The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: February nineteenth, enjoying Auckland alfresco.

It's now summer in New Zealand, and the citizens of Auckland, its largest city, certainly know how to enjoy the weather. With over one million residents, one third the population of this South Pacific, two island nation, Auckland is a surprisingly out-doorsy place.

Draped along the southern shore of a well-sheltered bay, the city gravitates naturally to the sea. In fact, Auckland calls itself the City of Sails, and one of every six residents owns a boat. A steady stream of ferries shuttle across the bay to the city's north shore suburbs and beyond to Gulf Islands. Tamaki Drive, the harborside boulevard that runs from the city center along the water to the eastern suburbs, is busy with joggers, strollers and cyclists. Crossing a long causeway, it skirts parks alive with rugby games and frisbees flying in the sunshine.

Auckland itself is a pleasant city, though not especially beautiful. Its architecture tends to 20th century functional, with a hotel topped by a Space Needle and revolving restaurant dominating the skyline. Auckland Domain, the lush park in the city's center, features a fine museum whose displays portray South Pacific history.

A funky, underground aquarium celebrates oddities of local sea life and geography. Neighborhoods like Ponsonby and Mission Bay offer lots of good restaurants and active night life. This tourist-friendly city is a fine base from which to explore New Zealand's many other and much more magnificent outdoor charms.

FMI For information New Zealand Tourism 800-388-5494 or www.purenz.com. Other useful New Zealand guides are www.foxguides.co.nz or www.west-coast.co.nz

Back to February 2003 Main

Look through the list of fascinating places and off-beat features we’ve covered. Search text versions of past episodes and articles in our archives.