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WridgWays Global Guide to Living in Auckland Disclaimer: Though WridgWays strives to maintain the materials in this document, keeping them as accurate and current as possible, the information is collected for reference purpose. WridgWays assumes no liability for any inaccurate or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Table of Contents Geographic Information 2 Auckland City 2 Climate 3 Population 3 Time Zone and Daylight Savings 3 Auckland Lifestyle Overview 4 People of Auckland 4 Auckland Shopping Overview 5 Eating in Auckland 5 Celebrations and Holidays 5 General Visa Information 6 Quarantine - prohibited and restricted items 7 Housing Options 8 Housing Inspection and Rental Bond 8 Furniture and Electrical Appliance Rental 8 Medial Emergency Checklist 9 What do I do in case of an Emergency? 9 Hospitals and Medical Practitioners 9 New Zealand Schooling Overview 10 Electricity and Gas Suppliers 11 Water and Sewage 11 Pay TV 11 Public Transport Options 12 Purchasing Tickets 12 Main Airport Location 12 NB: Further information can be found in our New Zealand Destination Guide 1 Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay Geographic Location Auckland City Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand. The city Auckland is the most populous urban area of New Zealand. The sits on the Auckland isthmus, also known as the Tamaki isthmus. Central Business District (CBD) covers a 433ha in a triangular area. At its centre is the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern The city sprawls across twin harbours. The Waitemata Harbour, Hemisphere, which provides panoramic views from its observation opens to the Hauraki Gulf, and the Manukau Harbour, opens to the deck of the wider Auckland region. Tasman Sea. The distance between the two harbours is narrow, particularly at the end of the isthmus. It is often referred to as The city is bound by Waitematā Harbour to the north, and the suburbs 'The City of Sails' as yachts travel between the two harbours. of Ponsonby, Grafton, Freemans Bay, Newton, Parnell, and the Viaduct Harbour. It is often referred to as 'The City of Sails' given its enviable The Greater Auckland urban area spans 1,102.9km2 and extends location. from Waiwera in the north, to Runciman in the south, and Kumeu in the north-west. The downtown area hosts an array of cafes, restaurants, and it has a vibrant arts scene with many galleries and museums. You won't Auckland sits on a volcanic field. Dotted across the region is 48 be short of things to fill in your time in this diverse city, with local scoria cones, these provide spectacular views of the city and and international music events, festivals, and sporting events held harbours. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, surrounds throughout the year. an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers 1.2 million hectares of coast, sea, and islands. The islands are close to the city and a popular day trip destination for locals and visitors. Some of the gulf islands include Waiheke, Rangitoto, Little Barrier Island, Great Barrier, and Mokohinau Islands. 2 Climate Population Auckland is home to a population of 1.657 million people and is the Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay Auckland's climate is classified as subtropical. It enjoys warm and humid conditions during summer, with the average maximum daily most populated city in New Zealand. Almost one-third of New Zealand's temperature is 23ºC. Winter's are damp and mild, with a maximum population lives in Auckland. average temperature reaching 14ºC in July. The overall population of New Zealand is close to 4.8 million people as Compared to the northern hemisphere the seasons are reversed, of July 2020, this accounts for 0.6% of the world's total population. winter is in the middle of the year and summertime at the end. Spring September to November Time Zone and Daylight Savings Summer December to February New Zealand has two standard time, New Zealand Standard Time Autumn March to May (NZST), which is 12 hours in front of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the Winter June to August North and South Island both lie in this time zone. The Chatham Islands, which lie 860 kilometres off Christchurch use Chatham Standard Time Auckland experiences an average of 138 wet days per year, and (CST), 12.45 hours in front of GMT. the average rainfall is 1284mm. July is the wettest month. On the last Sunday of September, people of New Zealand and the Weather can be changeable, so it is advisable to carry a Chatham Islands turn their clocks forward an hour for Daylight Saving rainproof jacket as well as sunglasses. It is important to be Time (DST), allowing them to enjoy more of the nicer weather in the SunSmart throughout the year, particularly from September afternoons and evenings, where daylight can last until 9.30pm. The to April. Remember to stay in the shade, wear a shirt, hat, time reverts to normal after summer is over, when everyone changes sunglasses, and apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours. their clocks back on the first Sunday in April. For current weather reports and conditions, visit: To see more information on the current time and date for Auckland, as https://www.metservice.com/. well as other local information, visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/new-zealand/auckland. 