NAPIER

Napier city is located in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand, around 6 hours driving time south from Auckland. Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this elegant city is a memorial to a 1931 earthquake and fire that destroyed most buildings and killed many people. Napier is known as the Art Deco Capital of the world. It is enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific. In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding and savour the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s. 

 

 

 

HAMILTON

The gateway to the Central North Island, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, straddling the superb Waikato River. With a young, smart and innovative population, Hamilton's warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and contrasting splendours ensure visitors are spoilt for choice for places to relax, enjoy and do business. From magnificent parks and gardens to a thriving cultural precinct, the city offers a vibrant combination of fine dining and nightlife options as well as an eclectic mix of leisure, lifestyle and activity choices.

Fast facts

• NZ's largest inland city.
• NZ's longest river, the Waikato, flows for 16 kilometres through the city.
• Hamilton's population ranks fourth in the 67 districts in NZ.
• Has a youthful population - around half of residents are less than 30 years old.
• NZ European make up three quarters of the population and Maori 19 per cent.
• The city is home to more than 80 ethnic groups.
• Mild climate and moderate year round rainfall keep the city and surrounding area very green.
• 145 parks and gardens and 63 sports areas.
• The city has more than 1,000 hectares of open space.
• Three international sports venues – the multi-purpose FMG Stadium Waikato, the boutique international cricket ground Seddon Park, and indoor sport venue Claudelands.

Tourist Information: Visit Hamilton

WELLINGTON

New Zealand's capital since 1865, Wellington is situated on the south-west tip of the North Island. Featuring a magnificent harbour and panoramic views from the surrounding hills, Wellington is a city of contrasts, offering a wide variety of commercial, cultural and recreational activities.

Background: Wellington from Northland. Top right: 'The Beehive'. Bottom from left: Cable car, City and Harbour, Carter Fountain.

In some ways it is similar to Naples, though it is only about one quarter the size. It is built on steep hillsides surrounding a large natural harbour and there is a cable car running up to the top of Mount Victoria. It is also close to a volcanic area. Wellington is a major port as well as a major financial and artistic centre, and has a vibrancy not found in any other New Zealand city.

Wellington at Dusk. This beautiful harbour retains New Zealand's seat of government, and is a major port facility for the lower North Island.

Known primarily as the home of New Zealand’s parliament and its public servant population, Wellington transformed itself during the 1980s and 1990s into a vibrant, culture-driven hot spot. Tucked around one of the world’s most picturesque harbours, the capital city is intimate, sophisticated, arty and packed with national treasures.

Aerial View showing Paremata, Mana, Plimmerton, Porirua Harbour and in the background, Kapiti Island, North Island, New Zealand.

Postcards received from Kelly - Wellington resident

AUCKLAND

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It has a population of just under a million people and is located on North Island. This seaport is an important centre for business and industry. It is also the most dynamic and multicultural city in New Zealand. The history of the city goes back 650 years when the Maoris settled in the area. European settlement began in 1840 when the British arrived. New Zealand's first governor, Captain William Hobson, made Auckland the capital. Later, the capital moved to Wellington, because it was more central. Since 1945, the city of Auckland has grown and it now has large modern suburbs.

Auckland Waterfront, New Zealand. The ever-changing skyline of New Zealand's largest city is seldom better depicted than from the placid waters of the Waitemata Harbour.

Famous sights include Mt Eden, one of the many volcanic hills, as well as the Auckland Harbour Bridge. At the Parnell Village you can visit some of the first European settlers' homes. In the city is the beautiful Auckland Domain which is famous for its large palm trees and exotic plants. You can see Maoris perform their traditional dances at the Auckland Museum.
From wherever you are in the city, you can see the sea. Auckland's nickname is 'the city of sails' because it has more boats than anywhere else in the world. It has a warm climate with plenty of sunshine.