A couple of weeks ago, I did a “travel scene” post capturing the sights and sounds of Cuba Street, a popular spot in downtown Wellington, New Zealand. I published that post simply because Cuba Street is my favorite part of Wellington, and I thought it was worth highlighting. I was surprised, therefore, to receive a few comments commending me for featuring something about one of New Zealand’s cities.
At first, I found this odd. New Zealand has great cities! I’ve written plenty about places like Wellington and Queenstown before. But, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. When most people think of New Zealand, they think of beautiful landscapes, stunning views, lots of nature, and crazy adventure sports. And that’s because those are the things people most often write and post photos about. I would imagine that very few people, upon hearing “New Zealand,” would think of the Beehive in Wellington, the harbor in Auckland, or the cobbled streets of Queenstown.
People know OF New Zealand’s cities. But I would hazard a guess that not many people have any idea what they actually look like.
So for the next 3 or 4 Fridays, I’ll be highlighting a different aspect of New Zealand for you, doing my best to show you what this beautiful country’s cities and towns look like beyond the rolling green hills and snow-capped mountains.
This week, the spotlight falls on Auckland.
This is the first photo I ever took in NZ, back in 2005. This is Auckland, as seen from the North Shore suburb of Takapuna.
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, holds more than a quarter of the country’s population — roughly 1.4 million. Being that it’s so large, it’s also quite modern and city-like. Definitely the most city-like city in New Zealand, with a large international airport, skyscrapers, and plenty of cars and people. But the city is also colorful, and centered around a large harbor that’s always filled with hundreds of sailboats. In fact, Auckland is known as “the City of Sails.”
Here’s a brief photo tour of this North Island city:
Driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which spans the Waitemata Harbor, connecting Saint Mary's Bay to the North Shore.
The Auckland Ferry Terminal building.
A building near the harbor that's shaped like a ship!
Downtown Auckland streets, as seen from the SkyTower.
The Auckland skyline, as seen from the harbor.
Auckland street near the harbor, with the SkyTower in the background.
It's not called the "City of Sails" for nothing.
Walking near the Ferry Terminal.
The city, as seen from the Harbour Bridge.
And, of course, we can't leave out Eden Park, Auckland's rugby field! I took this photo at a match in which the NZ All Blacks played (and beat) the Australian Wallabies.
I’m sorry to say that I don’t have any more city photos of Auckland. Even though it’s New Zealand’s largest city, it’s no secret that it’s not my favorite. But, it’s still worth a stop if you’re planning a trip to New Zealand.
Stay tuned next week, when I’ll feature Wellington!
——
Have you visited Auckland? If so, what was your impression of New Zealand’s largest city?
Excellent photos. I quite like Auckland, and you’ve captured a lot of its charm. Of course, it’s a little too big for me – I like the smaller cities more.
Same here, Rob. I much prefer NZ’s smaller cities. But I couldn’t start a string of photo features on New Zealand cities and not include Auckland!
Every time I think of NZ I think of you because I know you always rave about it. I am seriously considering a visit when I move to Australia next year! If only for the sky-diving!
Mica recently posted..Photo Flashback of the week: Isla Palomino
I am totally okay with being known as a NZ lover and semi-expert! And I would definitely support a visit to NZ when you move to Australia!! In fact… why not just move to NZ instead??
But seriously, if you want adventure sports, I highly recommend New Zealand. If you only do one thing, though, it’s gotta be bungy jumping!
I’m too excited! 5 months to go!!!!
Erik recently posted..Photo of the Day- Philadelphia Skyline
I’m excited FOR you!
Alright… we arrive here right before New Year’s Eve. We have 3 days here before explore the rest of NZ and I’m still trying to figure out what to do in the city. I’m sure 3 days is more than enough time in Auckland. Any suggestions?
Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Tech Trippin | Essential Travel Gadgets
I’m not actually a huge fan of the city, so yes, I would say 3 days would be more than enough time in Auckland! As for things to do… The SkyTower is popular, and I think you can do a bridge climb here similar to the one in Sydney? You could also look into sailing, as that’s Auckland’s big thing. There are also some hikes that are supposed to be really good not far from the city.
If you’re looking for a nice day trip (and you plan to have a car), drive down to the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s a beautiful, laid-back part of NZ. Much better than Auckland, in my honest opinion!
i so want to go! you’ve piqued my interest!
wandering educators recently posted..Digital Media School Project in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Awesome! Just wait until next week… my Wellington post should be even more inspiring!
