In the native language of the Maori people, Auckland was named Tamaki Makau Rau, which means the city of 100 lovers. It was given this name because everyone wanted the city, and many people even succeeded in conquering the area. The Auckland region offers stunning natural wonders with three harbors, two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones, and more than 50 islands. The abundance of volcanic cones is a testament to the area's legacy as a volcanic plateau that nature lovers and biology students alike can appreciate.
Auckland's 1.3 million people provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the many international students who find their way there. The city's varied population mixes the traditional Polynesian heritage of the island with that of European immigrants and more recently those from Asia. The Kiwis (New Zealanders) have perfected Pacific Rim cuisine, a unique blend of Asian and Pacific flavors. Auckland also has much to recommend it to students looking for activity. The city's harbors and geography make it perfect for a vast array of water activities including snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. However, the most popular water activity in Auckland remains yachting, and the number of sailing enthusiasts may seem obsessive to the casual observer. The extreme number of boats was instrumental to Auckland earning its nickname as the 'City of Sails.'
Despite the extreme fervor of Auckland for its yachts, amazingly the Kiwis are even more passionate about their rugby. Perhaps the only time you won't find the city population to be welcoming and friendly is on one of the rare occasions when they actually lose a rugby match. Happily, that doesn't often happen, and you cannot claim to have truly experienced Auckland or New Zealand until you have joined the crowds at Eden Park.
Auckland also has much to offer in terms of culture and the sophistication of a modern city. The Auckland museum is one of the city's finest attractions and features Pacific and Maori culture unique to that area of the world. The city also has an impressive collection of art galleries including Polynesian artworks.
However, the height (literally and figuratively) of Auckland life remains the Sky City. The city centers around the Sky Tower; this casino is the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere, and has a stunning observatory. The top of the building sways as much as 3 feet in high winds. Perhaps most amazing though are the extreme adventure sports that take advantage of the Sky Tower's height. You can participate in a two hour guided climb inside the Sky Tower mast or if you're feeling daring you can jump off the tower and fall 630 ft in approximately 16 seconds. (You do the math!) The Sky Tower allows people to do what's called a 'base-jump by wire' rather than bungy jumping so participants simply fall fast and smooth and then slow to a stop rather than hanging upside down or bouncing around. Let no one say that Auckland is a boring place to study!
Students will find Auckland an enlightening and enjoyable destination to study abroad. From the unique flavor of Polynesian culture to the fanatic love of rugby, yachting, and adventure, you will be hard pressed to find a more accommodating or exciting city.