Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you're beginning to get the picture of Auckland. In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - 'the maiden with a hundred suitors'. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.