A Brief Guide to Auckland City

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest and busiest city. Even though it is not the country's capital, it is still the most famous and popular destination in New Zealand, especially for foreigners and exchange students. When you walk through the city's downtown, you can listen to several languages and see different people from all over the world. 

  

Walk down Queen Street, and you can have the chance to try a great variety of ethnic food for a very good price (around ten New Zealand dollars). Or, if you just want to spend some time with your friends and have a nice conversation, you can go to the various cafés that are spread not only downtown, but throughout the whole city (from personal experience, this is the best way to improve your English). These facts make Auckland one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world.

However, what makes Auckland different from other main cities is its nearness of water. Auckland is surrounded by the sea. There are many nice and really pleasant places where you can take a walk and enjoy the beautiful views, or do some exercise (the harbour, marina and Mission Bay are some of the options).

If the weather is clear, it is an excellent idea to take a ferry and go to one of the smaller islands (Waiheke) or other suburbs (e.g. Devonport) near Auckland and spend the day there. Or, you might as well rent a car (or take a bus), drive thirty minutes, and enjoy the nice beaches in Orewa. Drive a little longer, and you will be blown away by the Piha Beach's beauty. And I haven't mentioned all the public parks yet, where you can have a picnic or just chill out. New Zealanders love the outdoors, and in Auckland it is no different.

Of course, if you love partying the city has much to offer. There are many pubs, and all the nightclubs don't charge anything to enter. A really good deal for students!

And if none of this is good enough for you, there is always the option to travel around New Zealand. Take the weekend out, choose a destination and enjoy. It is very easy to travel around the country. The airfares and bus are reasonable. There are many affordable options for accommodation, and the destinations are always worth a visit.

There's a lot to do and to see in Auckland!

Comments

[Nic]

Great Post Andre! Even as an Aucklander it's nice to be reminded what there is to do here. We really are lucky!

[Carter]

Wow! I didn't realise I lived in such a cool city!

[Siva Namasivayam]

Thanks Andre for the wonderful write-up on Auckland. I made Auckland my new home for the same reasons mentioned in your blog. Its multi-cultural character has made Auckland one of the most interesting city in the world!

[Lindsay Spedding]

A great commentary Andre. It's always good to get a new perspective on a place you think you know well. I look forward to your next instalment.

[Ray]

Hi Andre,

Always nice to see our city through other people's eyes. You tend to forget that it is a pretty nice place to live. Roll on summer and the cahnce to go to the beach!