Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of approximately 401,500 within the city boundary and 1.25 million in the greater Auckland area. This represents about one third of the population of the whole country.
The city and suburbs cover an area of 60 square kilometres, with many of the suburbs having their own unique character.
English is the main written and spoken language, with Maori, Polynesian and Asian languages also being spoken by ethnic communities.
The climate is temperate, with warm summers (averaging over 24 degrees) and cooler winters (averaging 16 degrees). The summer months are between December and March. The prevailing wind is westerly.
Auckland is built on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and picturesque islands. The city is known as the 'City of Sails' due to the number of yachts which sail in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland is also the 'gateway' to New Zealand for tourism, with the country's largest airport serving 45 airlines. Cruise ships call each year especially during the summer period, with many of the passengers taking the opportunity to take tours of Auckland and the other tourist attractions of the country.
The city of Auckland is the retail and commercial centre of New Zealand, with a number of head offices and businesses servicing commerce, manufacturing and tourism. Because it is the focal business centre for the region a large number of people commute daily into the city by bus, ferry, rail and private car.
Tourist attractions abound and the area is blessed with a number of spacious and clean beaches. The main tourist attractions within the city include: the Auckland Museum which houses one of the best Maori and Polynesian collections in the world, the Maritime Museum on the waterfront, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World Aquarium, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, the Museum of Transport and Technology, the Auckland, Cornwall Park and the many ferry and scenic harbour cruises which operate to the North Shore and islands of the Hauraki Gulf. There are also a number of historic places and houses open for viewing. Fine views of the city can be obtained from the Sky Tower, Mt Eden and One Tree Hill.
Sourced with thanks from Auckland City Government
AUCKLAND LINKS:
Auckland, New Zealand - official tourism website from Tourism ...
Auckland Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide.
Auckland City Council - Home
Auckland Restaurants Auckland NZ Guide-Book online-Time2Dine
Auckland City Tourist Guide
Auckland New Zealand Travel ~ Auckland NZ Tourism | 
