Physical Education, Sports Medicine and Doping Studies

About Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is a city in the North Island of New Zealand. Auckland is the largest urban area in the country, with an urban population of around 1,628,900. It is located in the Auckland Region—the area governed by Auckland Council—which includes outlying rural areas and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, resulting in a total population of 1,695,900.A diverse and multicultural city, Auckland is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. The Māori-language name for Auckland is Tamaki or Tāmaki-makau-rau, meaning "Tamaki with a hundred lovers", in reference to the desirability of its fertile land at the hub of waterways in all directions. It has also been called Ākarana, a transliteration of the English name.

The isthmus on which Auckland resides was first settled around 1350 and was valued for its rich and fertile land. The Māori population in the area is estimated to have peaked at 20,000 before the arrival of Europeans.  After a British colony was established in 1840, William Hobson, then Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, chose the area as his new capital. He named the area for George Eden, Earl of Auckland, British First Lord of the Admiralty. It was replaced as the capital in 1865 by Wellington, but immigration to the new city stayed strong, and it has remained the country's most populous urban area. Today, Auckland's central business district is the major financial center of New Zealand.

Tourist Attractions:

• Sky Tower: The Sky Tower is 328 meters tall and is 20 years old. It is an exciting destination for adrenaline pumping activities, fine dining and breathtaking scenery.
• Rainbow’s End: The theme park is New Zealand’s largest theme park covering 23 acres. It is located at Manukau.
• Motat Museum: The Museum of Transport and Technology opened in 1960 is one of the largest museums of its kind, well known for hosting huge collections of military and civilian aircraft and vehicles.
• Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World: Kelly Tarlton's aquatic world is a spectacular habitat display of aquatic animals which also includes the exhibit of the World’s largest colony of Antarctic Penguins. All of this can be viewed through unique underwater viewing tunnels.
• Rangitoto Island: One of the most beautiful sight in Auckland’s skyline is the volcanic Rangitoto Island. The cone of the in-active volcano is 260 meters high. The island offers a lot of adventurous activities like hiking, fishing sea kayaking and camping. 
• Waiheke Island: The Island is a spectacular heaven of vineyards, beaches and olive groves. It is easily accessible by a 35min ferry boat ride from the downtown of Auckland.

The other top tourist attractions include The Auckland Botanical Gardens, Sr. Patrick’s Cathedral; Auckland zoo had Harbor Bridge etc.

Culture and Dinning:

Auckland is a melting pot of cultures and tradition. The Maori culture is still a prominent part of New Zealand’s tradition and various centers like the Auckland Museum offers a chance to experience the culture and food of the Maori people.

Education:

Many resident and students from abroad prefer to study in Auckland because of its calm and beautiful surroundings and weather. A number of Top Universities are available which offer courses in wide range of subjects. Some of them are University of Auckland, Massey University, and University of Otago etc.

Transport:

Auckland sports a modern-day transport system with good maintained road ways. Transportation means include local taxis and buses and ferry’s.

Thankfully, Air travelers won’t need to go out of their way to experience the multitude of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences on offer at the Airport’s.