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Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, with a population of over one million. It is in the northern half of the North Island, on a narrow isthmus of land that joins the Northland peninsula to the rest of the North Island. It is composed of four separate cities, Manukau City in the south, Waitakere City in the west, North Shore City in the north and Auckland City itself, on and around the isthmus. The wider local government area which includes rural areas, small towns and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf is Auckland Region. Although it sounds overwhelming, Auckland is a cool place to be, and with so many prestige schools like Massey University right in town, Auckland has everything you need for a great study abroad semester. Hit up www.studentuniverse.com for great student airfare deals.

Auckland Pictures

Things to do in Auckland

The best thing to do first is hit up the Auckland War Memorial Museum, on Domain Drive. Much more than a war memorial, it is a general museum and one of the best in New Zealand. It stands in an imposing position in the Auckland Domain, a large park on an extinct volcano. Also be sure to see the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, on Hobson Street. With interesting exhibits that chronicle New Zealand’s Maritime history there’s sure to be something for everyone. Into cool looking buildings? Auckland features the Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere. It offers views of up to 80 Km away and great eats in the Orbit revolving restaurants. Come see some of the greatest painters in New Zealand at the Auckland Art Gallery, on the corner of Wellesley and Lorne streets. This place has the largest collections of national and international art in New Zealand, and is split across two buildings. Finally, hit up the Waitakere Ranges, an expanse of stunning waterfalls and breathtaking views surrounded by beautiful beaches, about a 45 minute drive from central Auckland.

Nightlife in Auckland

Auckland doesn’t have that hip of a night scene, however it does sport a calm, more mature crowd with bars to match. The best places to catch a great New Zealand time is the Cock and bull English Pubs, Galbraiths Alehouse, The Patriot, Deschlers, The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe, Shadows Bar, or the Cassette Number 9. Also be sure to check out the SKYCITY entertainment complex, which has dozens of bars, cafes, and the authentic Spanish Tapas bar Bellota.

Colleges and Classes in Auckland

Auckland has a few great schools that are sure to be a hit when you study abroad. Aorere College has a long tradition of providing quality education to students world wide. Massey University is another big dog, with Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in Business, Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Design, Jazz, Humanities, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Engineering, Information Sciences, Mathematics, Fundamental Sciences, Food Technology, Sports and Exercise Science, English Language Centre and Foundation Studies. Summer School and extramural programs.

Travel From Auckland

Rotorua, Hamilton, Waitomo Caves and Taupo are all within several hours drive and all have a lot to offer. If returning to the airport by Airbus be sure to allow for the service running late—often the ‘15 minute’ schedule is more like 30.

Auckland Study Abroad Tips

• The emergency number for Police, Fire, and Ambulance is 111.
• Auckland is built on 48 extinct volcanoes.
• While studying in Auckland, make sure you travel and see more of what New Zealand has to offer!