One of the reasons why Auckland is a relatively clean city and famous for its sailing is the prevailing west or south-west wind which blows away much of the pollution and blows the yachts around the harbour.

Most Aucklanders live within a few miles of the water, so going to the beach is a favourite pastime for swimming, boating, walking, and jogging. Some of the best beaches are on the North Shore - Takapuna and the east coast beaches up to Long Bay and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Popular eastern suburb beaches include Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and Bucklands Beach. Herne Bay is a popular inner city beach near the Harbour Bridge. On the west coast are the famous surf beaches of Piha, Te Henga, and Muriwai. Here waves crash onto long stretches of black sand - wild beaches that contrast sharply with the tame bays of the east coast. It is here that the world-acclaimed film "The Piano" was filmed.

Besides its many beaches and volcanoes that one can walk or drive up, Auckland is proud of its many parks and gardens. The most prominent volcanic cones are Mt Eden and One Tree Hill. The highest spot in town is Mt. Eden, with a deep crater and a view that takes in the whole isthmus, both oceans, and the lands to the north and south of the city. Cornwall Park, adjacent to One Tree Hill, is famous for its beautiful trees, its sheep and cows, observatory, childrens' playground, and beautiful picnic venue. It is one of Auckland's best-loved open spaces.

The 80 hectare Auckland Domain is the oldest park in Auckland. The Domain is also home to the Auckland Museum which has an excellent collection of Maori art and artifacts. "Opera in the Park" and "Symphony Under the Stars" are two outstanding free popular summer events that take place in the Domain. The native bush clad Waitakeries in the West offer ample opportunities for tramping (hiking). The Waitakere ranges are famous for their beautiful bush, kauri forest, Scenic Drive, parkland, birdlife, streams, waterfalls, nature walks, and views. Tamaki Drive is Auckland Central's most scenic route, passing a number of beaches. It is a flat road, ideal for cycling and roller-blading, and is popular with walkers and runners.

Aucklanders love outdoor life - just about every sport imaginable is played. There are many sports clubs running events, and coaching children in their chosen sport. Auckland's biggest sporting occasion is the Round the Bays race held every March. It is one of the world's greatest fun runs. Many children take part, as well as families, work teams, grannies, and people in wheelchairs. Eden Park is the home of rugby and cricket, and the scene of many famous international matches. Golf is played at over 20 courses around the city, and one can watch horse races under floodlights at three different venues.

One of New Zealand's most famous citizens is Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, an international opera star. (She sang at Charles and Diana's wedding). Apparently she announced that she would not sing in New Zealand until a decent opera house was built - resulting in the Aotea centre, opened in 1990 - a world-class performing arts centre. The 2500 seat theatre has banquet facilities, meeting rooms, and conference areas and is located in Queen Street in the centre of the city. The Town Hall is also a regular venue for concerts.

The Auckland City Art Gallery (opened in 1888) is one of the most important archives of New Zealand art in the country. It is a centre for research and exhibits of New Zealand art works. Auckland's "New" Art Gallery specialises in contemporary art. There are also numerous private galleries in the city. Auckland boasts the recently completed Sky Tower, the tallest building in the southern Hemisphere, which offers 360 degree viewing of the city, and contains New Zealand's second casino.

Restaurants and nightlife abound in Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Parnell, and along the waterfront, with pockets in the city centre and other areas. Just about every type of cuisine imaginable can be found.

Business in Auckland

Auckland is a major port and industrial centre. This is one of the main reasons why Auckland became the biggest city in New Zealand. In the Auckland region manufacturing, retailing, and business services are the main sources of income. Products of the metropolitan area include iron and steel, processed food, machinery, textiles, clothing, forest products, and fertiliser.

Weather in Auckland

Auckland averages about 2012 hours of sunshine a year, about 50% of possible sunshine. The hottest months are January and February, although December and March can be nearly as warm. Temperatures often reach above 23 degrees Celsius in the afternoons of January and February. The average summer temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. The average winter temperature is 11 degrees Celsius. Auckland has an average rainfall of 1200-1600 mm as well as having a reputation for being humid at times.