University of Auckland vs University of Otago

The University of Auckland Library system consists of the General Library and seven specialist libraries

The General Library Special Collections stores several rare books, manuscripts and archives and other material relating to the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Some notable manuscript collections include the Western Pacific Archives (which contains British colonial records relating to that region between 1877 and 1978), the poet Robin Hyde's papers, and the archives of the New Zealand Electronic Poetry Centre, local Labour Party branches, and the New Zealand Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

The University of Otago has ten libraries: seven based in Dunedin on the main university campus, the education library in Southland, plus two medical libraries in Wellington and Christchurch. The Central Library is part of the Information Services Building and has over 2000 study spaces, 130 computer terminals, and laptop connections at 500 desks. It has Te Aka a T?whaki, a collection of M?ori resources, and the Special Collections consisting of about 9,000 books printed before 1801. In total, the Central Library has over 800,000 print and electronic materials relating to the arts and humanities, commerce, education, physical education, social sciences, and technology.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of 1.6 million people, and is the centre of the country’s retail and commercial activities.

The city is surrounded by 48 volcanoes and numerous picturesque islands.This harbourside location is known as the "City of Sails" because of the great number of yachts that sail in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf.

Large-scale projects and new companies are springing up in Auckland and the population, economy and key industry sectors are all growing rapidly – which all means more career opportunities for you.

Auckland combines the energy and excitement of city life with spectacular natural beauty in every direction. World-class food, wine, coffee, designer shopping and a thriving arts and culture scene is matched with beautiful harbours, islands, beaches, forests and volcanic cones offering countless adventure activities, from sailing and surfing to mountain biking and hiking. And it’s all so close. 

Dunedin’s catch phrase ‘a great small city’ is highly accurate. For a city of 133,300 it has array of things to do and places to go, the quality of public services is remarkably high. It’s safe, with crisp, clear air and beautiful sunsets. You can sometimes catch a glimpse the southern lights (Aurora Borealis) from the city’s hilltops and admire albatross rising from Otago Peninsula. 

The city is home to New Zealand’s only covered multi-use sports and entertainment stadium, drawing in world class musical, sporting and social events. Indoor and outdoor sports facilities abound and Dunedin’s founders had the foresight to design a winding Town Belt of parks through the city’s hill suburbs, making it easy to be active and to spot wildlife on the wing.

Dunedin’s coastline has dozens of quiet bays, many of which are great swimming or surfing spots, and it’s not unusual to have a whole beach to yourself. As the ‘wildlife capital of New Zealand’ you won’t have to go far to spot some of the country’s rarest creatures, including the yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions that reside here.

The local geography and culture make it a mecca for water sports, rock climbing, golf and surfing.

It is also the gateway to Central Otago, New Zealand’s leading tourist region, so weekends in the mountains are just a couple of hours drive away.