Driving in Auckland - North Western Motorway November 2019 - 4K Hyperlapse

Starting point is Barrys Point Road in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore. Auckland Overview Auckland, New Zealand Try not to think of Auckland as a city, even though it is New Zealand's largest city. Think of it as half urban, half marine—a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that's dotted with over 50 islands. Auckland has a population of over 1.2 million, which is approaching one third of New Zealand's entire population. Auckland City lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west. Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate bodies of water. The central part of the urban area of Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. Auckland's amazing geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle that's regularly ranked in the world's top ten. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere: sailing to an island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach. Auckland's layout makes it easy to jump quickly from one theme to another. For an island escape, choose between Waiheke, Motuihe, Rangitoto, or journey a little further to Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau or Great Barrier. Each island has a different character and different things to do. Take your hiking boots or a good book and beach towel; you can be as active, or as inactive, as you like. To the west, north and south there are beaches and vineyards. The native forests of the Waitakere and Hunua ranges let you discover New Zealand's unique bird and tree species, particularly the giant kauri tree. Auckland does the urban side of life just as well as it does adventure. America's Cup activity has added an infusion of exciting new restaurants and bars. You'll feast on culinary masterpieces that draw from the cuisine styles of Europe, the Mediterranean, Polynesia, Japan and Thailand. In the stylish precincts of Parnell, Ponsonby and Viaduct Basin, scores of restaurants compete for your attention. A reputation for great art and fashion makes Auckland a shopper's paradise. Within the city zone you'll find originality and flair everywhere you look. Local theatre and live music gigs are another opportunity to discover the creative side of New Zealand culture. Auckland (/ˈɔːklənd/ AWK-lənd) is a city in the North Island of New Zealand. The most populous urban area in the country, Auckland has an urban population of around 1,570,100 (June 2018).[4] It is located in the Auckland Region—the area governed by Auckland Council—which includes outlying rural areas and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, resulting in a total population of 1,618,400.[4] Auckland is a diverse, multicultural and cosmopolitan city, home to the largest Polynesian population in the world.[5] A Māori-language name for Auckland is Tāmaki ([ˈtaːmaki]) or Tāmaki Makaurau, meaning "Tāmaki with a hundred lovers", in reference to the desirability of its fertile land at the hub of waterways in all directions.[6] Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have a harbour on each of two separate major bodies of water. The isthmus on which Auckland resides was first settled around 1350 and was valued for its rich and fertile land. The Māori population in the area is estimated to have peaked at 20,000 before the arrival of Europeans.[7] After a British colony was established in 1840, William Hobson, then Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, chose the area as his new capital. He named the area for George Eden, Earl of Auckland, British First Lord of the Admiralty. Māori–European conflict over land in the region led to war in the mid-19th century. Auckland was replaced as the capital in 1865 by Wellington, but the influx of immigration stayed strong, and it has remained the nation's largest city. Today, Auckland's central business district is New Zealand's leading economic hub. The University of Auckland, founded in 1883, is the largest university in New Zealand. The city's varied cultural institutions—such as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Museum of Transport and Technology, and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki—and national historic sites, festivals, performing arts, and sports activities are significant tourist attractions. Architectural landmarks include the Harbour Bridge, the Town Hall, and the Sky Tower. The city is served by Auckland Airport, which handles around one million international passengers a month. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world,[8] Auckland is recognised as one of the world's most liveable cities, ranked third in the 2019 Mercer Quality of Living Survey.[9][10]