Auckland: City of Sails

New Zealand’s largest city, set around a lovely sheltered harbour, is a lively, multicultural city with beautiful beaches, heritage buildings, excellent museums, fine public gardens and a bustling city centre. The city’s mild weather encourages an outdoor lifestyle and this includes alfresco dining, particularly on the water’s edge. A stay at inner city hotels such as Latitude 37, a cosmopolitan waterfront apartment complex located in the Viaduct Harbour, or Sky City in the heart of Auckland, is just perfect for access to the attractions and shops. In fact, the city centre has lots of excellent shopping opportunities, from fashion outlets featuring local designers, to major world brand-name outlets. Queen Street and the little side streets running off it have many specialty shops selling quality New Zealand arts and crafts. Must-visits include Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Museum and the pretty Auckland Botanic Gardens. Other Auckland attractions outside the city include the Waitakere Ranges, Waiheke Island and Devonport.