Auckland A vibrant city perched within glistening harbours and surrounded by lush forests and subtropical islands. Auckland, the City of Sails, is New Zealand’s largest city and offers an incomparable urban lifestyle. Population: 1,320,000 www.aucklandcity.govt.nz
Hamilton Hamilton is New Zealand’s fourth largest metropolitan area and largest inland city. Straddling the banks of the Waikato River, it is a major service centre for the fertile agricultural region of the Waikato. Population: 132,000 www.hamilton.co.nz
Tauranga Located at the entrance of a natural harbour, Tauranga is a stylish city offering a warm coastal climate. The area is famous for its long white surf beaches and is a favourite holiday spot for many New Zealanders. Population: 105,000 www.tauranga.govt.nz
New Plymouth The majestic Mt Taranaki dominates the skyline of New Plymouth, the urban centre of the Taranaki region. New Plymouth is surrounded by a spectacular environment and offers a great outdoor lifestyle. Energy and dairy farming are the region’s two largest industries. Population: 69,000 www.newplymouthnz.com
Palmerston North Palmerston North is one of the country's largest provincial cities, situated in the heart of the rural Manawatu region. The city is home to Massey University and the students lend the city much of its lively personality. Population: 76,700 www.pncc.govt.nz
Wellington Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is perched on the edge of a dramatic harbour and is encircled by green, towering hills. A very compact city centre spanning only 2km in diameter, Wellington is also the cultural heart of New Zealand and combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. Population: 370,617 www.wellington.govt.nz
Nelson Nelson is known for its year-round sunshine, community character and an enjoyable, relaxed way of life. Renowned for it’s natural produce, National Parks and golden beaches, Nelson also boasts a large creative community of working artists. Population: 44,900 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz
Christchurch Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the second largest city in New Zealand and is the hub of the Canterbury region. With a compact city centre, Christchurch offers a mix of historic charm and exciting city life. Population: 361,900 www.ccc.govt.nz
Dunedin Nestled amongst bush-clad hills surrounding the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is an endearing city of classical architecture and cultural heritage. Home to the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, the student culture lends Dunedin much of it’s vibrant, bustling character. Population: 123,500 www.cityofdunedin.com
Invercargill Invercargill is New Zealand’s southernmost city and the commercial heart of Southland. In the past few years Invercargill has seen an economic turn around and is once more a bustling provincial city, acting as a hub for the rural Southland community. Population: 51,000 www.icc.govt.nz
Source - Statistics New Zealand (2006 Population Census)
