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The Glossary

Kiwi - "a nickname for a New Zealand local"

From New Zealand Glossary

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand. No, it’s not the country’s capital – that distinction belongs to Wellington – but the fact has not stopped it from being prosperous and famous. Over 31 percent of the country’s people reside in the city, and it has recently ranked fifth in the world among cities with the highest quality of life – it has a modern metropolis, superb shopping and dining, plus a buzzing nightlife.

Auckland is also the 23rd wealthiest city on Earth. Much of its wealth has come from its harbors, the Manukau and Waitemata, where about 1,600 commercial vessels dock and engage in trade every year. Further proof that this is the city’s bread-and-butter is the number of people employed in the port industry: 173,000. Its harbors are also chock-full of sailboats and yachts (estimated to be 135,000 at any given time), which had led to its nickname: “The City of Sails.”

Living among the Volcanoes

Auckland straddles the so-called Auckland Volcanic Field, and as such is surrounded by no less than 50 volcanoes. Luckily, most of them are extinct and dormant, although some release lava flows on occasion. Its location lends the city a considerable natural beauty, with its various peaks being ideal for adrenaline junkies who thrive on mountain climbing and trekking. Indeed, many visitors head up the hills to enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding areas.

It also lies on an isthmus, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Auckland’s unique location makes it one of the few cities to have harbors on different bodies of water. Perhaps the best thing about its setting are the scenic beaches and coasts granted to the city – and as such is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sporting.

Hip and Historic

While Auckland may not be the most beautiful metropolis (ill-conceived developments are to blame), it makes up for the fact by being the most multicultural city in the country. It is brimming with ethnicity, with Maori, British, Asian, and Pacific Island people co-existing harmoniously, not to mention that it has the largest Polynesian population in the world. This is perhaps most evident in the city’s varied cuisine, as well as the myriad of festivals held here every month.

Founded in the 19th century, historical landmarks and colonial architecture still dot its landscape, especially those in Devonport. These, however, share space with modern development, such as the 1,076-feet high Sky Tower (tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere) and its collection of shopping malls and hopping bars.

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