Visitors are most likely to arrive in New Zealand at Auckland , the country's largest urban area with a population of just over 1 million. Sometimes referred to as the 'City of Sails', Auckland is reputed to have more boats per capita than any other city. The city offers excellent shopping, galleries, museums and theatres, it has a university and provides a multicultural environment characterised by a blend of European and Polynesian cultures. An exploration of the beach and town of Takapuna just across the water is recommended.
Public transport is swift and cheap with a flat-fare system.
The driver will often provide useful information. The beaches of Northland, the peninsula stretching away from Auckland, are particularly popular with swimmers and sunbathers. There are many small beach settlements throughout the country, ideal for a quiet and relaxing holiday. The forests of Northland Forest Park contain some of the world's oldest trees, the famous kauri , many of which are hundreds of years old and the area is a popular destination for hiking trips. Cape Karikari , the location for films such as From Here to Eternity and The Piano , is a wide, rugged, dark sand beach surrounded by steep hills and craggy rocks.