Water is high on the agenda in New Zealand’s biggest city: it’s everywhere. Sitting on a narrow isthmus and flanked by two harbors, it’s surrounded by the stuff. As a result, many of the attractions have a nautical theme, including a superb aquarium and the New Zealand National Maritime Museum.
Away from the water, the shopping, particularly around Newmarket, is superb, as are the restaurants in the Viaduct area.
Going out is good fun here, especially in the trendy bars that line K’Road. In the city, the Sky Tower is impressive, as is the Auckland Art Gallery. Just outside of the city center, Hunua Falls is a spectacular must-see.
You may struggle to understand the Kiwi accent, but if you brush up on a few slang words before leaving home you’ll be good as gold.