Airports

Auckland International Airport, New Zealand’s largest airport, lies beside Manukau Harbour, in the southern suburb of Mangere, which is part of Manukau. It is a major base for Air New Zealand. Ongoing negotiations concern the development of a second airport at Whenuapai, a RNZAF airbase in Waitakere, to the northwest of the Auckland conurbation. As the air force is signalled to move to Ohakea base near Palmerston North, the feasibility of an international airport north of the city is being explored. Many private flights use the smaller airfield at Ardmore, south of the city but within the Auckland region. Dairy Flat to the north is used by light planes and some warbird enthusiasts. Mechanics Bay near the city centre, was the first international airport, used for many years as a base for flying boats of TEAL and amphibians of Tourist Air Travel and Sea Bee Air. It is now primarily used as a Heliport. A similar air force facility at Hobsonville has been sold to private boat builders.

Ferries

A feature of Auckland transport is the popularity of commuting by ferry. North Shore residents avoid the chronic Harbour Bridge congestion by catching ferries from Devonport, Bayswater or Stanley Bay to the CBD. Ferries also connect the city with Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands, and with Half Moon Bay.

Landmarks and places

Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, stands 328 m tall.
Mount Eden’s summit arguably offers Auckland’s best views. It is the highest point in Auckland. However, there is local concern about the environmental impact the large numbers of tourist buses are having on the cone - they’re said to be literally (if slowly) squashing it. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) - a volcanic cone which dominates the skyline in the southern inner suburbs.

Rangitoto Island - guards the entrance to Waitemata Harbour, and forms a prominent feature on the eastern horizon. Eden Park - the city’s primary stadium and a frequent home for All Blacks rugby and Black Caps cricket matches. Ericsson Stadium - a stadium used mainly for rugby league and soccer matches. Western Springs Stadium - a natural amphitheatre used mainly for speedway races and rock and pop concerts.
Aotea Square, Queen Street and Karangahape Road- the hub of downtown Auckland.

Auckland Harbour Bridge - connecting Auckland and the North Shore, is an iconic symbol of Auckland.
Viaduct Basin - Marina in downtown Auckland, venue for the America’s Cup regatta 2000 and 2003. It is now a thriving commercial centre. Botany Town Centre, Howick - a complete shopping complex, one of the largest in Auckland including a cinema, bowling alley, food court and many shops to visit.