Auckland's Māori name, Tamaki Makaurau, means "city of many lovers." Historically, countless tribes and peoples fought over time for control of the city, so highly did they value it. And with good reason: perfectly situated geographically, Auckland and its two harbors form a narrow isthmus surrounded by volcanic cones.
The Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean encircle Auckland. Water is never far away. Surf beaches on the west coast, the Hauraki Gulf glacier and its countless islands to the east (like Waiheke Island)—the City of Sails is also within an hour's drive of dense forests, hot springs, deserted beaches, vineyards… Everything is right there or nearby. As a result, the rest of the country loves to hate it (partly because of the traffic, unusual for New Zealand, and perhaps also because it's "very densely populated," six times more so than Wellington, the country's capital).
As an added bonus, the oceanic climate offers pleasant temperatures all year round, although in Auckland it is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in the same day.
Auckland's city center is organized around Queen Street, the main thoroughfare that stretches to the waterfront. Nearby stands the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere , at 328 meters. Covered in volcanic hills and surrounded by rainforest, Auckland offers breathtaking scenery and is ideal for water sports.
For sightseeing, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is worth a visit after a stroll through the park in which it's located. The Auckland Art Gallery houses some of the best New Zealand art, and One Tree Hill , a local landmark in Cornwall Park, a public garden in Auckland, offers a lovely view of the city below. Don't forget to relax in the volcanic Mount Eden district .
Finally, Auckland is brimming with restaurants, bars, and shops of all kinds. Something you'll rarely find elsewhere in the country… so take advantage of it!
Piha Beach: New Zealand's most famous surf beach. Located on the west coast, 40 km from Auckland, this black sand beach is a favorite with both surfers and beachgoers. It lies within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which boasts 250 km of hiking trails and numerous campsites.
Waiheke Island: Just a short half-hour ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is the perfect place to enjoy life. The island boasts fabulous beaches for relaxing and quality vineyards. Renting a car is the best way to explore it. Waiheke Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, dotted with islands that you can reach by boat. If you have the time, you can even opt for a cruise.
Devonport: On the other side of the Harbour Bridge, accessible by bus or ferry, this seaside village on a peninsula opposite Auckland's city center is perfect for relaxation. There are excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling.
Auckland is ideal for those seeking a smooth transition from city to nature. As the country's economic hub and thriving economy, the city allows you to work as soon as you arrive before venturing out to explore the rest of the country. It's also a great base for accessing the many activities in the surrounding area: Coromandel , Northland, and more.
job assistance partner's main office is located in Auckland. This means you can start your New Zealand adventure in Auckland or travel to Auckland from your arrival airport. By purchasing a basic New Zealand package or a complete Auckland package , you can access their services in both Queenstown and Auckland.
Start your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in New Zealand by taking a few weeks of English classes in Auckland . This can improve your English and increase your chances of landing jobs that require a higher level of English, such as hotel receptionist. One in three WHV holders who use Visavacancestravail.be takes English classes at the beginning of their stay. Discover our complete package including English courses .
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
