12 Step Planet: Auckland

Where exactly is it?
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It’s located on the country’s North Island, on a narrow isthmus in the north-west region. With 1.3 million inhabitants, it is home to over 30% of the country’s inhabitants. It’s also home to the largest population of Polynesian people in the world.
How do I get there?
New Zealand is one serious jaunt! It’s a journey of over 11,000 miles and flight time is just shy of 24 hours. However, there’s plenty of good value, one-stop options available from London’s main airports. Common en route stopovers include Bangkok and Singapore. British Airways run a competitive daily service, while Emirates are probably the current best value alternative.
What language do they speak?
English is the majority language, spoken by practically the entire population. However, the indigenous Maori tongue is beginning to make a comeback. Almost 5% of the population are fluent in Maori, with Samoan speakers accounting for 2%. Recent efforts to preserve Maori culture have resulted in the setting up of indigenous language schools and a Maori TV station.
What is the local beer like?
New Zealand has a relatively small, yet diverse beer industry. The first beer brewed in New Zealand was during Captain Cook’s time as a treatment against scurvy! Originally, due to the influx of English, Scottish and Irish immigrants, the most popular styles of brew were ales and stouts. Today, malty varieties of draught lager are the market leader. Two main breweries, Lion and DB, control the mainstream market, while many smaller micro-breweries offer a broader selection of craft brews. Amongst the most popular are Steinlager and Spreight’s Gold Medal Ale and classic draught beers such as Canterbury and Waikato.
Other drinks?
If you’re a fan of traditional cider, you’ll enjoy your stay in ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’. Amongst the standouts are Monteith’s Crushed Apple and Pear ciders and Harvest’s fruity, crisp Premium brand. If you fancy something a little stronger, then check out Harvest’s super-charged ‘Scrumpy’ offering. It’s available at a mind altering 8.2%! The local wine market continues to go from strength to strength and NZ Sauvignon Blanc is generally regarded as the world’s finest.
What is the transport like?
Despite its reputation as one of the ‘most liveable cities in the world’, Auckland is also known for traffic congestion. Train and bus travel accounts for only 10% of journeys made within the city limits, with the majority of those to and from the CBD (Central Business District). In fact, over 30% of the country’s transport budget is earmarked for Auckland over the next ten years to upgrade train and bus networks. The CBD is also linked to many suburban neighbourhoods by a system of ferries. The state highway network connects the ‘City of Sails’ to all other major conurbations on the North Island, including Hamilton and the nation’s capital city, Wellington.
What’s the food like?
New Zealanders love their food wholesome and earthy. Kiwi dining habits are heavily influenced by their British forbearers and strong tradition of agricultural. More recently, Polynesian, Mediterranean and Pacific Rim influences have become prevalent. If you’re fortunate enough to attend a Maori gathering, food will be prepared using the age-old, earth-oven ‘Hangi’ method. A popular Maori staple is the ‘boil-up’, which contains potato, pork pieces and kūmara. The strongest Pākehā (Non-Maori) influence is probably Scottish and many of its baking traditions live on today, including scones and shortbreads. The country’s vast sheep herd ensures that lamb is a certainty on every menu! In more recent times, New Zealand has become well known for its excellent cheese varieties.
What’s the nightlife like?
Much of Auckland’s nightlife is centred around the Viaduct Basin, recently developed to house the America’s Cup sailing event in 2000 and 2003. Sailing is hugely popular, with over one-third of all households owning a yacht of some description! Auckland’s certainly not a wild partying town. The laid-back locals favour a more relaxed socialising style. Nevertheless, it still offers an impressive range of options after dark. Auckland’s free ‘What’s On’ guide is a tourists’ must, detailing upcoming gigs and club nights. If you enjoy a flutter, check out the gigantic Skycity Casino on Victoria Street. This vast complex is visited by over 12,000 people every day!
Why should I go?
Auckland is a beautiful destination and an ideal gateway for exploring many of the treasures of New Zealand’s North Island. Recently, it was voted the fourth most liveable city in the world and is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Its temperate climate isn’t too shabby either, with warm summers (averaging 23 degrees in January and February) and mild winters (rarely dropping below seven degrees). The urban area is dotted with immaculately maintained parks and a little further afield, nature reserves containing dormant volcanoes and lush bush territory. If you’re a fan of the oval ball, you’ve come to the right place! Eden Park is home to the Auckland Blues, one of the world’s premier club rugby sides. They compete in the Southern Hemisphere’s Super 15 competition and the legendary New Zealand All Blacks regularly play home games in Eden Park, which will also host the upcoming Rugby World Cup Final.
What are the touristy things to do?
Auckland is home to a notable array of museums and exhibition spaces. Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter houses one of the most impressive marine aquariums in the world. There is also a fascinating recreation of an Antarctic research station, which gives you some idea of the challenging conditions faced by scientists on the southern continent. The award-winning Museum of Transport and Technology details the country’s journey into modernity. Amongst the chief exhibits is one dedicated to flight pioneer Richard Pearse, who some believe achieved his maiden flight earlier than the Wright brothers! A short ferry trip will take you to the blissful calm of the Hauraki Gulf islands. If you fancy mixing it with the local high-rollers, take a stroll down to Devonport, Auckland’s exclusive neighbourhood, where giant yachts and expensive boutiques are ten-a-penny. For unobstructed views of the city and surrounding landscape, take a lift to the observation deck of the 330m tall Sky Tower.
Anything else?
If you want to experience a slice of Maori life, head along to the War Memorial Museum. It’s home to the largest collection of indigenous Maori treasures in the world! There is also a cultural centre on-site. Here, native ‘warriors’, in all their tattooed glory, perform traditional songs and dances, including the famous ‘Haka’, popularised by the national rugby team.
Anything to avoid?
Know where you are going! While Auckland is generally a very safe city, some of its southern suburbs are blighted by extreme poverty and violent crime. Just make sure to ask for directions...
What should I bring home?
There are plenty of good-quality options. How about some fine wines or maybe a piece of traditional Maori wood carving? Jade-stone is also mined locally and crafted into a wide range of traditionally styled, jewellery items. Merino wool clothing is another good idea and for the health-conscious, a jar of the restorative Manuka honey will be well-received.
When should I go?
To sample that warm summer sunshine it’s simply got to be January or February. Auckland bursts into life during this period, with its vibrant outdoor lifestyle and café culture in full swing. A taste of the good life...
What’s my challenge?
Sample the city’s delights! Quaff wine and eat scrumptious seafood down by the Viaduct Basin. Explore the wonderful bushland and dormant Volcano cones, just beyond the city limits. Experience the passion of New Zealand’s one true obsession, rugby! Take in a Super 15 game at the legendary Eden Park.
What’s the currency?
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD$).
Something to remember...
Auckland is located in the middle of a 50-strong field of dormant volcanoes. However, some scientists believe that the city remains at risk. If a volcanic eruption was to occur in the future it wouldn’t be at an existing volcano, but rather at a new, unknown location!