's fashion capital and premier retail therapy with designer fashions, lifestyle stores, pubs, cafes and restaurants... just a few miles from Parnell. Include a visit to the high-end shopping district at Nuffield and Teed Streets and stroll through its design district.

Mt Eden
Manawhau is the highest volcanic cone in the city of Auckland and a prominent feature, once the site of Maori pas. Visit and climb this extinct volcano where you can enjoy some of the best panormaic views of the city offering spectacular 360 degree views.

K' Road
Karangahape Road is famous, trendy, with an eclectic mix of retro to high fashion shops. Where ordinary to extraordinary mingle between Upper Queen Street to Ponsonby Road with ornate historical buildings house fine art in contemporary art galleries. Eateries, bars, 24-hour clubs and a drag cabaret.

Mission Bay
Relax at this eastern seaside village along the waterfront of Tamaki Drive. Enjoy a walk, cycle or skate along the waterfront... spend the day at the beach, walk the Promenade enjoying the views of Rangitoto Island or explore the local attractions.

St Heliers
Enjoy white sandy beaches at this popular family destination... the last bay along the scenic route on Tamaki Drive. Enjoy the boardwalk... browse the boutiques or retail outlets and sample the cuisine in St Heliers local restaurants and cafes.

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The Auckland Region has it all... You could spend your entire New Zealand Holidays vacation exploring just the Auckland Region!

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