Auckland, Urban center in North Island, New Zealand
Auckland is a metropolis on the North Island of New Zealand that spreads between two harbors across volcanic hills and forested valleys, with residential areas and commercial districts. Beaches, parks and walking trails connect the built-up zones with the natural surroundings of rainforest and extinct volcano cones.
European settlers founded this city in September 1840 as the capital of New Zealand. The seat of government moved to Wellington in 1865, though it remained the economic heart of the nation.
This metropolis brings together the largest Polynesian population outside the Pacific islands, with lively communities from Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Maori rituals and Asian influences shape the markets, festivals and everyday rhythm across different neighborhoods.
The transport network of trains, buses and ferries links the different districts and suburbs to each other. The airport sits south of the center and handles international traffic, while the downtown area remains well connected by public transport.
The Maori name Tamaki Makaurau translates as 'Tamaki with a hundred lovers' and refers to the fertile soils and access to the sea. More than 50 extinct volcanoes shape the hilly terrain and are now accessible as parks or viewpoints.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
