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SITUATED on a narrow neck of land between two harbours, New Zealand's largest city was originally called Tamaki-makau-rau by the Maori: the place of a hundred lovers.
Visiting Auckland today, you'll love the hundreds of urban and natural attractions.
With a multicultural population of over one million, Auckland rivals the sophistication of many larger international cities. Its distinctive blend of Polynesian and European culture is evident in galleries, museums, theatre and restaurants as well as on the streets of everyday life.
You'll find New Zealand's largest casino here, Sky City, and rising high above it is Sky Tower - the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. Ride the speedy glass-fronted lifts to take in the 360-degree views of the city and harbours 328 metres below.
And indulge in a few culinary delights as you ogle the views from the cafe and revolving restaurant.
Harbour sights include the graceful lines of the bridge, the flotilla of islands in the Hauraki Gulf and the imposing cone of Rangitoto Island, the most recently-active of the city's 48 volcanoes (it erupted just 600 years ago).
Auckland is said to have the highest number of boats per head of population in the world.
You don't have to drive very far from downtown Auckland to recharge your batteries in mountainous wilderness laced with rolling surf beaches. Or sail away into a different world out in the magnificent Hauraki Gulf.
The Gulf is studded with hundreds of islands, several of them easily accessible by ferry services.
The symmetrical cone of Rangitoto Island, at the Waitemata harbour entrance, dominates many of the city's vistas. Catch a ferry across to Rangitoto and hike to the summit through beautiful pohutukawa forest. It's a stiff climb but the reward is a wonderful view.
Further out, Waiheke Island has a resident population of around 6,000. Many are artists or involved in the prosperous local wine industry, and others commute to Auckland on the high speed ferries.
Most of west coast beaches around Muriwai, Bethells and Piha have wild stretches of black sand framed by the stunning rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. Located just 30 minutes or so from Auckland, they are particularly popular surfing spots.
Gentler surf and golden sand are the style of the east coast beaches, which stretch from the north shore suburbs to the popular towns of Orewa and Waiwera (about an hour from Auckland).
At Waiwera, there are thermal swimming pools with hotel, motel and camping ground accommodation nearby, and to the north is the historic Bavarian settlement of Puhoi, with a great old pub and boutique cheese producer.