Home to a third of New Zealand’s total population, Auckland is the most populous region in the country. With more than one million people living here, Auckland is also one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand and is nation’s economic capital. Home to one third of New Zealand’s workforce, this area now also provides over 35% of all New Zealand's jobs.

Covering only 2% of New Zealand's total land area at 16,104 km, the Auckland region stretches all the way from Bombay Hills to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Over 70% of this region is a marine coastal area with the beautiful Tasman Sea lying to the west, while to the east sits the mighty Pacific Ocean. A marine resort town, Auckland acts as the gateway to many other parts of the country and is fast becoming one of the hottest adventure locales in New Zealand after Queenstown.

The Auckland region encompasses the four cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau as well as the three districts of Rodney, Franklin and Papakura. Dozens of small offshore islands are also part of this region, including the Hauraki Gulf Islands, the largest of which is the Great Barrier Island, while the tiniest is Pollen Island or Motu Manawa. Auckland has a 1613 km long coastline with three harbors and a number of inlets and estuaries. There are also around 50 volcanic cones in the Auckland region.

Around the city of Auckland you will find 21 regional parks all sitting within a 15 km to 90 km radius of the city. There are several beaches parks in the area as well as bush parks and a kauri park. This region also offers some good tramping tracks. If you are interested in hiking or trekking in the Auckland area contact the Auckland Regional Council for details and maps as well as what facilities each park in this region has to offer.

West of Auckland city is the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, with some excellent wineries also located in this region as well. There are several wineries in the area with some excellent restaurants and cafes.