Auckland

Auckland is a major city in the northern part of New Zealand’s North Island. It sits on the isthmus between the Waitematā Harbour to the north and the Manukau Harbour to the south, forming New Zealand’s largest urban area by population. The Māori name for the city is Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning roughly “the desired place” or “the isthmus desired by many.” The Auckland Region is governed by Auckland Council, a unitary authority.

History: The area was originally inhabited by Māori, including Ngāti Whātua, before European settlement began in the 19th century. The settlement was named Auckland in 1840 after the Earl of Auckland. It served as the capital of New Zealand from 1841 to 1865, when the capital moved to Wellington.

Economy and transport: Auckland is New Zealand’s largest economic centre, with sectors including finance, technology, and services, plus manufacturing and tourism. It is served by Auckland Airport, the country’s busiest international gateway, and by the Port of Auckland, a key shipping and cruise hub. The city has extensive transport networks, including ferries across the harbours, commuter rail and a growing bus system, with plans for light rail and rapid transit expansions. The Sky Tower is a distinctive landmark in the skyline.

Geography and culture: The city is built on a mix of volcanic cones, harbours, and beaches, and contains numerous parks and reserves, including the Auckland Domain. It is ethnically diverse, with large Māori, Pacific and Asian communities alongside people of European descent. Notable institutions include the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology.