Located in the North Island, Auckland is by far the largest and most populous city in the whole of New Zealand. It is the nation’s only city that has an urban population surpassing 1 million people.
A June 2016 census found that Auckland has more than triple the population of Wellington, the nation’s capital city (1,495,000 to 405,000). In fact, Auckland’s urban population consists of approximately 31.6% of New Zealand’s total population of 4,736,490 (2016 estimation).
So, what is it that makes Auckland such a popular place to live? In celebration of the city, deVere New Zealand have listed some of Auckland’s most iconic and recognisable sites.
Sky Tower
The city of Auckland lays claim to having the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere; the Sky Tower. It stands at an impressive 328 metres tall and attracts an average of 1,150 visitors per day or over 415,000 per year. It features three circular public observation decks that offer commanding 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
To make the most of the experience, be sure to go on a clear blue-sky day where visibility increases to 82 kilometres (51miles). Three glass elevators can transport over 200 people to the observation levels every 15 minutes. Travelling at 18km per hour, the elevator journey takes a total of 40 seconds.
Alternatively, walking up the 1,267 flights of stairs to the top observation deck would take just under half-an-hour. Throughout certain times of the year, SKYCITY Auckland will light up the tower in a array of different colours as a way of showing support for an variety of different organisations and charities.
Such examples include lighting the tower pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month or red and green for ‘Kidz’ First Children’s hospital.
Auckland Domain
Covering an area of 185 acres, Auckland’s oldest park offers a nice respite from the daily buzz of city life. The park is open all year-round and is home to several sporting activities from local cricket clubs to rugby.
However, what makes the park truly unique is that it is essentially one massive crater. The city of Auckland comes under the Auckland volcanic field which features several monogenetic volcanoes. These one-time explosive volcanoes have produced a diverse array of craters and tuff rings, one of which can be found at the park.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
After a relaxing stroll through the park, why not head over to the Auckland Museum which is located prominently on the crater’s rim. Built in the neo-classist style, it is one of city’s most iconic buildings and was inaugurated in 1929.
It houses a unique collection of the nation’s past, particularly in regards to the country’s ancient Maori and Polynesian populations.
It is home to approximately 1.5 million natural history specimens from different disciplines such as botany entomology, geology and so forth.
Once can also find extensive information surrounding the nation’s military history and warfare, both within New Zealand as well as overseas.
The museum also serves as a War Memorial (predominately from the First and Second World Wars).