City Guide: Auckland

     Auckland is known as the ''City of Sails''.

     It has more boats per person than any other city in the world with 70,000 ships docking in its port. The waters of the Hauraki Gulf become especially busy with boats and impressive ferries on weekends and it means Auckland is a paradise for boat cruises and sailing there is the best way to capture the city.

     You can take a boat cruise in Auckland easy, but before you do consider where to stay there. Booked.net can take a hassle out for you if you check our selection to book a cheap hotel in Auckland or luxury accommodation all available with maps, photos and secure forms at Booked.net.

     You can find this water paradise sitting between two harbors - Manukau Harbor opens to the Tasman Sea and the Waitemata Harbor shapes Auckland's port. It is here you can find waterfront dotted with numerous cafes, restaurants and a host for yachting events.

Other attractions include;

- Auckland War Memorial Museum, one of the best in New Zealand

- Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere

- Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens, more than 65ha with native plants and exotics

- New Zealand National Maritime Museum offers New Zealand's maritime history

     Europeans arrived in the area in the 19th century and initiated negotiations with ruling the Ngati-Whatua tribe to establish the capital of the colony. The negotiations paid off with success and Auckland was the capital until 1865 when capital credentials moved to Wellington. After that, it concentrated on commerce and developed into the world largest geographically, but least populated city with land twice size of London and population barely more than million.

     The city's population is really diverse because of immigrants who relocated there for low-skilled work. Despite work possibilities declined, ethnic makeup includes the largest population of Pacific Islanders outside their homes - 152,508 people and 56.6 percent European, 18.9 percent Asian and on. 

     Even though Auckland grew into the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, it still retains its provincial charm of small city with friendly and welcoming passersby at the streets. Best for strolls is the downtown area dominated by the tallest building - the Sky Tower and tiny wooden houses near beautiful parks. You can find more green areas in the suburbia alongside impressive bays and on the slopes of volcanic hills that may offer you unforgettable views of the area.

     From strolls in the parks to sightseeing within the city, Auckland will satisfy every traveler with abundance of activities. Booked.net can fit your needs to choose a hotel in Auckland with all comforts.