Northland & Auckland
Introduction on Northland & Auckland
Northland & Auckland covers the most northern bit of the northern island of New Zealand. This region is blessed with unspoiled coastlines, from rocks and caves to golden sand dunes; it to a paradise for waters sports. This region is also characterized by its Maori History and the not to be forgotten modern, vibrant and very Polynesian city Auckland; the biggest city of New Zealand (but not the capital).
Visiting Northland & Auckland
When visiting Northland & Auckland a visit to the biggest city of New Zealand: Auckland must be made. Auckland houses 1.3 million people. In this urban Environment everyone lives within half an hour driving distance from beautiful Beaches, hiking trails and stunning islands. This city is also known as “City of Sails” and an adventure loving paradise. A visit to Auckland Museum and walking on one of the (old) volcanos it is built on can not be skipped.
Another interesting part of Northland & Auckland is the Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga. The almost 90 miles long beach is impressive to visit. The many golden colored sand dues it has are breathtaking. Many nice Outdoor activities can be undertaken here, with sand boarding as an example. Cape Reinga is of course special because this is the place where the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean congruence; it is the most northern tip of New Zealand.
A visit to Hauraki Gulf is also an experience on its own, especially when you visit one of the more than 50 islands it is rich of. Some of the islands are small and even not reachable without own transport and some are protected so “closed” for visitors. The best accessible and most popular islands of this gulf are varying from pristine to rugged.
This part of New Zealand is one of the most popular water sports areas of New Zealand. Whether you like to dive, snorkel, kayak, sail, cruise, swim or whatever kind of water sport you like to undertake, you can do it here. The ultimate place for these activities is the Bay of Plenty.
Economy of Northland & Auckland
From the start of the 20th century Auckland has been the fasted growing city in New Zealand. Wellington is the place where the politicians are; it is the capital, but is not the commercial centre of New Zealand. Auckland has no political deals, but is the city in which the commerce takes place. It is a real global city in which many international companies big and small are located and were lots of trading is going on. Other sources of income in Northland & Auckland are fruit and potato orchards and the timber industry. Of course there are many more drivers of the Economy, but one of the most important is the tourism industry.
History of Northland & Auckland
This northern part of New Zealand has a rich History; you can still “taste” it when being around in this region. This area is the birthplace of New Zealand for both the Maori civilization as for the European settlers. The Maori are inhabiting this part of New Zealand for over 800 years and are since the 19th century accompanied by the European settlers. This caused trouble, but also a treaty; the treaty between the Maori and the British, signed in 1840. Since that time New Zealand was the colony of Britain. First Russell was the capital of New Zealand (starting from 1840) but this soon changed; Auckland became the capital. But as everyone knows this has changed (soon) as well, Auckland became a “normal” city and Wellington got the “crown”.
Climate of Northland & Auckland
Summer: Average 22 degrees Celsius.
Winter: Average 14 degrees Celsius.
Year round: Average 2030 sun hours and 1350mm annual rainfall.