Schmap Auckland Neighborhood Guide

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Auckland - Neighborhood Guide
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Auckland Home
Schmap Auckland guide and map

As New Zealand writer Kevin Ireland has wickedly observed, Auckland has a weight problem. "It is one of the biggest cities in the world. Its swollen bulk hangs out over the constricting belt of its isthmus and bulges further than the eye can see. Its head cannot locate its toes."

Two towering, powerful icons emerge from the sprawl—the volcanic cone of Rangitoto and the futuristic Sky Tower. They may also define its soul. Here is a city of tranquillity and sophistication combining a stunning coastline with cultural edge. Hecklers claim Auckland is bold, brash and excessive. Critics may be right about the excess, but there is no stopping growth as the city steadily expands. It is actually four cities—North Shore, Waitakere, Auckland and Manukau—straddling an isthmus of land at the narrowest part of New Zealand. Only nine kilometres separates the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. Aucklanders' love of the water explains the moniker "City of Sails"—a reputation enhanced on Waitemata Harbour during the America's Cup 2000 and 2003 regatta.

Over a quarter of the nation's inhabitants live in the Auckland region. Since the Maori alighted from their waka (canoes) to occupy the densely forested land, a steady stream of migrants has followed—Europeans, Asians and Polynesians have all made the journey to create the largest Polynesian enclave in the world.

More than 50 volcanoes have erupted, permanently scarring Auckland's landscape. The last of them, the island of Rangitoto, was born a mere 600 years ago. The buzz, aggression and vitality of the city today echoes this turbulent past.

Central Business District

The main artery of Queen Street, studded with retail and commercial buildings, flows like lava from Newton to Downtown, with the shadow of the Sky Tower reflected in every gleaming, glass tower. Take a cultural stopover at the Art Gallery, Town Hall, Aotea Centre, the Force Entertainment Centre and the Civic Theatre. The fashion heart is located nearby in High Street, home to some of the world's hottest new labels--World, Karen Walker and Zambesi. Queen Street eventually converges with the waterfront and the revamped Viaduct Harbour.

A passion for uprooting the past (Auckland was once dubbed "city of cranes") began with Pakeha (European settlers) removing entire volcanic cones to reclaim the waterfront. Now the waterfront is an essential playground for all. NZD42 million has recently been spent beautifying Viaduct Harbour, a perfect backdrop to the America's Cup regatta and home to other attractions, including the Maritime Museum, Waitemata Plaza, The Ferry Building, and a bevy of restaurants and nightspots.

On the inner city fringe lies the infamous Karangahape Road, although its garish sex parlours now compete with exotic shops and restaurants. Also on the fringe is Grafton, location of Auckland Hospital, the ice-cream coloured Starship Children's Hospital and Auckland's major recreational park—the Domain, with its sports fields, Wintergardens, duck ponds and War Memorial Museum.

South of the Domain, you can fully appreciate the city from the summit of Mt Eden (Maungawhau). Try one of the trendy village cafés nestled at its base if you are in need of fortification. Another volcanic vantage point, offering views to both the Waitemata and Manukau harbours, is One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie). Stargazers will enjoy the Auckland Observatory and Star Dome Planetarium situated in surrounding Cornwall Park.

West of downtown, Ponsonby Road has been Auckland's enduring restaurant strip for the past 20 years. Competition is now fierce with the new waterfront restaurants and bars, but many remain loyal to Ponsonby icons such as Prego, S.P.Q.R. and other institutions such as the Hero Parade—Auckland's own gay pride Mardi Gras—voted best annual event by Metro magazine.

The Eastern Bays

Heading east, but still hovering on the fringes of the city, are the suburbs of Newmarket and Parnell. Newmarket is a fashion addict's delight, and perhaps a smarter, slicker version of Parnell, once the domain of yuppie excess. A more sober past is reflected in historic buildings such as Kinder House and Whitby Lodge, which sit alongside a lively mix of shops and restaurants. Further east along Tamaki Drive is Auckland's own Riviera of crescent beaches, stretching from Okahu Bay and Bastion Point to Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers. Along the drive you will find Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter, more street cafés and seaside playgrounds.

South Auckland

Manukau City, with its 50 different ethnic communities, is proudly multi-cultural. It shows off its Polynesian flair in a cornucopia of markets, festivals, community churches and some of the region's most diverse shopping, including Otara Market. For an adrenaline rush, there is Rainbow's End theme park.

West Auckland

West Auckland offers rugged scenic beauty and, as home to the Dalmatian population, has a unique cultural heritage. To fully appreciate its natural attractions, drive 45 minutes west from the city to the black-sand surf beaches--Piha, Karekare and Muriwai (also to view the Gannet Colony). For outdoor enthusiasts there are over 140 bushwalks in the Waitakere Ranges, trails for bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, and horse riding opportunities.

