Studying in Auckland
A Guide for International Students
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About Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, with the greater Auckland area containing about one third of the entire population of New Zealand. Surrounded by water and built on the Auckland Volcanic Field, Auckland enjoys a warm temperate climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters.
Known as the City of Sails, Auckland lies between the Hauraki Gulf to the east, the Hunua Ranges to the southeast, the Manukau Harbour to the southwest, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and northwest. Auckland has two great island getaways, Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island.
Auckland Attractions and Activities
Some of Auckland's top attractions and activities include:
Rangitoto Island
Auckland's newest and largest volcanoe, Rangitoto Island is today inactive and open to the public, offering great hiking experiences. Take a short ferry trip to Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve and hike to the summit or meander along the many coastal and forest walks available.
Rangitoto Island features 200 species of native plants, including 40 fern species. The island's pohutukawa forest is the largest in New Zealand.
Make sure you don't miss the return ferry to Auckland as there are no accommodation or shops on Rangitoto Island.
Sky Tower
Auckland's Sky Tower is the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, at 328 metres from ground level to the top of the mast. Built as an observation and telecommunications tower, the Sky Tower is one of New Zealand's most exhilarating and spectacular tourist attractions.
There is much you can do in the Sky Tower. Ascend to the Observation Lounge and enjoy spectacular 360 degree views over Auckland City. Test your fears and step out onto an entirely glass floor with views to the city below.
If you are an adrenaline junky, then perhaps you would like to jump off the Sky Tower! Base-jump by wire off the Sky Tower and fall 192 metres to the ground below.
Other attractions in the Sky Tower include the SkyCity Theatre, host to many of New Zealand's best acts, the SkyCity Casino and several restaurants and bars. Splash out and spend a night at the SkyCity Grand Hotel.
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
Kelly Tarltons offers a unique New Zealand Pacific and Southern oceans experience.
See sub-Antarctic penguins, giant stingrays, sharks, turtles, seahorses and octopus. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to dive with sharks, snorkel through the Oceanarium or even hand-feed giant rays.
Harbour Bridge
Auckland's Harbour Bridge spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, joining Auckland City to North Shore City. Join professional climb leaders for a magical two and a half hour adventure on the bridge. Or, for the adrenaline junkies, you can bungy jump off the Harbour Bridge and freefall 40 metres.
Auckland Culture
Auckland has many ethnic cultures including European, Polynesian, South Pacific and Asian with a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This cultural diversity brings an abundance of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences in Auckland City.
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