October 1999. Copyright, 1999, Graphic News. All rights reserved

"CITY OF SAILS" HOME TO CUP
By former New Zealand Herald journalist Margot Nesdale

LONDON, October, Graphic News: AUCKLAND is the heart of New 
Zealand, the tiny country Down Under famous for its legendary All 
Blacks. While rugby is a national obsession, Auckland is dubbed 
the "City of Sails" after another Kiwi passion - yachting. The 
label is fitting for a city which is home to the prestigious 
America's Cup and probably has more boats per capita than 
anywhere else in the world.
	Perched on a narrow isthmus flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the 
Tasman Sea, the city feeds off glistening water and sprawls like 
an octopus around twin harbours. Surrounded by bays, beaches, 
islands and forest, it is ideal for sailing, windsurfing, 
canoeing, fishing, surfing ,waterskiing, tramping and swimming.
With a population of 1.2 million, Auckland is a booming 
metropolis by New Zealand standards and a magnet for people from 
the South Pacific and Asia. It boasts a truly multicultural 
flavour, with the largest concentration of Polynesians in the 
world. The city is vibrant and cosmopolitan, with world-class NZ 
wines and top international cuisine. Specialities include lamb, 
seafood and Pavlova (meringue dessert).
Towering over the skyline is the 1082 ft (328m ) high Sky Tower, 
offering  360-degree views, the city's only casino and a 
revolving restaurant at the top. The cityscape is dotted with 
volcanic peaks, formerly the sites of Maori fortresses. 
Aucklanders went into mourning when the lone pine on top of  
their most famous volcano, One Tree Hill, was damaged by a 
chainsaw wielding Maori activist. The landmark recovered only to 
be attacked again recently. However visitors to Auckland will 
find the locals friendly and hospitable and always keen to talk 
rugby.
Signs of Auckland's early European settlers can be seen in the 
Victorian architecture of quaint suburbs like Devonport and 
Parnell. Shopaholics should head for Newmarket, while Ponsonby 
flaunts a strip of restaurants and cafes popular with the gay and 
yuppie fraternities.
/ENDS

AUCKLAND FACT FILE
Population: 1.2 million 
Language: English and Maori
Currency: NZ dollar
Exchange rate: $NZ3.1 = £1 (fluctuates)
Visas:  Only a valid passport is needed for citizens of most 
countries
Average cost hotel per person per night: $80
Average cost of meal at tourist restaurant (per couple): $80
Climate: Humid and wet