Auckland
Auckland lies on a narrow isthmus, occupied by numerous volcanic cones, between Manukau Harbour and Waitemata Harbour. The 260m high volcanic island of Rangitoto separates Waitemata Harbour from the wide expanse of the Hauraki Gulf with its scattering of islands. To the southwest are
the Waitakere Ranges.
Since its foundation over 150 years ago the city has extended far to north and south. In 1891 Rudyard Kipling called Auckland 'last, loneliest, loveliest, exquisite, apart'; but today it is hard to see any boundary between the city and the surrounding country. Villages that were once a long way from the town are now suburbs and outlying districts of the city with their own shopping and administrative centers. Outside the city center, the central business district of Auckland, the residential areas follow the usual New Zealand pattern of detached family houses with small gardens.
Population
About a third of the population of New Zealand live on this narrow land bridge. As the principal gateway into New Zealand, it is often called the capital of Polynesia because of the high proportion of its inhabitants of Polynesian origin. This concentration of population in a relatively small area has given rise to serious problems in recent years. There are great difficulties, for example, in providing an adequate water supply.
City of Sails
Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' because of its inhabitants' passion for boats. On fine summer days the Hauraki Gulf is covered with sailing boats. Statistics show that one household in four owns a boat. In 1995 a New Zealand team won the America's Cup, so when it came to preparing for the Louis Vuitton and America's Cup in Waitemata Harbour in the year 2000 enthusiasm was high.
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