Auckland

Auckland City Centre

Auckland's compact centre really packs a punch, boasting numerous attractions, great hotels as well as B&Bs, shops and parks. Live the high life at the Sky Tower and its neighbouring casino, or see the view from atop the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum and MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) are all on hand to inform you about New Zealand life. If you'd rather see the native animals then head to Auckland Zoo or Kelly Tarlton's Underwater Adventure. The Central Business District is great for shopping and eating whilst Parnell Village offers a more trendy boutique experience or you could rummage in the markets at Aotea Square for bargains.

North

The northern parts of Auckland have a casual beachy feel, that has been compared to California. The multitude of beaches really helps this comparison, with a huge stretch of beaches from Devonport to Long Bay. You can also get into the snowboard lifestyle here with the Snowplanet indoor snow dome. If you stay just over the harbour from the centre you can experience the laid-back side of the city then hop on a ferry and be right in the middle of things, and there are plenty of friendly hotels to choose from here.

South

Further out from the centre of Auckland the accommodations becomes a little cheaper, and with good transport links south Auckland is great place to stay if you're on a budget. Mount Eden and its environs offer lovely boutique hotels and B&Bs in a pretty area, and towards the edge of the city there are numerous campsites. Attractions here are more spread out, with the Stardome Observatory, the popular Rainbow's End Theme Park and Alexander Park Raceway the main draws to the area.

West

The west of Auckland is all about the great outdoors, and with two great surf beaches right on the doorstep it's easy to get involved. Piha Beach even has a shuttle bus to it from the centre, so getting there is a cinch, but if you want to make your own way then Muriwai will be less crowded. For something a little different the black beach of Karekare certainly fits the bill, or if you want to see the flora and fauna of the area then you can't beat the Waitakere Ranges National Park.