TRAVEL FILE THE city of Auckland is situated on a thin stretch of New Zealand's North Island. It's surrounded by the Pacific on just about every side, but it provides, too, scenes of hills and islands. Auckland is the most rapid growing city in New Zealan

TRAVEL FILE THE city of Auckland is situated on a thin stretch of New Zealand's North Island. It's surrounded by the Pacific on just about every side, but it provides, too, scenes of hills and islands. Auckland is the most rapid growing city in New Zealand - and it does not look like it's slowing down. The city has much history and culture which can be seen from a visit to the Auckland Museum where displays include a 25-metre long Maori war canoe. Much of the city's waterfront was renovated in 2000 which included the development of a spectacular harbour and bridge. Indeed, the water theme is one of Auckland's main attractions with a variety of bays for swimming, water sports and yachting - hence the description as the City of Sails. WHERE TO STAY November and April are noticeably quieter in Auckland and accommodation is easier to book, and depending on your budget there is a choice from university lodgings, bed-and-breakfast, serviced apartments, motels and hotels. ATTRACTIONS Other attractions in Auckland include a centre of Maori culture and an observatory.