Hi everyone! It is Denis and Kiwi Education.
Today we will tell you lots of interesting facts about the largest city of New Zealand,
which also wears the title of 'City of Sails'.
Geography and climate.
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand
and has an oceanic or subtropical climate.
There are a bit more than 2000 sunshine hours per annum,
which is a quite high rate for New Zealand.
In summer months, the average daily maximum temperature is about 24 °C
and usually doesn’t exceed 30 °C.
That’s why people prefer lightweight and breathable clothing,
however, hoodies and jackets can also be useful in windy weather.
In winter, the average temperature is 15°C and usually doesn't go down to below 0°C.
Winters are damp and half of the winter days are rainy.
For these days, warm and waterproof clothes are very useful.
Spring and fall are very beautiful but can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot.
So, despite the average temperature of 20°C,
you should have both summer and demi-season windproof and waterproof clothing.
Population.
Auckland is a multinational city with different traditions, religions and cultures.
People from all over the world come here, searching for new life and emotions,
which makes city life interesting and diverse.
According to 2018 statistics,
there are more than 1 600 000 people in Auckland, a third of all the population of New Zealand,
which makes the city the most populous in the country.
Moreover, it is the country’s most cosmopolitan and multilingual city.
As per the last research, 59% of Aucklanders identified as a European ethnicity,
23% as an Asian ethnicity (8% from China and 7% from India),
about 15% as a Pacific ethnicity
and almost 11% as Maori.
New Zealand government works hard against race discrimination,
calling everyone to be open to each other regardless of origin, religion and sex.
This issue plays an important part in the immigration policy as well,
so now more than 39% of the Auckland population was born outside New Zealand.
Almost 49% of the population are Christians.
There are other religions too, while 38% of the population is irreligious.
Economy.
Auckland is the major economic and financial centre of New Zealand
with strengths in commerce and customer service.
Here you can find the most expensive offices and the biggest organisations in the country.
The primary employment industries of Auckland residents are professional, scientific and technical services,
manufacturing, retail trade and education.
The per-capita GDP of Auckland is estimated at almost NZ$59 000,
the third-highest in the country after the Taranaki and Wellington regions.
The median personal income in Auckland is NZ$42 000
and the average is NZ$58 000, behind only Wellington.
The unemployment rate is 4.2% (fifth in the country), which is less than the average of 4.5% in the country.
Infrastructure.
Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in Auckland.
Located in the centre of the city, the tower was a very important construction,
and nowadays it is really hard to image the Auckland’s skyline without it.
Auckland CBD, or city centre, is not large and you can walk through it with one hour or so.
Here you can find offices, education providers, banks and other organisations.
Most of its residents are business workers and students,
so here you may meet many people of different nationalities from all over the world.
With plenty of skyscrapers and high buildings,
Auckland doesn’t look like just an urban jungle,
as it is dotted by cosy parks with evergreen trees
and beautiful lawns – one of the most favourite spots of students.
Particular attention should be given to sunny and picturesque waterfronts
with various moored ships and yachts.
There are nice cafes, bars and restaurants.
Many interesting events, such as festivals and outdoor summer movies, are also organized here.
Britomart Transport Centre, the central public transport hub, is located not far from the waterfront.
Close to Britomart, connecting bus and train routes, there are ferries from different city suburbs.
By the way, accessible bike and scooter rental spots are spread throughout the city,
that offers convenient and safe bike lanes.
However, riding can be challenging because Auckland itself is quite hilly.
Aucklanders prefer to live in townhouses outside the city centre.
Suburbs.
City Centre.
For this area, apartments and units are most common among other types of housing.
This suburb is a good choice for those who study or work in the centre.
The cost varies from quite affordable for small housing and very expensive for luxury places.
The average housing cost is NZ$650 000 or about NZ$500 per week for rent.
North.
As a rule, this suburb consists of nice and cosy areas with good schools and beautiful beaches,
that’s why the cost of housing here is considered as one of the highest.
The average housing cost is more than NZ$1 000 000
and from NZ$600 per week for rent.
West.
This is a good enough suburb, probably not the best one, but offers more affordable prices.
The average cost of a house is NZ$750 000
and NZ$500 per week for rent.
East.
Historically, this is a very prestigious and expensive area, despite old housing of not the best quality.
However, this suburb is popular among the Auckland elite, that’s why prices can bite:
about NZ$1 200 000 for the housing
or NZ$700 per week for house rentals.
South.
Despite an unfairly bad reputation of the southern suburbs,
there are some nice rapidly developing places among them – with accessible train stations, by the way.
The average cost of a house on the South is NZ$700 000
and NZ$450 per week for rent.
To find quality housing for a reasonable price is a real pain for Aucklanders.
Even with modern building practices and standards,
there is still much poor housing for very high prices.
We hope that it will change in the future.
To build an outstanding career and make a fortune usually is not a top priority for people
who decide to go to New Zealand.
Kiwi Lifestyle, a quality and peaceful way of life – that’s what everybody is seeking here for.
And populous Auckland is not an exemption.
Way of Life and Entertainments.
Auckland is surrounded from both sides by marvellous beaches of different vibes.
The picturesque and rugged beauty black sand beaches for surfers in the Tasman Sea on the West
and calm and peaceful bays with yellow and white sand and light blue water of the Pacific Ocean on the East.
All the best beaches are located one hour drive away from Auckland,
but even in the centre of the city, there are some spots to take a walk and refresh.
Outdoor adventurers may also find various tracks and trails, that are so famous in New Zealand,
with unbelievable waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Aucklanders enjoy doing sport, including team and water sports, as the city offers amazing opportunities for them.
For those, who like big city life, there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants.
Auckland has unique museums, exhibitions and a spectacular zoo.
World pop stars and celebrities make shows and organise tours in Auckland,
so residents can visit concerts and events.
To tell the truth, shopping is not so exciting here,
however, many different malls and shopping centres are spread around the city.
It goes without saying, that being the biggest New Zealand city,
Auckland has a huge number of education providers:
from affordable institutions to the most expensive and world’s top universities.
Education.
Thousands of New Zealanders and international students arrive in the city to study here.
There are three major universities: Massey University, Auckland University of Technology
and, of course, the highest-ranked and leading University of Auckland.
Besides them, Auckland has governmental and private institutes
and lots of language schools of different types and cost.
So, Auckland student life is very active and offers a great number of study options and programmes.
Auckland is rapidly developing and becoming a home
for many people from different parts of the country and the world.
New Zealanders say that Auckland is not New Zealand.
From the one hand, they might be right, as the country has other beautiful and so diverse places.
From the other hand, it is Auckland that offers big opportunities
and welcomes newcomers and immigrants.
Thanks for watching!
Don’t forget to check our videos about other New Zealand cities.
Stay well! Bye-bye!