Auckland
If it's your first time in Auckland, some things might be new to you, like the public transport system and finding your way around the city. This can be exciting but don't worry if you feel a little homesick. That's natural, especially in the first 12 months of living overseas.
One of the best things you can do to feel at home is to explore and experience your city. Then the things that are new become normal as you create a great life here.
Been in Auckland for a while? Scroll down and see if you've visited all the places and landmarks listed below!
Quick facts
Population
Auckland has a population of around 1,571,718 people(external link that opens in a new tab).
Biggest city
Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city.
Living in Auckland
There are many ways to describe life in Auckland. Here are two important ones:
Energetic
Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city which means there's always something to do. If you're living in Auckland, you can see major sporting events, go to concerts and festivals or go designer clothes shopping any day of the week!
Make sure to visit Karangahape Road(external link that opens in a new tab) – what Kiwis call 'K Road', it's a favourite gathering place for local and international artists, students, musicians and writers. You'll also see cabaret-style restaurants, karaoke bars, LGBTQI+ clubs and local pubs offering live music. K Road, like the rest of Auckland and New Zealand, welcomes and celebrates everyone.
Multicultural
Auckland is a super diverse city – it's even more diverse than Sydney, Los Angeles, London and New York! With a population of about 1.5 million people, Auckland has more than 220 ethnic groups living in the city and around 40% of residents are born overseas.
The city is full of opportunities to experience different cultures and holds many festivals that celebrate the vibrant art and culture of its local ethnic communities.
Here are a few examples:
- Three ways to experience different cultures in Auckland:(external link that opens in a new tab) A short guide on where to experience different cultures.
- Polyfest: (external link that opens in a new tab)A festival celebrating the cultures of the South Pacific, including the Cook Islands, Māori, Niue, Samoa, Tonga.
Foodie?
If you're a foodie(external link that opens in a new tab), Auckland's restaurant scene is also one of the best in the country thanks to its multicultural community. You'll find authentic Chinese food in Balmoral and the best Indian in Sandringham(external link that opens in a new tab)!
Can't make up your mind? Visit the Elliot Stables food court(external link that opens in a new tab), not far from Queens St. Or, just go for a walk! You'll find many places that represent the diversity of food in Auckland in and around the CBD (central business district).
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.
Useful Auckland websites
Here are a few suggestions to help you have a great experience and a safe time in Auckland.
Studying in Auckland(external link that opens in a new tab): Find information on study, activities and support for students in Auckland.
AucklandNZ(external link that opens in a new tab): Find events, festivals and great places to eat.
The Urbanlist(external link that opens in a new tab): You don't have to spend money to have fun! Discover things you can do for free in Auckland, like visiting the Auckland Art Gallery, walking around the city and going to a concert at a local park.
Auckland City Council(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out how local government works and important information to help you with daily life in Auckland. For example information on local parks, museums, libraries, recycling and the location of public toilets and other facilities. You can also follow the local council on Facebook.
Auckland Transport(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn how to get around Auckland city and its surrounding suburbs on public transport. Find out which bus you need to catch and how to get a 'HOP card(external link that opens in a new tab)' at.govt.nz/buyathop' for cheaper travel.
The Auckland Art Gallery(external link that opens in a new tab): Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s largest visual arts gallery. You can explore four floors of exhibitions and many centuries of art in one of Auckland's most iconic buildings. Check out some of the best Kiwi and international art in the heart of Auckland – for free.
Auckland Museum(external link that opens in a new tab): Auckland's War Memorial Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. Check out the Māori and Pacific collections (and many others) any day of the year, except Christmas Day. Entry is free!
If there's a medical emergency and you or someone else's life is in danger, go to the local hospital or phone 111 (this emergency number gives you access to police, fire and ambulance services). The main hospitals in Auckland are:
Auckland City Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab)
Waitakere Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab)
North Shore Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab)
Middlemore Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab)
If it's not urgent, make a doctor's appointment or visit any of Auckland's after hours medical centres(external link that opens in a new tab) around the city. 'After hours' means that the medical centre is open outside of normal working hours (8:30am - 5:30pm).
Auckland Emergency Management(external link that opens in a new tab): New Zealand is a pretty safe place, but like anywhere in the world there is a chance a natural disaster could happen. This could be something like a flood, tsunami, earthquake or volcanic eruption. It's always a good idea to be prepared for any emergency. You can find lots of great resources on this website, including how to make an escape plan if anything bad happens.
Trade Me - Rooms in Auckland(external link that opens in a new tab): If you're not staying in a university hall of residence or a homestay, you might need to find a room to rent. You can try Trade Me to find a place to live. Make sure to check how far your new home is from important places, like your place of study or job (if you're working part-time).
Metro Eats (for under $25)(external link that opens in a new tab): On a budget? Auckland's Metro Magazine published a list of the 50 best, cheap restaurant, takeaway or cafe dishes. You'll find food from all over the world. From Indian and Thai, to Moroccan and Portuguese and the Pacific Islands, Auckland really does have it all. Try to make it through their list!
Coast to Coast Walkway(external link that opens in a new tab): The Coast to Coast walk is a 16 km hike across Auckland from one coast to the other, from Waitematā to Manukau. You'll walk through landscapes shaped by 600 years of Māori history in the area. You might even see some of our native birds like kingfishers (kōtare), fantail (pīwakawaka), tuī and large wood pigeons (kererū).
Watch the Auckland Blues play rugby(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn about the most popular sport in the country – rugby, and support the local team at the same time!
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