Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, where everyone in a population of 1.3 million lives within 30 minutes of the sea. The Maoris called Auckland "The City with a Hundred Lovers", since this strategically placed harbor settlement had much to boast about, including its natural beauty and lush tropical forests. Auckland has 3 natural ports and numerous live or dormant volcanoes.
Auckland is famous for its Maori heritage, a cosmopolitan culture, the legendary Pacific Rim cuisine that is a blend of the south east Asian and European cuisines, and its many vineyards. Central Auckland is home to the bigger restaurants and nightclubs of Auckland. The Sky City Complex houses Auckland's only casino, and numerous theatres besides. An old pump house, dating to 1884, also houses a theatre now, and is located on the shores of the Lake Pupuke.
The Auckland Art Gallery houses some superb works of modern art. Auckland's natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle has attracted artists from all over the world, who reside at the Waiheke Island and many other "artists' enclaves" in Auckland.
Auckland's fragile oceanic eco system shelters penguins, sea lions and little birds. Scuba diving enthusiasts thus have a lot to look forward to. Cruising the waterfront in little fishing vessels is also something to be indulged in by the leisure traveler. Adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge themselves with horse rides on the Wakiri Beach, or heli fishing and jumping off the world's first harbor bridge bungee jump.
