The Setting

An in-depth look on the setting of the story

AUCKLAND - Auckland, the 'City of Sails' is the main gateway city to New Zealand. Built on the remnants of 48 extinct volcanoes, it is home to more than one million people, making it the largest city in New Zealand as well as being the main commercial and financial centre.
Auckland sits astride a narrow isthmus between two magnificent harbours, the Waitemata and the Manukau, making it a maritime playground that extends to the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf. In fact, Aucklanders claim the most pleasure craft per capita of any city in the world. It is host to many sailing events, including being the home of the America's Cup, the most prized cup in yacht racing.

KAREKARE BEACH- This beach was used in the opening sequences of the movie, “The Piano”

WAIKATO- It is where the Hobbiton scenes were shot; it is located south of Auckland. The town of Matamata in the Waikato was the setting for 'Hobbiton'. The rolling farmlands of Hinuera in the Waikato were used to shoot exteriors for Hobbiton and the Shire in late 1999 and early 2000.

Matamata - Matamata is a rural town near Hamilton in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. The total population is about 12,000, of whom about 6000 live in the township. Matamata is an easy two hours' drive south of Auckland on State Highway 27.

Information from http://www.jasons.com

LITTLE FEET PRESCHOOL- It is a real preschool in New Zealand, which is located at Mt. Wellington, Auckland