Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and its main economic and cultural center, located on the North Island between two harbors. The city has a population estimated at 1,436,140 inhabitants (2026 estimate). Originally settled by Māori peoples, Auckland became a key colonial settlement after its founding in 1840 and served briefly as the country’s capital. Its strategic location contributed to its development as a major port and commercial hub.
Today, Auckland is known for its multicultural population and dynamic economy. Notable landmarks include the Sky Tower, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and Waiheke Island. The city has been the birthplace of several prominent figures, including rugby legend Jonah Lomu and explorer Edmund Hillary, who became the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.
Auckland in New Zealand
174.8° E
Auckland Population Evolution
The population of Auckland in 2026 is estimated to 1,436,140 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 954,000 | |
| 2013 | 1,223,541 | +28.3% |
| 2018 | 1,345,833 | +10.0% |
| 2023 | 1,402,275 | +4.2% |
Interactive Map of Auckland
What to see in Auckland
Auckland Town Hall
concert hallAuckland Harbour Bridge
cantilever bridgePonsonby
NeighborhoodAuckland War Memorial Museum
military museumSt Patrick's Cathedral
cathedralWaiheke Island
islandSky Tower
tourist attractionFamous People Born in Auckland
Edmund Hillary
mountaineerJonah Lomu
rugby union playerNew Zealand rugby union player
Lorde
composerCroatian-New Zealand singer, songwriter and producer
Sister Cities of Auckland
The following table list the Auckland sister cities together with Friendship and Cooperation cities.
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
| City | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 🇨🇳 China | 27,539,620 |
| Guangzhou | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 18,676,605 |
| Qingdao | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 10,071,722 |
| Ningbo | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 9,404,283 |
| Los Angeles | 🇺🇸 United States | 3,898,747 |
| Busan | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 3,453,198 |
| Taichung | 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 3,033,885 |
| Brisbane | 🇦🇺 Australia | 2,706,966 |
| Hamburg | 🇩🇪 Germany | 1,910,160 |
| Fukuoka | 🇯🇵 Japan | 1,603,043 |
| Pohang | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 520,305 |
| Utsunomiya | 🇯🇵 Japan | 518,197 |
| Shinagawa | 🇯🇵 Japan | 415,729 |
| Kakogawa | 🇯🇵 Japan | 260,595 |
| Galway | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 83,456 |
| Nadi | 🇫🇯 Fiji | 71,048 |
| Tomioka | 🇯🇵 Japan | 1,292 |