Despite Auckland's urban sprawl, the major tourist sites are situated around the city centre, while those that are further afield can be reached by public transport, the Explorer Bus, which links many of the attractions, public transport, ferries or a hire car.

The ever-expanding city centre with its eye-catching skyline is easily explored on foot, starting with the waterfront, which epitomises the lively feel of the ‘City of Sails'. Here too can be found the tourist information centre, Britomart bus and train station, useful transport stops and the Ferry Terminal, Department of Conservation Office, the National Maritime Museum and the America's Cup Village.

The city's main street, Queen Street, and the roads and malls that flank it, give a sense of the shopping options, including the two-storey Queens Arcade. Queen Street continues past the Town Hall and close by Albert Park, although it is worth remembering that there are many specialised shopping options in the various suburbs that surround the centre, which form self-contained village-like satellites.

Albert Park is one of 22 parks in the city and is home to the more ornate half of the Auckland City Art Gallery, the Heritage Gallery (the other half, the New Gallery, is located on the other side of Wellesley Street) and the Bruce Wilkinson Collection, a charming small display of ornate clocks and figures.

Southeast of the centre is the huge 81-hectare (202-acre) Auckland Domain, crowned by the city's main ‘must-see' site, the Auckland Museum - packed with Maori and Pacific Island artefacts. From the museum, an extra loop on the Explorer Bus circuit takes visitors further out to Mount Eden, Auckland Zoo and the Museum of Transport & Technology (MOTAT).

Venturing further afield requires a car, taxis or more public transport. East of the city are golf courses, the Ellerslie Racecourse, attractions like Howick Historical Village, the Botanic Gardens and the Rainbow's End adventure theme park. Heading west brings more golf courses, orchards, vineyards and a sense of why the Auckland people love their city so much - inside it is lively and outside simply lovely.

Auckland i-Site Visitor Information Centre
The Atrium, Sky City
Corner of Victoria and Federal Streets
Tel: (09) 363 7182 or 0800 282 5526.
Website: www.aucklandnz.com  
Opening hours: Daily 0800-2000.

New Zealand i-Site Visitor Information Centre
137 Quay Street, Princes Wharf
Tel: (09) 307 0612 or 0800 282 5526.
Website: www.aucklandnz.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat-Sun 0900-1700 (Oct-Mar); daily 0900-1700 (Apr-Sep).

The Auckland Superpass includes the Sky Tower, Kelly Tarlton's, Rainbow's End and a trip to Rangitoto Island. It is available from the visitor centres, booking offices or any of the participating outlets. For information on transport passes, see Getting Around.