About Auckland

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand, home to approximately one-third of the country's population. Located in the North Island, Auckland is classified as the fifth-largest city in Oceania and serves as New Zealand's leading economic hub and primary international gateway.

The city is uniquely situated on a narrow isthmus between two harbours—the Waitematā Harbour on the Pacific Ocean side and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea side—making it one of the few cities in the world to have a harbour on each of two separate major bodies of water. The surrounding landscape is dotted with 53 volcanic centres that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field, and covered hills with rainforest vegetation.

City of Sails

Auckland is famously known as the "City of Sails" due to having the highest number of yachts per capita of any city in the world, with around 135,000 yachts and launches. The city hosted the America's Cup challenges in 2000 and 2003 at Viaduct Basin. The sheltered Waitematā Harbour provides ideal conditions for sailing and numerous nautical events throughout the year.

Westhaven Marina: The largest marina in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Auckland, serves as a testament to the city's maritime culture.

Key Features

Multicultural Hub: Auckland is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, with 39% of residents born overseas. The city is home to the world's largest Polynesian population and has a significant Asian population (34.9% in 2023), making it New Zealand's most diverse city.

Economy: Auckland's economy contributed NZ$139.5 billion to the national GDP in 2022. The city accounts for more than half of New Zealand's population growth and serves as the main destination for international migrants.

Education: The University of Auckland, founded in 1883, is the largest university in New Zealand and ranks among the top universities globally.

Landmarks: The Sky Tower (328 meters) is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and an iconic symbol of the city skyline.

Historical Significance

The Auckland isthmus was first settled by Māori around 1350 CE and was valued for its rich and fertile land. After the establishment of a British colony in New Zealand in 1840, Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson chose Auckland as the new capital, following a strategic gift of land from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Although Wellington replaced Auckland as the capital in 1865, Auckland continued to grow and has remained New Zealand's largest city throughout most of its history.

Today, Auckland is projected to reach 2 million inhabitants by the early 2030s, continuing its role as New Zealand's economic powerhouse and cultural melting pot.