Whaowhia

Auckland sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea on a narrow isthmus marked by roughly 50 extinct volcanic cones. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill rise above the neighborhoods and offer views across the harbor, while Rangitoto stands as the largest volcanic island in the region and can be reached by ferry. The coastline shifts between the sheltered eastern beaches such as Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach and the black sand western shores at Piha and Bethells Beach, where the Pacific meets the Waitakere Ranges directly. The Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain holds Polynesian collections and New Zealand military history, while Auckland Art Gallery displays European and indigenous art. Viaduct Harbour serves as a dining precinct and departure point for harbor cruises, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum documents the country's seafaring past. Karangahape Road gathers alternative shops and nightlife, Ponsonby draws an older crowd with cafés and boutiques. Britomart clusters restaurants and design stores in converted waterfront buildings. Waiheke Island hosts wineries such as Mudbrick Vineyard and Man O' War Vineyards scattered among vineyards and bays, while Tantalus Estate operates in West Auckland. Auckland Botanic Gardens present native plant species across 158 acres, and Auckland Zoo keeps over 1,400 animals. Queen Street runs through the center from the harbor to the University of Auckland, and Sky Tower stands 1,076 feet (328 meters) above the city. This selection covers the main sites for understanding Auckland's geography and range.