Need a short break? Visit Auckland. The city boasts vibrant dining, pristine nature, a stunning harbour, boutique shopping and thrilling adventure. Indulge in local produce at the vineyards of Waiheke Island, Matakana or Kumeu or discover rainforest, waterfalls and rugged beaches in the Waitakere Ranges. It’s the perfect mix of natural beauty and urban delight.
Experience the Best of Auckland
If it's your first time here, a great place to get the lowdown is up high – at the Auckland Sky Tower. You can base jump from it too! There are also jet boat rides on Waitemata Harbour to keep your heart rate up. For a slower pace, try a morning admiring the heritage houses and boutiques in Parnell, Auckland's oldest suburb. In the afternoon you could see why the Auckland Zoo attracts visitors from around the world.
Shoppers can buy big-name brands and local New Zealand products here and one of the hippest places to be is Ponsonby Road. Wine and food tours of Auckland's regional vineyards are popular too. A highlight just west of the city is the rainforest – the only existing outside the tropics – of the Waitakere Ranges, which can be explored on 250 kilometres of walking trails. When you've worked up an appetite from touring Auckland, the city's restaurants reflect the multicultural population so you're likely to find whatever you fancy.