Auckland

Auckland holidays in New Zealand offer an array of experiences that appeal to diverse group of travellers. Sightseeing is of course at the top of the list for those on holiday in Auckland, and tourists will not be disappointed. Auckland's landscape is dominated by volcanic hills, many of which were once the site of fortified villages. This extinct volcanoes are not only responsible for the city's unique character but they also provide those on an Auckland holiday in New Zealand with some of the best views of the city.

Perhaps the best views of Auckland however are from the sea- and holidays in Auckland are certainly popular with people that love the water. The Waitemata and Manukau harbours sandwich the city and the city is fondly known as 'the city of sails' because Auckland has more boats per head than anywhere else in the world. Holidays to Auckland will appeal to anyone who wants to experience some of the best beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water sports in the country.

  Auckland enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cool damp winters. Rainfall is moderate, with the wettest period being in the winter months of June, July and August. The dries and the driest period is in the summer months of December, January and February. Auckland rarely experiences severe weather events and snow is extremely rare.  

  Auckland tends to be busy during the Easter weekend, the Labor Day in late October and the mid-year school holidays. Summer is undoubtedly the best season for beach whether with January and February proving to be the most popular months. December and March usually remain warm and can even get hot.    

Festivals in Auckland

The annual Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta attracts local and international entrants on the last Monday in January. The Devonport Food & Wine Festival is held in the Windsor Reserve in late February and offers non-stop entertainment, samples from 20 wineries, and food galore. The biennial Auckland Festival, a premier arts-and-cultural event, is held in the last week of September in odd-numbered years and it celebrates Auckland's distinct characteristics and especially its Pacific style. New Zealand Fashion Week, held in October, presents over 60 New Zealand designers to the world. International buyers and media arrive to check out fashion that is rapidly becoming a "must-see" on the global fashion map. The fun Round the Bays Run is held in late March and attracts runners from around the South Pacific who participate in the 8km (5-mile) run around the central bays.