The Auckland metropolitan area, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country, and has some great bargain hotels and cheap vacation packages too through Travel Clearance. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Auckland lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west. It is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate major bodies of water, which is why is known as the City of Sails, with so many yachts gracing Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. It could also be known as the "City of Volcanoes". Much of its natural character comes from the fact that it is built on the Auckland Volcanic Field which consists of about 48 volcanoes. All of the volcanoes are individually extinct but the volcanic field as a whole is not.
Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia. For some Polynesian island nations there are more expatriates living in Auckland than in their homeland. Auckland's rich Pacific cultural mix is celebrated at festivals and sporting matches. Various attractions await you in Auckland, including Auckland War Memorial Museum, a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand, or the Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering views of up to 80 km away and fine dining in the Orbit revolving restaurant, the Auckland Art Gallery, with the largest collection of national and international art in New Zealand.
Or you can visit the Auckland Zoo, with 150 animal species, 500 animals and a number of different habitats such as the Rainforest and Pridelands (an African savannah), or Kelly Tarlton's, the home of Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, or trek into the Waitakere Ranges, replete with impressive waterfalls and rugged but beautiful beaches.
The City of Sails awaits you with open arms.