The city of sails

Auckland Harbour also known as Waitemata Harbour is a 70 square mile harbour and is the main access by sea to Auckland, New Zealand. It connects the city and port to the Hauraki Gulf, and thus to the Pacific Ocean.For this reason it is often referred to as Auckland Harbour, despite the fact that it is only one of two harbours surrounding the city. The Waitemata forms the north and west coasts of the Auckland isthmus. It is matched on the south by the shallower waters of Manukau Harbour.

The name is from the Māori language, with Wai te Mataa referring to obsidian glass. The ’sparkling waters’ (a later translation of the meaning) of the harbour were said to glint like the volcanic glass prized by these early arrivals to the harbour. Auckland is often known as the “City of Sails” for the large number of yachts that grace the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.

Some of the attractions of the harbour for travelers include the breath taking view across the sea with the Auckland Harbour Bridge in the background. Auckland’s vibrant waterfront is also home to the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. A visit promises a broad overview of New Zealand rich maritime heritage.As its Maori name, Te Huiteanaui-A-Tangaroa (holder of the treasures of Tangaroa – of the Sea God) suggests, this museum stores many of New Zealand’s treasures. Visitors may also get the opportunity to cruise across the harbour on a heritage vessel.

For travelers that wish to experience a little bit more adventure and excitement on their holiday a good excursion would be climbing Auckland Harbour Bridge. An Auckland hotel that offers easy access to the waterfront is the Copthorne Hotel which is situated near the Auckland Harbour the all of the rooms at this hotel offer beautiful views of the Harbour and also gives easy access to other areas of interest in the city.