Auckland City
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland, New Zealand, our largest and most diverse city. More than just a city, Auckland is a whole region full of things to see and do. Best of all, with so many experiences close by it’s easy to hop from one adventure to the next.
Suburb Mission Bay
Mission Bay is a waterfront haven for all Aucklanders. Built around the idyllic, pohutukawa-lined beach and separated from the central city by a brief and beautiful drive, it’s no wonder that Mission Bay is celebrated destination for locals and visitors alike. No matter what the weather, Mission Bay welcomes everyone with open arms and a variety of experiences. Enjoy the parks, get active (by land and by sea) or simply relax and explore the surrounds. From the iconic fountain to dining with views of Rangitoto and the Waitemata Harbour, it truly is the bustling, vibrant heart of Auckland’s Eastern Bays.
Mount Wellington
Standing at 135 metres, Mount Wellington is the youngest of Auckland's volcanic peaks having last erupted just over 10,000 years ago. The volcanic landmark is a popular spot with walkers and joggers who follow the Summit Trail to enjoy the 360 panoramic views of the city and surrounding region. The deep crater combined with the city skyline in the background provides a beautiful distraction from their exercise while keeping budding photographers busy. Long after Mount Wellington's volcano became extinct, Maori settled on the site and altered the surface shape by levelling out areas for their settlement. Today, memorials can still be seen throughout the site.
Cornwall Park An Urban Oasis
Sir John Logan Campbell is often referred to as the father of Auckland, a philanthropically-minded businessman, one of the first European settlers to Auckland, and founder of Cornwall Park. Along with his business partner William Brown, Sir John purchased Cornwall Park - then known as Mount Prospect Estate - in 1853, renaming it One Tree Hill. Due to his love for this land and its history, he gifted it to NZ by placing it into a trust that would establish and manage it as a park for future generations to enjoy. His gift went further - to ensure Cornwall Park would always be free for people to enjoy, he gifted the surrounding land as well to fund it. In 1901 this land became ‘Cornwall Park’ in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York who were visiting New Zealand at that time.
Wenderholm & Scandrett Regional Parks
The long, sandy, tranquil beach and shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore are the main attractions for visitors to the Wenderholm Regional Park. On the ocean side of the Mahurangi Peninsula, Scandrett Regional Park has a sandy beach, walking tracks, patches of regenerating forest, a historic homestead, pā sites and great views towards Kawau Island.
Hunua Ranges
The Hunua Ranges cover about 400 square kilometres along the south eastern side of the Auckland region. Most of the area lies within the Waharau Regional Park, which has more than 450 species of native plants. Hiking tracks in the park pass through dense native forests to high ridge lines that offer long range views to the city or the Firth of Thames. One of the popular shorter walks is to the impressive Hunua Falls. Swimming holes in the numerous streams and rivers offer a refreshing break on a more challenging hike.
