A brief history of Auckland

Known as the “City of Sails”, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland city extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular nature features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.5 million people and the city’s warm temperate climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and harbour activities consistently earns it a place in the top ten ranking in international lifestyle surveys. A melting pot of different ethnicities, Auckland is the world’s biggest Polynesian city. This diversity is reflected in the lively arts and culture scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, a hip café culture and outstanding restaurants. The dozens of islands of the Hauraki Gulf form a distinctive aspect of the Auckland landscape and provide a magnet for boaties, fishing enthusiasts, hikers & nature lovers.

The Te Reo name for Auckland is Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning “Tāmaki desired by many“, in reference to the desirability of its natural resources and geography, with its rich volcanic soil bountiful harbours. As was often the tradition of the colonists from the United Kingdom, cities & town in Aoteroa/New Zealand where often named after important people or regions.

As a result, the first Governor of New Zealand, named the area after George Eden, who was the Earl of Auckland and a British First Lord of the Admiralty. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is popularly nicknamed the “City of Sails” or the “Queen City”

Areas of interest around Auckland

There are many excellent opportunities for sightseeing, walking and eating that are within a close proximity to the conference venue.

The Auckland Domain is a 75-hectare parkland gardens, that includes the remains of the explosion crater and most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano. Included within the Auckland Domain is the impressive Auckland War Memorial Museum. Built in the 1920’ as a memorial to those service men & women who took part in the First World War. The museum provides excellent insights into Maori & Polynesian culture, military history, volcanic geology and natural sciences.

Located close to Albert Park is the Auckland Art Gallery/Toi o Tamaki, which is New Zealand’s largest and most inspiring visual arts experience. Admission is free to discover some of the best in New Zealand and international art right in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland city.

Located within the Viaduct Harbour is the New Zealand Maritime Museum/Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa. The New Zealand Maritime Museum is the place where the stories of people and the sea are preserved, shared and explored. Harbour Cruises are available on the heritage scow Ted Ashby, which is a sailing experience most appropriate whilst visiting the “City of Sails”.

For dining, the Viaduct Harbour is home to some of Auckland best restaurants and bars. From cocktails, cafes to fine dining restaurants, there is something to inspire everyone’s palette and budget. For shopping Commercial Bay on Quay Street provides the best selection of stores within the City CBD, whilst also providing a great selection of dining options.

The Downton Ferry Terminal on Quay Street is the transport hub for ferry transport to Auckland’s North Shore, Rangitoto and Hauraki Gulf Islands. The seaside village of Devonport with its art galleries, dining, boutique village shopping and the Royal New Zealand Navy Museum, is only a 12 minute ferry ride away with a ferry departing every 30 minutes. A destination that deserves a full day visit is Waiheke Island. With its haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and white sandy beaches and only a 40 minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island has plenty to keep you busy with award winning wineries, coastal and forest walkways, beaches perfect for swimming & kayaking, whilst for the more adventurous there are fantastic zipline tours.

The Waitakere Ranges on the Tasman Sea west coast of Auckland provides the opportunity to visit the rugged black sand surf beaches and explore the Kauri forest walking trails. Accessible by guided tour or by rental car, recommended destinations are the Arataki Visitor Centre, Piha Beach, Te Henga/Bethells Beach and the Muriwai Gannet Colony.

For those with a full day to explore, Auckland is a hub to visit other destinations either as part of a guided tour or by rental car. Options can include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in the Waikato, whilst a visit to Rotorua is recommended to experience both the geothermal landscape and Maori Culture.