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.
Photo license: CC BY 2.5
Photo license: CC BY 2.5
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...
New Zealand's North Island holds much of the country's population and has a wide variety of landscapes. This list includes 35 places that show what you can see there: cities like Auckland and Wellington, active volcanoes, geothermal areas where the ground steams and boils, black or golden beaches,...
Auckland volcanic field
11.2 km
Eden Park
3 km
Sky Tower
411 m
Rangitoto Island
11.2 km
Queen Victoria Statue
483 m
Great Barrier Island
95.2 km
Mount Smart Stadium
8.6 km
Auckland Harbour Bridge
2.9 km
Hot Water Beach
94.1 km
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1.6 km
Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill
5.6 km
North Harbour Stadium
15 km
Auckland Zoo
4 km
Gibbs Farm
46.6 km
Rainbow's End
19.1 km
Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
4.9 km
Auckland Domain
1.4 km
Te Whanganui-o-Hei / Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve
90.9 km
Pukekohe Park
42.8 km
Western Springs Stadium
3.6 km
ATP Auckland Open
900 m
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
62.4 km
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
284 m
Auckland Town Hall
71 m
Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary
137.4 km
Museum of Transport and Technology
3.6 km
Grafton Bridge
894 m
The Pacifica
833 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes