The aerial view of Auckland is a reflection of why Aucklanders are so proud of their city and why it is New Zealand's major tourist destination in the North Island.

Auckland stands on a narrow isthmus and has a large harbour on either side. The older part of the city lies on the isthmus between the two harbours, which are separated by only 13 km.

To the east is the Waitemata Harbour with numerous safe beaches which faces the Pacific Ocean, and to the west is the Manukau Harbour, part of the Tasman Sea. West coast of Auckland is famous for its dramatic black-sand surfing beaches.

Geology has given the city a unique characteristic in the 50 or so extinct volcanic cones scattered across the isthmus. The highest of these is Mount Eden (about 196 m).

Evidence suggests that Auckland has been occupied by the Maori since the 14th century. They called this strategic isthmus 'Tamaki of the hundred lovers', a reference to the many tribes who came to covet it.

When Europeans first appeared, in the late 1700s, every volcanic hilltop was topped by a fortified village bearing witness to the tensions of the area. The spread of firearms and European diseases proved devastating, and the site was almost deserted until it was reborn in 1840.

Governor William Hobson selected the site of Auckland and named this place in tribute to George Eden, the Earl of Auckland, then Governor-General of India. It remained the capital of New Zealand until the seat of government was shifted to Wellington in 1865.

Today Auckland is the largest (almost a third of the nation lives here) and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand and also known as the largest 'Polynesian city in the world'.

Imagine a city where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, and you're beginning to get the picture of Auckland.

Auckland is as relaxing a place to visit as it is to live in. Everyone speaks English and most people are friendly and helpful. The 2015 Mercer Quality of Living Survey ranked Auckland 3rd place in the world on its list, while the Economist's World's most liveable cities index of 2014 ranked Auckland 10th.