I think you saved G and I about 2 weeks of hard core planning. Lol. I hope the next few Fridays will highlight the “smaller cities” you prefer.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Tech Trippin | Essential Travel Gadgets
Haha, awesome! If you guys want any specific tips, please don’t hesitate to drop me an e-mail!
And yes, next week I will highlight Wellington, the week after Queenstown, and then the week after that a handful of smaller cities! So stay tuned!
I have never visited New Zealand but seen a lot of it on the television and heard and read a lot about it. It comes across as a beautiful little place, with much lesser population as compared to India. Your pics give a very good idea of Auckland, Thanks for sharing.
Arti recently posted..Photographical Memories from the Himalayas: Waterfalls…
It really is a “beautiful little place.” For sure a far cry from India, population-wise! It’s well worth a visit if you ever get the chance.
Thanks for reading!
I liked Auckland, but, like you preferred Wellington. However, sailing in the harbor on one of the Americas Cup boats was one of the best afternoons I’ve had–and the museum is worth seeing.
NLM recently posted..Incurable Amnesia–I Like it!
I imagine sailing in Auckland would be really cool. After all, it is kind of the city’s trademark!
But yes, as far as I’m concerned, Auckland’s got nothing on Wellington! I need to go find all my Welly pics now for next week…
Would love to go there one day.. great pics!!
Yvonne recently posted..It’s all about the people – #InPyrenees in Video
Thanks, Yvonne! Hopefully one day you can visit!
Good perspective. Have been adding sweeping green nature type spots to my NZ list for a long time. Nice to see the city, too.
Katrina recently posted..Of Kayaks, Cameras, and Cold
New Zealand definitely has some beautiful scenery. But its cities deserve some credit and acknowledgment, too!
Thanks for doing these features Amanda. A thoughtful idea! You’ll be pleased to know that a temporary shopping precinct has just opened near the Bridge of Rememberance in the middle of Christchurch, and it’s absolutely wonderful – everyone goes there and smiles!! The rest is pretty grim now though!! We’re off to Cuba St to our daughter’s apartment in a few days time, so will think of you there!!
So glad you’re enjoying this feature, John! I’m sad that I won’t be able to include Christchurch in this, however. The old photos I have of the city include mostly buildings that aren’t there anymore. And the recent photos just make me too depressed. I’ll have to save Christchurch for when the city is back up on its feet and I can visit again!
Great to hear about that new shopping precinct, however! That sounds wonderful.
Enjoy Wellington and Cuba Street! Say hello to everything for me.
Not knowing where I would end up in New Zealand after arriving for my working holiday, I pretty much did all the tourist-y things I wanted to do in one day. And then of course, I end up getting an awesome job in the city and stay for 16 months!!!
Whenever I tell people where I lived, I always said it with a little groan, because Auckland is definitely not the reason you come to New Zealand. Even when my parents came, I was like, all you need is an afternoon (especially since they were super tight on time anyway) and after their visit, they totally agree.
If you are stuck in the area for a while, I love the wild west coast, near Piha (but you need a car or jump on a tour). Easier to get to is Wairewa and the spa on the North Shore, which I took the bus to a few times and LOVED it! Perfect for a rainy, cold day, sitting in the covered spas all day!
Beautiful pictures, too bad it only looks like that 3-4 months a year (haha!)
Rebecca recently posted..Who Loves to Win? (I Do! I Do!)
Yes, I agree that you can knock out most of the “touristy” things in Auckland in a day or so. When people tell me they’re budgeting 5 or 6 days in Auckland during their NZ visit, I always try to dissuade them.
I mean, there’s nothing WRONG with Auckland. It’s just that there are so many more interesting places in NZ worth visiting!
Spent a weekend in Auckland in September and found it really is interesting around the waterfrot. Mind you, we were in the middle of Rugby World Cup and the place was buzzing with tourists and rugby supporters from many countries on the streets. The place had good vibes…very impressed.
Jim recently posted..Michael makes great Spanish Paella! YouTube Tuesday.
Ah, I’m sure it would have been awesome during the RWC!
You caught an All Blacks v Wallabies game?!! Nice timing!
Cam recently posted..Photo of the Week: The World’s Busiest Street Crossing
Sure did! It was one of the last matches of the season, so a bunch of us international students flew up to Auckland for the weekend to catch it. It was SO much fun. And the All Blacks won! Which made it even better.
I hope you visited the LOTR sites
I’ve been to Matamata (home to Hobbiton) twice!