Auckland is as big, cosmopolitan, and hedonistic as any New Zealand city gets. History and future combine in this sprawling place, where you can walk above the harbor along the
Auckland Harbour Bridge and the
Sky Tower looms above a sea of skyscrapers. But while the sights are intriguing, it's the easy-going spirit of the Aucklanders and their impressive backyard that will really captivate you. Lush vineyards, sugar-white beaches, and island retreats are all just a hop away from the inner city bustle.
Things to Do The grand, neoclassical
Auckland Museum is a cavernous chest of Maori
taonga (treasures); time your visit to catch tattooed Maori sticking their tongues out in the high-energy
haka (war dance). Few big international cities are as outdoorsy as Auckland -- locals flash past on rollerblades in
Cornwall Park or at
Mission Bay, kayak and sail on
Waitemata Harbour, and kick back on
Waiheke Island -- join in the fun. Ride the glass elevator to the top of the space-age
Sky Tower for giddying sunset views of the Auckland skyline.
Shopping Auckland mixes shopping with sightseeing. You can tour
Waiheke Island's gently sloping vineyards for spicy Syrahs and crisp Chardonnays or browse stores in seaside
Devonport's historic streets.
High Street is decidedly upmarket and harbors big-name designers; and you can browse other fashion-conscious boutiques of
Parnell and
Ponsonby. Hit colonial-era
Queen Street for department stores and
Newmarket's classy
Nuffield and Teed Streets for chic boutique shopping. Weekend is market time: Head for Pacific-flavored
Otara Market, Parnell's
La Cigale French Market, or Britomart's
City Farmers' Market. Nightlife & Entertainment Bar-lined
Viaduct Harbour is the place to watch Auckland strut its early-evening stuff. Sip frozen vodka with a too-cool crowd in the ice-carved
Minus 5 Bar. Linger over champagne in one of the classy
Britomart bars, or dance to the latest beats on
Ponsonby Road.Karangahape Road's edgier nightlife kicks off around midnight in pumping bars, strip clubs, and live-music venues. For a more cultured evening, catch the revered
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at the
Auckland Town Hall. Hotels & Restaurants Foodies can eat their way around the world in Auckland. Savor Pacific Rim cuisine with the in-crowd at one of
Viaduct Harbour's see-and-be-seen restaurants. Dine alfresco on Spanish tapas or fresh fish at one of
Mission Bay's beachfront cafes and bars. Or head to fashionable
Ponsonby Road for relaxed fine dining.
