Auckland stretches out between three sparkling harbours and is wrapped around rolling volcanic hills. The climate is mild so there’s no snow outdoors but you can still have a snowball fight.

The indoor slopes of Snowplanet offer a diversion for snow-bunnies! Snowplanet’s Snowdome has slopes, lifts, terrain parks for freestylers and a restaurant and bar for après-ski. Snow Academy offers private and group lessons for all levels.

Once you’ve had your fill of skiing and snowboarding in Auckland the city is waiting to be discovered. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world. This is a place with strong links to the Pacific as well as a vibrant Maori culture. Cosmopolitan to its core, Auckland offers an exciting diversity of world-class theatre, music, art and fashion. And if you’re keen to shop, you couldn’t have picked a better place. Throughout the city and surrounds are a variety of shopping areas, each with its own unique blend of stores and styles. For instance, check out Ponsonby Road for eclectic boho chic, Karangahape Road for streetwise style and Nuffield Street in Newmarket for high-end designer threads.

In addition to the vibrant pulse of city life, Auckland has another side: an awesome landscape full of outdoor activities. There’s a rainforest on the western doorstep – perfect for hiking – and, situated between three harbours, the city is a maritime playground. Wherever you are in Auckland you won’t be far from the sea, and the locals love it – in fact, it’s been said that Auckland has the highest number of boats per capita in the world, which explains its reputation as the City of Sails! And even if it’s winter it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beaches – pull on a jacket and hit the sand for a walk. A ferry ride from downtown Auckland across to the cafés and galleries of Devonport offers great views of Auckland (a great low-budget harbour cruise!). Keen to explore further? Beyond Waitemata Harbour is the Hauraki Gulf and a multitude of island experiences, from the vineyards of Waiheke Island to the wildlife sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi.

Need to Know

Snowplanet – indoor snow resort 30 min from the CBD.

Population Auckland region 1.3 million. Average July temperature 10.8˚C. Main centres Auckland City, Manukau City, North Shore City, Waitakere City.

Air Auckland International Airport, 20 km (50 to 60 min) south of the CBD offers domestic and international flights. Airbus runs airport-city transfers every 20 to 30 min. Rail Daily services to/from Wellington on The Overlander by Tranz Scenic. Road Auckland is 9 hours, 25 min from Wellington. Coaches provide regular services.

There is a myriad of car rentals and buses are frequent. The green LINK bus services central suburbs. Ferries depart from the waterfront to Devonport and other destinations. Contact MAXX Auckland Transport for queries on public transport.

Online www.destination-nz.com, www.aucklandnz.com. By phone 0800 282 552. In person Auckland i-SITE Visitor Centres Princes Wharf, 137 Quay Street or SKYCITY, Cnr Victoria Street & Federal Street.

Defining Experiences

Head up the Sky Tower for panoramic city views and experience New Zealand’s highest jump – the SkyJump is base-jumping by wire!
Take a harbour cruise or catch the ferry to Devonport.
Browse the boutiques of Auckland City, Parnell, Ponsonby or Newmarket and restore your energy at a sophisticated café.
See precious Maori artifacts at the famous Auckland Museum.

Did You Know?
Auckland’s Maori name is Tamaki-Makau-Rau, ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’ – the region was historically sought-after by Maori.

Winter Highlights

Minus 5 Ice Lounge Bar
Book winter accommodation with indulgent thermal pools
Cuddle up in one of Auckland’s boutique cinemas – try the Mighty Civic or Bridgeway Cinema
Snowplanet indoor skiing
Visit Auckland Museum
Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter
Hot Pools such as Waiwera Thermal Resort & Spa, Parakai Springs and Kaitoke Hot Springs
Wrap up warm and take a scenic cruise or ferry ride
Paradice Ice Skating Auckland

Indoor Skiing in the Big City

In Auckland you can hit the slopes year-round. Twenty minutes’ drive north of the CBD, Snowplanet is an indoor snow resort with slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding and a terrain park with features for beginners and more advanced freestylers. You can even take a lesson or two with Snow Academy. www.snowplanet.co.nz

Events

Walking with Dinosaurs (Auckland) 29 Jun – 3 Jul 2011
International Ice Hockey USA vs Canada (Auckland) 23 Jul 2011
The Food Show Auckland (Auckland) 28 – 31 Jul 2011
Air New Zealand Fashion Week (Auckland) 28 Aug – 4 Sep 2011