Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a wider metropolitan population of just over a million. The city is also known by Maori as Tamaki-makau-rau, "Tamaki desired by thousands".

The University of Auckland's campuses offer the attractions of city life combined with the appeal of outdoor living - close to cafes, restaurants, cinemas, parks, quality clothing and craft shopping, yet within 30 minutes of some of the world's most stunning beaches. A harbour city with a mild climate, Auckland provides opportunities to pursue all sorts of water sports and explore the many islands in its harbour, famed as tourist spots and bird sanctuaries.

Auckland is also a centre for the arts and entertainment. The Aotea Centre, Town Hall and many other venues regularly play host to world class performances of music, dance and theatre. The University's own Maidment Arts Centre also offers a wide variety of professional performance, including theatre, dance and music.

Recognised as New Zealand's leading art museum, the Auckland Art Gallery's unrivalled New Zealand holdings trace the development of New Zealand art from Cook's voyages to the present day. There is always a large selection of Maori portraits by the great nineteenth-century artists Goldie and Lindauer on display along with major early historical paintings and works on paper by artists such as Blomfield, Heaphy, Hoyte and Sharpe.