Why Auckland?
New Zealand’s largest city offers much more than a gateway to this safe, friendly and super-scenic country. Straddling an isthmus two kilometres wide on North Island, it enjoys a warm climate, superb waterfront setting and an internationally savvy good life that rivals Sydney or San Francisco. A thriving economy, buzzy harbourside restaurants and stimulating activities ranging from hiking up volcanoes to racing an America’s Cup yacht make Auckland an ideal place to tune into the many attractions of the Kiwi lifestyle.
A comfortable bed
The bright, light five-star Hilton Auckland (www.auckland.hilton.com; 0064 9 978 2000) has a winning harbourfront location on Princes Wharf with 165 rooms, all with balconies marred only by the fact that in peak season a visiting cruise ship can block the view from some. Doubles from 324 New Zealand dollars (Dh1,031).
Fans of designer hotels will love the privately owned Hotel Debrett (www.hoteldebrett.com; 0064 9 925 9000), which has 25 rooms exquisitely decorated with contemporary art, vintage finds and mid-century furnishings. Doubles with breakfast from $300 (Dh955).
The four-star Waldorf Celestion Apartments Hotel (www.celestion-waldorf.co.nz; 0064 9 280 2200) has 123 one- and two-bedroom apartments in two centrally located towers spread over 18 levels. The style is bland and executive but nightly rates can be as low as $115 (Dh366). For more information see aucklandnz.comand www.newzealand.com.
Find your feet
For an aerial perspective, ascend the 328-metre high Sky Tower (www.skycityauckland.co.nz), which offers 360-degree city views; adrenalin addicts can take a daring tethered SkyWalk or a SkyJump that sends you plummeting down to the streets at 85kph. Safely on ground level, stretch your legs after the long flight by walking a section of the signposted 16km Coast to Coast Walkway that stitches together several fine parks. TIME Unlimited Tours (www.newzealandtours.travel; 0064 9 846 3469) has excellent introductory tours by minibus that visit the key viewpoints and come packed with cultural insights.
Meet the locals
Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world. Almost a quarter of its 1.37 million residents are of Maori or Pacific island descent. Visit the Pacific Masterpieces gallery at the Auckland Museum (www.aucklandmuseum.com) to appreciate the richness of this culture.
There's always plenty going on here, including the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival (May 14-18; www.writersfestival.co.nz) and the New Zealand International Film Festival (July 17-August 3; www.nziff.co.nz). Foodies should align a visit with Taste of Auckland (November 13-16; www.tasteofauckland.co.nz), and everyone's already excited about next year's ICC Cricket World Cup (from February 14; www.icc-cricket.com).
Book a table
On the 53rd level of Sky Tower, The Sugar Club (www.thesugarclub.co.nz; 0064 9 363 6365) is the latest opening from top Kiwi chef Peter Gordon. It offers a beguiling menu of small and sensational plates such as paddle crab with saffron linguine and juniper-cured venison with goji berries; a trio costs $85 (Dh271).
Depot Eatery (no reservations; www.depoteatery.co.nz; 0064 9 363 7048) epitomises all that is exciting about the Auckland food scene with its industrial interiors, devotion to the seasons and sharing plates. Try the Coromandel mussels with tarragon for $14 (Dh44).
If the sun's out, head west to the harbourside Wynyard Quarter where you'll find lots of tempting eateries including Marvel Grill (www.marvellgrill.co.nz; 0064 9 377 8828) serving a terrific mixed seafood grill for $47 (Dh149). Close by, the Auckland Fish Market (www.afm.co.nz) is a good place to pick up a picnic, and it also features a fish restaurant and a cooking school.
Shopper’s paradise
The smart, open-plan shopping precinct Britomart (www.britomart.org) is the best place to check out leading New Zealand fashion labels such as Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper and Zambesi. Sports and leisurewear made using oh-so-soft merino wool is a top buy.
Eco-friendly Untouched World (www.untouchedworld.com; 0064 9 303 1382) has elegant designs for men and women. For Kiwi-theme gifts with a happy, retro style to take home, seek out Pauanesia (www.pauanesia.co.nz; 0064 9 366 7282). In the same street, Unity Books (www.unitybooks.co.nz; 0064 9 307 0371) is an old-school independent bookseller where you can pick up some stimulating reading about New Zealand. The country's literary scene is on a roll thanks to Eleanor Catton's Man Booker-winning novel, The Luminaries.
What to avoid
Annoying extras – some hotels add a 1.5 per cent supplement for using a credit card, and too many still charge for Wi-Fi.
Don’t miss
Waiheke Island, a chichi seaside getaway that can be reached on an exhilarating seaplane flight (www.aucklandseaplanes.com) or 40-minute ferry ride. Huge empty beaches, easy-going cafes and restaurants, a bucolic atmosphere and engaging art galleries and sculpture parks guarantee a satisfying day trip. Plan your visit at www.waihekenz.com.
Go there
Etihad Airways (www.etihadairways.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Auckland via Sydney, from Dh7,335 return including taxes.
* Kipat Wilson