3 Image source: Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash Auckland Lifestyle Overview People of Auckland Auckland is a city with much to offer those looking for a balanced Auckland is New Zealand's most cosmopolitan city, with residents lifestyle. It is ranked 3rd on the Mercer Quality of Living survey, from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, each with their own for an eighth consecutive year. cultures and traditions. Europeans make a majority of Auckland's population, although there is an increase in those of Asian ethnicity. It is family-friendly, with a stable political and social environment, In the 2018 Census 28 per cent of Auckland residents identified as excellent medical and health services, and has a world-class having Asian ethnicity. education system. The Pacific Islander population makes up 14.6 per cent, and is Most long haul flights arrive into Auckland, and with strong links increasing, with a predicted population of 17 per cent by 2038. to key international markets, there are many job opportunities in Today's Pacific Islander population is young and urbanised. The key industries and sectors available, as well as the opportunity to Maori population makes up 10.3 per cent of the total population progress your career. of Auckland and is also set to continue growing. Other significant Auckland is a thriving city, with 90% of the population living in urban ethnic groups include Chinese (8.4%), Indian (7.5%), and Samoan areas, it still small enough so that you can become involved in your (7.2%). local sports team, enjoy designer shopping, superb dining, and an exciting music, entertainment and arts scene. If you enjoy nature and the outdoors, this spectacular city offers countless options for adventure, all close to the city centre. 4 Auckland Shopping Overview Eating In Auckland If you are looking for a shopping experience, then look no further Auckland is a cosmopolitan city and the city's cuisine reflects the than Auckland. Auckland has a number of shopping precincts spread different cultures from around the world. The city centre and inner throughout the city and suburbs, with world-class boutiques and suburbs of Ponsonby, Parnell, Newmarket offer everything from designer stores, department stores, jewellery, homewares, five-star dining, to lively cafes, artisan food stores, wine bars and pubs. electronics and high street fashion stores. Make the short trip to the North Shore to enjoy a relaxed dining scene There are several laneways leading to the Britomart where you in the coastal suburbs of Takapuna and Devonport. can come for designer stores. Queen Street runs through the Or if you enjoy dining with a view, head to the waterfront at Wynyard centre of the CBD and offers high street stores and quality retail. Quarter, Viaduct Harbour or Mission Bay. You will find the perfect spot Ponsonby is a hip suburb where local boutiques offer designer to enjoy a laid-back brunch or lunch. In summer enjoy the Silo Park clothing and accessories. Parnell, one of Auckland's oldest suburbs, food trucks on a Friday night. is upmarket and offers world-wide designer names and goods. Newmarket has a number of top New Zealand fashion designers, as well as the recently developed Westfield Newmarket shopping Celebrations and Holidays centre. New Zealand has a range of public (bank) holidays throughout the Takapuna is the North Shore's main shopping destination with 400 year, some of which are unique to Auckland, while others exist across stores offering everything you could need. Stroll around the Sunday all of New Zealand and many other Western countries. Some of these market for local produce or to find local artisan products. holidays include: If markets are more to your liking there are a number of + New Year's Day Image source: Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash spread across Auckland. Central is the La Cigale French Market, + Day after New Year's Day it is open everyday, except Mondays at the Britomart and Parnell. + Auckland Anniversary Day The Auckland Night Markets are held across eight different locations, + Waitangi Day across different nights. The Otara Flea Market is open Saturdays + Good Friday from 6am to 12pm. + Easter Monday Matakana Village Farmers Market, Clevedon Village Farmers Market + Anzac Day and the Coatesville Market are weekend markets are worth a visit.