A uckland - New Zealand's largest city is uniquely situated on twin harbors, Waitemata and Manukau, and enjoys the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. You won't want to miss the spectacular views of the city from One Tree HIll in Cornwall Park where you will enjoy the skyline as well as many of the 48 extinct volcanoes the city was built on.
P arks abound in and around the city.
Most famous are the Parnell Rose Gardens and the Regional Botanical Gardens. The Auckland Zoo houses the largest collection of animals in NZ and at nearby Muriwai Beach you can see the large gannet seabird colony. N orth of Auckland you will find the beach towns of Orewa and Waiwera famous for its Thermal Pools and nearby on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula is Shakespear Regional Park with many fine beaches. Further north on the East coast is Warkworth where you can take a glass bottom boat or head off for Kawau Island, or perhaps go horse riding. G ateway to the peninsula is the historic 19th century gold rush town of Thames.