Location
The International is located in the Auckland Central Business District (CBD), the geographical and economic heart of the Auckland metropolitan area. The CBD is one of the most densely developed places in New Zealand, with many commercial and some residential developments packed into a space of only 433 hectares. The area is made up of the city’s largest concentration of skyscrapers and businesses.
Auckland CBD is a bustling area with a vibrant social scene. The area is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, cinemas, museums, and other attractions, all within walking distance. Federal Street and Vulcan Lane are popular destinations for bars and restaurants, while Sale Street is known for dining, drinking, and dancing.
Albert Park
Albert Park is a public park located in the heart of Auckland, adjacent to The International. It is bounded by Wellesley Street East, Princes Street, Bowen Avenue, and Kitchener Street. It was established in the 1880s and originally had commanding views over the city and harbour. The layout and design have not greatly changed since 1882. The park contains several interesting specimen trees dating from the 1880s to the first World War.
Albert Park is home to a Maori kainga (village) known as Rangipuke, with a defended pā located at the park’s northwest named Te Horotiu Pā. It is also the location of a Waiohua settlement called Mangahekea, sacked in the 1740s by Ngāti Whātua.
A popular location for students to relax due to its proximity to the University of Auckland, the park features a formal layout of paths and flower gardens encircle a fountain.
The University Waipapa Taumata Rau
The University of Auckland is a world-ranked university located in Auckland, New Zealand. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including business, commerce, languages, and culture. The university has been ranked first in Oceania and fifth in the world for sustainability. It provides international student support, postgraduate, and continuing education options. The university’s campus is located in the heart of Auckland, making it an ideal location for students to live and study.
The Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the largest art institution in New Zealand, with a collection numbering over 15,000 works. The gallery’s collections include major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Māori and Pacific Island artists, as well as European painting, sculpture and print collections ranging in date from 1376 to the present day. The gallery is located on the edge of Albert Park, a short walk from The International, and has multiple exhibition spaces spreading across four floors of its award-winning building.
Downtown and Commercial Bay
Commercial Bay is a vibrant retail and hospitality precinct located in the heart of Auckland city, New Zealand. It features over 120 fashion and beauty retail stores, eateries, restaurants and bars. The precinct is situated on the Auckland waterfront at 7 Queen Street, making it an ideal location for tourists and locals alike. Commercial Bay is also a transport node at the confluence of rail, bus, and ferry infrastructure. The precinct is home to a range of fashion brands, including Adidas, Calvin Klein, COS, H&M, Hugo Boss, and more. The precinct is 10 minute walk from The International.
Theatres and Shows
Auckland has a lively theatre scene with a variety of shows and performances to choose from. The city centre is home to several state-of-the-art performing arts theatres that host a range of events, from Broadway musicals to ballet performances. Auckland Live is a great resource for discovering local and international events, including music concerts, comedy acts, dance performances, musicals, and festivals. Auckland Theatre Company is another great resource for finding out what’s on, with subscriptions available. Auckland also has several shows and performances for families and children, with some free options available.
Food and Drink
Auckland’s Central Business District boasts a dynamic culinary scene with diverse restaurants and bars that cater to every palate. From waterfront establishments with panoramic views to hidden gems tucked in alleyways, the CBD offers a gastronomic journey through global flavors. Explore high-end dining featuring contemporary New Zealand cuisine or savor international delicacies in bustling eateries. Trendy bars with innovative mixology create a lively nightlife, welcoming locals and tourists alike. Whether it’s enjoying Pacific Rim seafood, indulging in fusion dishes, or sipping craft cocktails, Auckland’s CBD is a hub of gastronomic delight, ensuring a memorable experience for food enthusiasts and social connoisseurs.
