LUXURY CRUISE COLLECTION

Auckland, Australia & New Zealand

Sprawling across a narrow isthmus,Auckland and its far-flung suburbs are separated by two magnificent harbors. At the city’s downtown doorstep lies sparkling Waitemata Harbour, separated from the Hauraki Gulf and Pacific Ocean by Rangitoto Island. West of the city, the shallow, turquoise waters of Manukau Harbour funnel into the Tasman Sea. Protruding from Auckland’s landscape are the cones of numerous extinct volcanoes.

Auckland, with 1,000,000 inhabitants, is New Zealand’s largest city. Nearly a quarter of the country’s population lives here. The “City of Sails,” as Auckland is often called, boasts more boats per capita than any other city in the world.With 70,000 powerboats and sailing craft, this means there is one boat for every four households. No one lives far from the sea and Auckland’s balmy year-round climate encourages water-oriented recreation. The waters off Auckland Harbour were the site of the America’s Cup 2000, from which New Zealand emerged the proud winner of the coveted trophy.

Auckland is the country’s commercial and industrial center, as well as North Island’s transportation hub. As such, the city is the arrival point for most overseas visitors. Auckland’s cosmopolitan flavor is enhanced by its large Maori community, immigrants from various European and Asian countries, and Pacific Islanders who are attracted by employment and educational opportunities.New waterfront development, including modern shopping and office complexes, distinguishes Auckland’s downtown area. In the older suburbs, restored Victorian buildings provide a nostalgic contrast.The city’s most striking man-made structure
is the Harbour Bridge. It arcs dramatically across Waitemata Harbour, linking the city with the fast-growing North Shore.