1 Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It is called the City of Sails. This is because many families in Auckland own boats. Every weekend when the weather is suitable, the Waitemata Harbor is filled with sails or the sound of motors.
2 Auckland is built on a volcanic field. There are over fifty volcanoes in the Auckland region. Rangitoto Island, located on the eastern side of Auckland in an area called the Hauraki Gulf, is Auckland's youngest and largest volcano. It emerged from the sea over six hundred fifty years ago. The Hauraki Gulf is linked to Auckland's main harbor, the Waitemata.
3 The early Maori used the island as a lookout in times of tribal wars. There are also ancient Maori burial caves on the island. In 1854 the island was sold to the British crown for fifteen pounds. During the 1920's and 1930's, prisoners built the seawater swimming pool and several roads and trails. Some of these roads and trails, which were built to give access around the island, are still used today as walk ways. Visitors to the island also still enjoy the tidal swimming pool.
