This first-class marina, built to host the America’s Cup in 2000, offers the luxurious sight of yachts mooring in front of its restaurant terraces and shop windows. Viaduct Harbour, a lively and fashionable spot, embodies Auckland’s version of la do..

The New Zealand National Maritime Museum recounts the country’s naval history from its first pirogue to the America’s Cup. Don’t miss the pitching reconstitution of the inside of a ship. You can take a boat ride on several of the historical ships. Ca..

The thriving Auckland Art Gallery is a must if you’re eager to learn more about New Zealand art from its origins to the present day. Its neighbour, the New Gallery, is devoted to the contemporary era. International masters have been added to the fine..

The Auckland War Memorial Museum, dedicated to victims of the First World War, stands in the verdant Auckland Domain. Its Neoclassical façade also contains fascinating ethnological and scientific collections as well as exceptional Maori objects. Chil..

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is sensational and pedagogical. After a tracked vehicle tour of the penguins on their ice floe, you’ll walk amongst the marine animals in a transparent tunnel. You’ll never again see a shark th..

As its name indicates this extinct volcano, an ancient Maori site, was topped by a lone tree that was scrupulously replaced decade after decade. While the last tree has gone, One Tree Hill and its obelisk still dominate Cornwall Park. Acacia Cottage,..

Henderson Valley is one of the country’s most prolific wine-growing regions. The Balkan and Lebanese names of its first winemakers are combined with the names of French grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. A fun gastrono..

Untamed nature takes over in the outskirts of Auckland along the capricious Tasmanian Sea. The waves break on popular Piha Beach (be careful here), superbly framed by Whatapu, Karekare (filmed in The Piano ), Bethells Beach and Muriwai Beach.

The islands in the Hauraki Gulf spread out in unparalleled splendour across from Auckland . Sixty lovely spits of land to explore, from inhabited islands (Waiheke) and ecological sanctuaries (Tiritiri Matangi, Little Barrier) to extinct volcanos (Ra..

Although connected to Auckland by a fleet of airplanes and ferries, Great Barrier Island, far off in the Hauraki Gulf , has lost none of its rugged beauty. Modern comforts are unknown here. Its pristine beaches and unique wildlife more than make u..

The Sky Tower (328m), the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere, contains the country’s most dizzying restaurant and several observation decks with stunning views. Daredevils can even go base jumping off the Sky Jump (192m).