TheMoveChannel.com takes a look at Auckland in New Zealand and finds out what it is really like to live in the City of Sails...
Auckland is regularly rated as one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, offering the buzz of city living juxtaposed with the wide open spaces and beaches that New Zealand is so famous for.
Home to around 1.4 million people, Auckland, located in the upper North Island, is New Zealand’s largest city. Its population represents a third of the country’s total population and is the fastest growing area in New Zealand.
Auckland lies on a narrow isthmus between the the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. Lush rainforest covers the surrounding hills and the landscape is dotted with sleeping volcanoes and hidden holiday islands.
Known as the ‘City of Sails’ due to its large collection of yachts in the harbours, Auckland’s blend of water, islands and modern city lifestyle has created an enviable lifestyle.
Most Aucklanders live within half an hour of stunning beaches and rural hiking trails. Add to this a sunny climate, Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping and you can see why Auckland is so sought after by tourists and immigrants to New Zealand.
More than half of Aucklanders are New Zealand European (Pakeha), nearly ten per cent are Maori (Tangata Whenua - People of the Land, termed in some countries as indigenous), another ten per cent are Pacific Island Polynesian and further 14 per cent are of Asian or Oriental origin.
What to do when visiting Auckland
Two of the best island getaways are Waiheke Island, a 35 minute ferry ride from the centre of Auckland and Great Barrier Island, with its natural hot springs and fantastic hiking.
Ever fancied walking up a sleeping volcano? You can do just that on Rangitoto Island, in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto emerged from the sea 600 years ago and is now is an iconic sight in the Auckland harbour.
Take a boat out on the Waitemata Harbour or take part in a dolphin spotting excursion.
See the biggest collection of Maori taonga (treasures) in the world at Auckland War Memorial Museum, plus see a performance of traditional Maori songs and dances.
Jump off the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere – the 192 metre high SkyJump offers a cable controlled base jump. If your stomach isn’t strong enough, you can walk around the outside of the tower on the SkyWalk.
Daredevils will love the ultimate New Zealand experience- bungee jumping. Scale the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge and enjoy the stunning views over the city, before bungee jumping off!
For more information on New Zealand properties and the market in general, please visit http://new-zealand.themovechannel.com/
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
TheMoveChannel.com is a property website that was founded in 1999 as an online resource for buying, selling and learning about property. It now receives as many as 300,000 visits per month and advertises over 50,000 properties in nearly 90 countries, which are listed by over 500 partner organisations.
For further information as well as images and interview possibilities, please contact:
Dan Johnson
Managing Director
www.themovechannel.com
0207 952 7650
