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Auckland is located in an area where volcanic activity was once plentiful and frequent. It is built on a volcanic field containing as many as forty-eight separate volcanoes. Known as the Auckland Volcanic Field, the individual volcanoes are considered dormant but the extended field is still considered potentially active. All of this volcanic geography and scenery contributes to the unique character of Auckland as well as its beautiful scenery.
To get an excellent view of Auckland and the surrounding areas plan a visit to the Sky Tower. This incredible tower, the tallest one in the entire Southern Hemisphere, rises 328 metres above the city. Visitors who go up to the observation area can get a spectacular view, sometimes stretching out 80 kilometres or more on a very clear day. The cost is reasonable but the lines can be long, so go early if you want to avoid the largest crowds during the day.
Get out into the great New Zealand outdoors with an adventure into the Waitakere Ranges. This long chain of rugged and beautiful hills boasts some of the most spectacular waterfalls you will ever see, along with a wide choice of excellent hiking trails and paths. The plant life in the Waitakere Ranges is varied, as is the wildlife, too. You can begin the day at one of four excellent surfing beaches and finish up on the top of one of the splendid hills to soak in the view and the beauty of the area.
Auckland is linked to the sea, thanks to the nearby Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. There is so much activity related to the water that the city is sometimes called by its nickname "The City of Sails" because of the huge numbers of sailboats and other pleasure craft that moor in the harbour. Fishing, surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, and many other water activities are extremely popular with visitors and locals alike.
For those who love to shop, plan a visit to the Otara Flea Market on a Saturday morning. There you will find long rows of vendor stalls offering everything from food to clothing to souvenirs and more. The strong Polynesian influence present in Auckland is quite visible here, as there are many people of Polynesian descent in the marketplace and the culture permeates nearly every part of the area. There are a number of other markets in the Auckland area, but Otara Flea Market is the most interesting and colourful of them all.
Another wonderful place to visit is the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens. This is a very large expanse of land where visitors can see and enjoy over 10,000 different kinds of plants. There is an excellent mix of native plant life as well as exotic and imported plant life, providing a broad spectrum of size, shape, and colour. Plan to spend several hours here, strolling through the paths and walkways to truly take in the splendour of the area. When you are done at the gardens, head over to Butterfly Creek where you can see many varieties of tropical butterflies and moths inside a climate controlled butterfly house. It is an experience you will never forget!
Auckland International Airport is the largest airport in New Zealand and the primary connecting point for reaching other parts of the country as well. Many major international carriers offer flights into and out of Auckland, plus there are numerous smaller regional airlines offering short flights to other smaller airports. Getting from the airport into the city is easy and convenient, with your choice of bus, taxi, train, shuttle, or your own car for hire.
Wiki:- Auckland
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