There are a number of established family wineries here too, notably Delegat's and Corbans, near Henderson and Matua Valley, House of Nobilo and Coopers Creek, near Kumeu. Several of the wineries have excellent restaurants--the Hunting Lodge at Matua Valley and Allely House at Selaks are both worth the drive to enjoy their beautiful settings.

The North Shore

Across the Harbour Bridge lies North Shore City and kilometres of superb beaches. Seaside suburbs with relaxed shopping centres and restaurants wind their way north, with a major highlight being the historic maritime village of Devonport accessible by ferry from the Ferry Building. To view some expensive real estate, walk along Takapuna Beach and continue on to Milford Beach along the sea wall at low tide.

Beyond the confines of the city lie the 47 islands of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, including Rangitoto, Motutapu and Waiheke Island, which attracts many visitors to its idyllic bays and beaches, galleries, vineyards and restaurants, and the annual Montana Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival.

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City Centre

Auckland
New Zealand

The main artery of Queen Street, studded with retail and commercial buildings, flows like lava from Newton to Downtown, with the shadow of the Sky Tower reflected in every gleaming glass tower. Take a cultural stopover at the Art Gallery, Town Hall, Aotea Centre, the Force Entertainment Centre and the Civic Theatre. The fashion heart is located nearby in High Street, home to some of the world's hottest new labels-World, Karen Walker and Zambesi. Queen Street eventually converges with the waterfront and the revamped Viaduct Harbour. On the inner city fringe is Grafton, location of Auckland Hospital, the ice-cream coloured Starship Children's Hospital and Auckland's major recreational park-the Domain, with its sports fields, Wintergardens, duck ponds and War Memorial Museum.

Review © 2007, Wcities

hotel availability

Photo: Iqbal Ansari

Photo: Bentley Smith

Photo: Will Luo

Photo: Martin O'Connell

Photo: Gareth R. Howells

City Centre photo by Steve and Rosie Curtis

Photo: Steve and Rosie Curtis

Photo: Amy Templeman

Photo: Robyn Jankel

Photo: Eric Simpson

North Shore

Auckland
New Zealand
Across the Harbour Bridge lies North Shore City and kilometres of superb beaches. Seaside suburbs with relaxed shopping centres and restaurants wind their way north, with a major highlight being the historic maritime village of Devonport, accessible by ferry from the Ferry Building. To view some expensive real estate, walk along Takapuna Beach and continue on to Milford Beach along the sea wall at low tide. Beyond the confines of the city lie the 47 islands of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, including Rangitoto, Motutapu and Waiheke Island, which attracts many visitors to its idyllic bays and beaches, galleries, vineyards and restaurants, and the annual Montana Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities hotel availability

Photo: Mike Gieseg
Photo: Mike Gieseg
Photo: julián gonzález
Photo: katie browne
Photo: julián gonzález
Photo: malderdon
Photo: Luis Guarch
Photo: Rhoel P. Gerona

Photo: Rob Horan
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Photo: Joshua Sol Harwood
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Photo: Bruce McLennan
Photo: Angela Saxbee
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Photo: Sandra Prins

Photo: chrispicsalbum
Photo: Leslie Swanson
Photo: Desirée E. Gelbart
Photo: Jacob Bian
Photo: random fotos and me me me
Photo: cheekymonkey610

South Auckland

Auckland
New Zealand
Manukau City, with its 50 different ethnic communities, is proudly multi-cultural. It shows off its Polynesian flair in a cornucopia of markets, festivals, community churches and some of the region's most diverse shopping, including Otara Market. For an adrenaline rush, there is Rainbow's End theme park.

Review © 2007, Wcities hotel availability

Photo: Volker
Photo: Volker
Photo: Jason Landry
Photo: Tee Ayy
Photo: jeezzlouise
Photo: jump3kiwi
Photo: Ena Galuega
Photo: Erin Roddy

West Auckland

Auckland
New Zealand
West Auckland offers rugged scenic beauty and, as home to the Dalmatian population, has a unique cultural heritage. To fully appreciate its natural attractions, drive 45 minutes west from the city to the black-sand surf beaches--Piha, Karekare and Muriwai (also to view the Gannet Colony). For outdoor enthusiasts there are over 140 bushwalks in the Waitakere Ranges, trails for bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, and horse riding opportunities. There are a number of established family wineries here too, notably Delegat's and Corbans, near Henderson and Matua Valley, House of Nobilo and Coopers Creek, near Kumeu. Several of the wineries have excellent restaurants--the Hunting Lodge at Matua Valley and Allely House at Selaks are both worth the drive to enjoy their beautiful settings.

Review © 2007, Wcities hotel availability

Photo: James & Clara
Photo: James & Clara
Photo: Peter Evans
Photo: Adam Oliveira
Photo: tom woods
Photo: Samantha
Photo: Irina Yun
Photo: Irina Yun

Photo: William Liew
Photo: sparda7767
Photo: mark_whatmough
Photo: Shane Jaxson
Photo: Warren Russell
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Photo: kwanjit74
Photo: Aaron Gillon

Photo: Phil Davies