Cosmopolitan and close to nature – Auckland is the fastest growing city in New Zealand and the ideal starting point to discover the diverse landscape of the island nation. Within a three-hour drive you can find ideal surfing beaches, tropical forests, volcanic landscapes and snowy mountains. Studying in Auckland promises a unique learning environment in addition to renowned and international universities. In 2015, according to Education New Zealand, around 65,000 international students enrolled at one of the universities in Auckland to study there.
Due to a permissive immigration policy, many different nations and cultures have found their home in Auckland. Much of the population has European, especially British, roots. But people from East and South Asia, the Pacific Islands and Māori also live in New Zealand’s most multicultural city. With almost 1.5 million inhabitants, the multi-faceted city on the North Island of New Zealand is the largest conurbation in the country.
Auckland is the infrastructural and economic center of Polynesia. Important branches of the economy are, for example, information and computer technology, construction, biotechnology and viticulture. Studying in Auckland often enables students to have close and practical contact with local business and industry. No wonder that the modern colleges in Auckland attract international students from all over the world for a full degree or a semester abroad. In the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2016, Auckland ranks among the top 20.
Discover Auckland: A brief portrait of different parts of the city
In Auckland, the many green areas and the flat buildings on the hilly Volcanic Field are striking. Apart from the skyline in the center, high apartment complexes are the exception. Instead, there are predominantly single-family houses with a garden, which several students also live in. Auckland is largely made up of suburbs from which commuters come to work in the city center. The main artery is the Auckland Harbor Bridge, which connects the city center with the northern suburb of North Shore and spans Waitemata Harbor.
Despite the 1,086 square kilometers, the hectic city flair of Auckland is mainly concentrated in the city center, where many people spend the day studying. The Central Business District (CBD) is located south of the harbor along Queens Street and is home to two universities and the striking Sky Tower. But even in a metropolis like Auckland you can clearly feel the relaxed New Zealand way of life. In 2016, Auckland was ranked third in the Mercer Quality of Living Ranking as the most liveable city in the world.
The harbor and waterfront in downtown Auckland
Due to the location of Auckland between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, the city has established itself as an ideal starting point for sailors and boaters. In the “ City of Sails ” in the largest marina in the southern hemisphere, there are more yachts in relation to the number of inhabitants than in any other city in the world. Numerous boats and ferries leave here for Devonport, North Shore or for a tour to one of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
The redesigned Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbor are home to many restaurants, cafés and public spaces, as well as an open-air cinema. Families spend the day in the themed playground or at the Voyager Maritime Museum. In addition to the local fish market, the port is also popular for after-work parties in one of the countless bars where students can also be found.
Another highlight of downtown Auckland is Britomart. In the pedestrian zone along the waterfront, the historic and modernized buildings form an interesting mix with numerous offices, shops and restaurants. In addition to the shopping mile, there is also a market with fruit and vegetables from the region every Saturday. The Britomart Transport Center is the main hub for local and long-distance public transport. Buses to the region and the Northern Explorer to Wellington start from here.
Ponsonby – Auckland’s trendy district
Ponsonby, southwest of the CBD, is one of Auckland’s trendy neighborhoods. Students should definitely stop by here while studying in Auckland. Numerous boutiques lure with individually made goods and second hand stores invite you to rummage for old treasures. In addition to the well-known organic bakery in Remuera, there is also a large organic market in Ponsonby. In the evening, many students meet in the restaurants or one of the numerous clubs.
The K’Road in Newton
Karangahape Road, known as K’Road, in Newton is the main street in Auckland’s creative district. In addition to numerous vintage shops and ethnic restaurants, several galleries with contemporary art have settled here. Night owls experience cabaret shows and drag artists or pick up the microphone in one of the karaoke bars. In the Powerstation concert hall south of K’Road, music fans have been able to experience well-known artists up close for almost 30 years. If you’re looking for something unusual and inspiration while studying in Auckland, you’ve come to the right place.
Parnell
In the oldest suburb of Auckland, Parnell, things are a little quieter. The Victorian-style houses have upscale boutiques and restaurants, small cafes and a delicatessen market.
In the historic Auckland Domain Park, visitors can leisurely stroll to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and marvel at performances by the Māori, among other things. The park is within walking distance of the university and offers students the ideal oasis of calm between seminars. The commercial event “ Christmas in the Park ” takes place here at Christmas time. The right gifts can be found in Newmarket, New Zealand’s fashion hub south of the Auckland Domain.
Parnell is also known for its north-east rose garden and Parnell Baths, a historic bath with the largest saltwater pool in New Zealand, a country located in Oceania according to allcountrylist.
