About Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of 1.6 million people, and is the centre of the country’s retail and commercial activities.

The city is surrounded by 48 volcanoes and numerous picturesque islands.This harbourside location is known as the "City of Sails" because of the great number of yachts that sail in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf.

In the west of the city, the Waitakere Ranges rainforest forms a gateway to magnificent west coast surf beaches and an abundance of bush walks.

Auckland has a rich cosmopolitan mix of people. Around 53 per cent of its residents are of European descent, while 28 per cent are Asian, 15 percent are Pacific and 11 percent are New Zealand Māori. 

The city’s climate is temperate, with warm summers (averaging more than 24 degrees) and cooler winters (averaging 16 degrees). The summer months are between December and March. The prevailing wind is westerly.

Find out more about Auckland City including its history, special attractions, events and outdoor activities:

• Tourism Auckland
• What's on in Auckland
• Auckland City Council
• Auckland Transport
• Lonely Planet's commentary on Auckland