This is our home, sweet home...

What we love about Auckland


After Rosemay Lamberton told us in Tuesday's Herald how she loved Auckland, we asked readers to tell us why they love their city. Among the many replies we received...

I remember saying to my wife while on a Sydney Harbour cruise that this must be the most beautiful harbour in the world. It wasn't until I came back to Auckland and saw our own harbour on a beautiful day that I realised I was short-sighted about what was on our doorstep! - Gary Sutcliffe

Auckland has so many moods ... It's full of contrast and character. I love the diversity of the suburbs, the huge concerts in the park, the soothing effect of our gulf ... the mix of races and culture and now, at last, we can start to be proud of our downtown foreshore. - Pat Borley

Last Sunday we enjoyed a brilliant morning of warming sunshine, high tide and calm, warm sea as we swam against the great backdrop of Rangitoto. We saw the empty horizon slowly fill as boats headed for the "Cup zone." The mood of other beach walkers, swimmers and users was buoyant, thankful, peaceful and considerate of each other. - John and Frances O'Ferrall

Auckland stands out because we have a large multicultural atmosphere that acknowledges and accepts others with open hearts. We have a variety of sports, our air is 100 per cent fresh and clean, we've got the Sky Tower and, last but not least, this is "home sweet home!" - Florentina Maiava

I love living in Auckland because of the beautiful harbour, all the boats in the gulf, the islands so close to the city, the beautiful beaches on the North Shore, the surf beaches on the west coast, going for walks in Cornwall Park, having coffee or a glass of wine at the sidewalk cafes, the Viaduct Basin, summer days, playing golf on the public courses and watching the America's Cup. These are just a few of the many joys I get from living in Auckland. - Angie Peck

Walking among the trees in Cornwall Park. The Aotea Centre, for all the wonderful shows it has. The Sky Tower, especially lit up at night. All the wonderful cafes and restaurants. Our weather - it's not too cold and it's not too hot. The wonderful restored Civic Theatre. All the picture theatres. And, last but not least, driving from the North Shore over the Harbour Bridge and seeing Auckland City. What a magnificent sight! It takes your breath away. - Dawn Yore

I am proud to call this city home ... Auckland offers such a diversity of cultures, food, entertainment, suburbs, natural and manmade wonders. Here you can be yourself. It is a city of contrasts, with something for everyone. - Jillian Brodie

I love Auckland because it is the most beautiful "city paradise" in the world. I don't know anywhere else with so much beauty and natural fun within an hour's drive. Auckland offers so many different people, lifestyles and tastes. It's a fantastic place to sample all those differences. - Stephen McKernon

I notice all the small things about our lovely city. I love the Auckland waterfront, Cornwall Park, the Domain, and the beautiful beaches. We are so lucky to live here and when I'm at the America's Cup Village, I am so proud to be an Aucklander. - Dorn Wiberg

Auckland has an aura all of its own. The harbour and bridge, the yachts big and small, the people, trendy shops, coffee bars and pohutukawa trees. We are lucky to have people of different cultures who bring their own ways of life to mix and mingle and make Auckland the wonderful city it is. - Dawn Kavali

I love swimming at the uncrowded East Coast beaches. I love walking on the clifftop paths with the views of the gulf and its many islands. I love tramping in the Waitakeres. I love the well-kept parks and reserves with their magnificent old trees and colourful flowerbeds. - Renny Howe

There are so many reasons I love Auckland. I could live nowhere else. I love taking the dog for a walk on Red Bluff Beach at the weekend - sand and sea between my toes, the sun shining down. I also love walking through the bush at Centennial Park and hearing fantails, silver eyes and other native birds calling .... - Sebastian

The beaches are so different from one coast to another. Rangitoto, Waitemata Harbour, Waiheke and the Coromandel are all perfect scenes. The cafes and restaurants, the large and small shopping centres, the sports centres, the museum, art galleries, Alexandra Park, the casino, the Ellerslie and Avondale racecourses are all great places to go. There is always something happening if you look. - Pam Veldman