Areas of Auckland
Hauraki Gulf Islands
Auckland's Gulf Islands are an extension of the city's marine playground. The best-known is
Rangitoto, with its landmark volcanic cone providing spectacular views of Auckland. Nearby
Waiheke Island is a popular holiday resort famous for its arts and crafts and award-winning wineries.
Tiritiri Matangi is home to an open bird sanctuary, while at
Kawau Island, visitors can tour Mansion House, the stately residence of New Zealand's former Governor, Sir George Grey. Further out,
Great Barrier Island offers unspoilt beaches, native bush, historic logging and mining remains and natural hot pools.
North Shore CityAcross the Harbour Bridge is Auckland's North Shore City, an area known for its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches and views across the Hauraki Gulf. Takapuna, with its tree-lined high street, is the main shopping area. Historic Devonport is renowned for its waterfront cafés, antique stores and art and craft shops. A regular ferry service (15 minutes) departs for Devonport from the Ferry Building on Quay Street.
East Auckland Located about 20 kilometres from the city centre are Auckland's well-kept eastern suburbs. Boaties love this area with its easy access to the sea and there is an excellent marina facility at Half Moon Bay, and several safe swimming beaches. The
Howick Historical Village is located at Pakuranga, with restored historic buildings, including fencible cottages.
Waitekere CityIn the west, Waitakere City is renowned for its lush bush, stunning coastline, market gardens and wineries. Titirangi Village has a lively arts and crafts scene, while the bush-clad Waitakere Ranges are one of Auckland's scenic gems, with extensive walking trails through native bush. The wild west coast beaches of
Piha,
Muriwai, Whatipu and Karekare (where the opening scenes of the movie
The Piano were filmed) offer dramatic coastal walks and great surfing.
Manukau City To the south is New Zealand's youngest and fastest growing city, Manukau, which contains the Jean Batten International Airport. It has a vibrant Maori and Pacific Island heritage, reflected in its Polynesian markets, and is one of the country's largest shopping centres. Local attractions include the
Rainbow's End Theme Park and the
Auckland Regional Botanic Garden, which offers pleasant walking trails through native and exotic flora.
Franklin DistrictSouth of Manukau lies Franklin District, with rolling farmland, boutique vineyards and country towns, including the villages of
Pukekohe,
Waiuku and
Clevedon. The rugged Hunua Ranges are a scenic highlight and a popular recreational area for Aucklanders, with picnic facilities, waterfalls, streams and walking trails through the bush to nearby dams.
Rodney CountyNorth of Auckland, the main highway to
Whangarei traverses Rodney County, a scenic region with bush-clad hills and rolling farmland. Historic settlements, including the tiny Bohemian settlement of
Puhoi, and several thriving vineyards add interest. Beautiful coastline borders much of the area.
Hibiscus Coast On Auckland's back doorstep this region's main centre is the beach resort of
Orewa, with its magnificent long, sandy beach. Along Whangaparaoa Peninsula is the Gulf Harbour Marina, which accesses the open bird sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island, with beautiful Shakespear Regional Park at its end.
Matakana Coast The historic village of
Warkworth is the hub of the Matakana Coast, extending from Wenderholm in the south to the white sands of
Pakiri Beach. Attractions include Goat Island, New Zealand's first marine reserve, Kawau Island, Pakiri Beach and
Sheep World. The coastal reserve of Wenderholm Regional Park is a popular recreational area, with its sandy beach and historic Couldrey House.