General Information

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is located on a narrow isthmus in the top half of New Zealand's North Island with access to three harbours. Its proximity to - and love of - the sea has earned it the moniker of City of Sails. It is the gateway to New Zealand with spectacular views and breathtaking scenery.

The Auckland region boasts three harbours, two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands. Auckland's population is approximately 1.3 million, making it by far the largest city in New Zealand, with one third of the country's entire population.

Auckland has perfected the style of cuisine called "Pacific Rim" fusing Pacific and Asian flavours with fresh local produce. Auckland is a gourmet lovers delight - hundreds of restaurants, locally-grown specialties and award-winning wines to match. To go with the food, Auckland produces a number of award-winning wines from its 80-plus vineyards. Wine making has thrived in Auckland since the early 1900s.

Waiheke Island is famous for its reds, the west and north-west of Auckland is home to some of New Zealand's oldest wineries, while Clevedon to the south and Matakana to the north are newer grape-growing districts attracting attention.

Look for admired Auckland labels such as Kumeu River, Stonyridge and Matua Valley. Some of the larger vineyards have very good restaurants offering dining among the grapes.

After dinner, there are plenty of options for enjoying Auckland's nightlife. Lively bars and pubs - many of which also serve food - can be found all over the central city. The city's casino is located in the Sky City complex, which also has bars, restaurants and a hotel. Live music and theatre can be found in large venues such as the Aotea Centre, the Bruce Mason Theatre and Sky City Theatre. The Civic Theatre in Queen Street has recently been restored to its art nouveau glory. Another historic venue is The Pumphouse, an old brick water pumphouse constructed in 1894 on the edge of Lake Pupuke on the North Shore. Other smaller theatres are scattered through the central city and outer suburbs.

Visual arts are on show at the city's numerous galleries, the largest of which are the Auckland Art Gallery and its neighbour the New Gallery, which focuses on modern art. There are numerous private galleries in the city centre. Artists enclaves, where you can visit the artists in their home studios, can be found in places such as Waiheke Island, Titirangi and Devonport. Follow the Harbourside Art Trail around Birkenhead and Northcote, which combines visits to artists in their own studios with a chance to relax in local cafes.

All of New Zealand's top fashion designers, many of which are gaining international reputations, have stores in Auckland. Real bargain-hunters can head to the Dress-Smart mall for factory and outlet stores. Unique Pacific-flavoured crafts, including tapa cloths and carvings, are also readily available in specialty stores and souvenir shops near the waterfront.

Auckland has a diverse range of areas to tempt your taste buds. Waiheke Island is a scenic 35-minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland and is home to wineries, olive groves, arts and craft studios and a range of accommodation and restaurants. The island makes for a spectacular getaway and is home to numerous boutique wineries where some of the country's best red wines are produced.

As the main gateway to New Zealand , Auckland is the most accessible of all regions. You can catch a direct flight from:

SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre

The SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre is located an easy 5 minutes walk from the heart of the CBD and the wonders of Auckland's vibrant waterfront. Purpose designed, the SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre offers every room configuration and features the utmost state of the art technical facilities.