Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. Find out more about it in this Lonely Planet city guide and have a taste of New Zealand accent in the meantime.
Self-study activity:
Watch the video and answer the questions below.
The activity is suitable for Intermediate students.
1 What distinctive geographical feature characterises Auckland?
2 What kind of weather can you find on a typical Auckland day?
3 How many different cultures can you find in Auckland?
4 What's the national sport in New Zealand?
5 Who did they inherit it from?
6 How tall is the Sky Tower?
7 How many volcanoes can you see from the tower's deck on a good day?
8 What kind of establishments can you see on Karangahape Road?
To check your answers you can read the transcript below.
Auckland may not be the capital of New Zealand but it’s by far the largest and most multi-cultural of the country’s cities. Located on a narrow strip on the North Island, Auckland is a city of volcanoes with ridges of lava flows forming its main thoroughfares and its many kinds providing islands of green park lands within the sea of suburbs.
The city’s maritime climate ensures that temperatures never go to extremes, but a typical Auckland day might consist of all four seasons: rain, hail or shine the locals love the outdoors, whether it’s strolling across the green parkland, digging up clams along the Cox’s Bay, rolling around in a zorb or abseiling along the Haruru falls, Auckland offers in every spanning selection of outdoors fun.
Auckland is identified with around thirty different cultures. The Maori, Europeans, and Asian communities rub shoulders with the biggest Polynesian population of any city in the world. The mixed result is a cosmopolitan city with a respect for nature underpinned with mythology and (…).
Rugby plays a special part in the nation’s consciousness. The All Blacks dominated International Rugby Union for most of the 20th century and taking over this pastime from the British upper class did wonders for their national identity, with the game now interwoven with the country’s history and culture.
Head to a game in Eden Park and watch the players proudly perform the Haka Ka Mate before a rugby test match. It’s an orange sparring war dance that involves chanting, vigorous body movements and bucana.
The impossible to miss Sky Tower is the pinnacle of the Sky city complex. The 328-metre high tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, with its main observation deck offering 360-degree views of the sprawling city. On a good day you can even count around 20 of the city’s 48 volcanoes. Take the plunge from the country’s highest base-jumping platform, it’s sure to give you an adrenalin rush.
Back down on street level, the city’s Boho hot land is Karangahape Road, lined with cafés, boutique shops and night clubs, the strip’s solid role of edifices represent the gammit of architectural styles prevalent during the 16-year range as the busiest shopping hub.
