Its office is wellstocked with detailed information for those visiting New Zealand. The Gateway, a Maori archway made of wood by the artist Selwyn Muru, is close by, and Auckland's Town Hall, built of Oamaru limestone, towers in the background. Auckland has the reputation of being the largest city in Polynesia, and this is justified by Karangahape Road. Amid exotic food shops and colorful stores, the cacophony of island languages makes you feel as if you were on Apia, Nukualofa or Suva. Because of the increasing number of immigrants coming into New Zealand from the Polynesian Islands, there has been mounting ethnic conflict among the islanders, sometimes involving violence.
Many Polynesian immigrants are unemployed and depend on the state for social security.
The Sky Tower, which rises well over 1000 ft over the city, was completed in 1997 and is the country's tallest building. Besides a hotel with conference rooms, it harbors several lookout platforms, a revolving restaurant, a theater with 700 seats and the gigantic Harrah's Casino. Hauraki Maritime Park Parnell Queen Street Sky Tower Underwater World Waiheke Island Click here to save money, time and stress booking your Aotea Center vacation. Our consultants have intimate knowledge of the destination they specialize in. Recommended by Conde Nast Traveler, June 2000.