Harbour Bridge

　　    Introduction             It is one of Auckland’s most iconic sights. The bridge connects the north and south shores of Auckland’s busiest harbour—Waitematā Harbour—and spans 1,020 metres in length. Built in 1959 and standing 43 metres above sea level, the bridge's original design could no longer handle the rapidly growing economic activity and population. In 1969, Japanese experts were brought in to redesign the bridge, widening it from four lanes to six on both sides. This effectively doubled its traffic capacity. Nowadays, the bridge handles over 115,000 vehicles per day during peak times. These two additional lanes are referred to as the “Japanese Addition.” Moreover, the harbour sees the highest volume of cargo throughput in New Zealand.
　　    It is said that there are more than ten thousand yachts and boats combined across Auckland’s various harbours—meaning roughly one boat for every eight Aucklanders. The annual rental cost for each vessel moored in the harbour alone amounts to NZ$10,000–20,000, not including maintenance, taxes, and other related expenses. This is ample proof of Aucklanders’ particular fondness for boating, as well as their affluence. The harbour bridge alongside the thousands of masts of boats anchored in the port forms a beautiful scene.

　　     Auckland, New Zealand