Kia Ora! Auckland, New Zealand
I'm sure you've heard lots of great things about New Zealand, but you must be really curious to know more about Auckland, New Zealand's biggest and most populated city! Auckland, which is located near the top of the North Island of New Zealand, has 1,377,200 residents, which is 31 percent of the country's population. The city continues to expand faster than any other part of the country. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. In Maori, which is the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, Auckland's names are Tamaki Makaurau. From the centre of Auckland spreading out to its vast suburbia, Auckland covers more than 500 square kilometres (close to that of Los Angeles!)
The 2011 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Auckland 3rd equal place in the world on its list. Auckland lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean, the low Hunua Ranges, the Manukau Harbour, and the Waitakere Ranges. The central part of the urban area is located between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. In Auckland, you are never far from water. As a result, the bustling metropolis never becomes overwhelming, as one is always near the vast beautiful ocean. The city of Auckland has the perfect combination of large skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping centres, as well as quiet beaches, trails, parks, and other natural attractions that will make you forget you are in the middle of a city.
Auckland is also known as the "City of Sails." This is because Auckland harbours, including this famous one pictured above, are home to more recreational boats per capital than any other city in the entire world.
Auckland's central location is one of its many great qualities. It's very easy to hop on a train or rent a car to take a two or three hour drive to the magnificent Lake Taupo, the beautiful township of Coromandel, or Rotorua, also known as "Roto-Vegas." For most people visiting New Zealand, Auckland is their arrival point and gateway into the country. The possibilities in Auckland are endless - whether you're interested in exploring the city, going sailing, or bungy-jumping off of Auckland's famous Sky Tower (pictured above), there is something for everyone in Auckland!
*** Info on Auckland taken from Auckland, NZ Website
Auckland is also known as the "City of Sails." This is because Auckland harbours, including this famous one pictured above, are home to more recreational boats per capital than any other city in the entire world.
Auckland's central location is one of its many great qualities. It's very easy to hop on a train or rent a car to take a two or three hour drive to the magnificent Lake Taupo, the beautiful township of Coromandel, or Rotorua, also known as "Roto-Vegas." For most people visiting New Zealand, Auckland is their arrival point and gateway into the country. The possibilities in Auckland are endless - whether you're interested in exploring the city, going sailing, or bungy-jumping off of Auckland's famous Sky Tower (pictured above), there is something for everyone in Auckland!
*** Info on Auckland taken from Auckland, NZ Website
Costs of Living in Auckland
You're probably wondering about general living expenses abroad. Here's a list of costs of things you'll need while living in New Zealand. One great fact to know is that you generally don't have to tip in NZ!
Rent (per week)
$200–$350
Groceries (per week)
$100–$150
Gym membership (per year)
$257
Entertainment (per week)
$50
Lunches/takeaways
$10–$100
Milk (per litre)
$2.50
Coca Cola (per can)
$2
Coffee, cappuccino or latte
$3.50–$5
Jug of beer at student bar
From $5
Lunch from University food hall or campus café
$7–$12
Main meal at restaurant (off campus)
$15–$40
Local calls made from a public telephone (per minute)
$0.50
Local calls made from a cell-phone (peak/off-peak per minute)
$0.24–$1.39
Single bus fare per trip (from inner city ride to 8 stages)
$0.50–$10.30
Monthly bus pass (travel within Auckland and suburbs — student discount also available)
$123–$240
Ferry ride: return ticket Auckland to Devonport (North Shore)
$11
Taxi - 5 km ride
$10–$12
Movie ticket (student price)
$10.50–$14
Admission to major sports event at Eden Park
From $15
Visit to doctor
$45–$85
Visit to dentist
$150–$500
*** Info taken from University of Auckland Website
Rent (per week)
$200–$350
Groceries (per week)
$100–$150
Gym membership (per year)
$257
Entertainment (per week)
$50
Lunches/takeaways
$10–$100
Milk (per litre)
$2.50
Coca Cola (per can)
$2
Coffee, cappuccino or latte
$3.50–$5
Jug of beer at student bar
From $5
Lunch from University food hall or campus café
$7–$12
Main meal at restaurant (off campus)
$15–$40
Local calls made from a public telephone (per minute)
$0.50
Local calls made from a cell-phone (peak/off-peak per minute)
$0.24–$1.39
Single bus fare per trip (from inner city ride to 8 stages)
$0.50–$10.30
Monthly bus pass (travel within Auckland and suburbs — student discount also available)
$123–$240
Ferry ride: return ticket Auckland to Devonport (North Shore)
$11
Taxi - 5 km ride
$10–$12
Movie ticket (student price)
$10.50–$14
Admission to major sports event at Eden Park
From $15
Visit to doctor
$45–$85
Visit to dentist
$150–$500
*** Info taken from University of Auckland Website