This is the auckland region chapter from lonely planet's new zealand's north island guide book. Paris may be the city of love, but auckland is the city of many lovers, according to its maori name, tamaki makaurau. Those lovers so desired this place that they fought over it for centuries. Get out on the water and visiting the island sanctuaries dotting the beautiful expanse of the hauraki gulf maps explore auckland's fascinating volcanic mountains, lakes and islands transport tread the mystical and treacherous black sands of karekare and piha restaurants accommodation coverage includes auckland, history, sights, activities, tours, festivals events, sleeping, eating, drinking nightlife, entertainment, shopping, hauraki gulf islands, west auckland, north auckland.