Being New Zealand's largest city (pop. 1.2 million), Auckland is an irresistible attraction for the people of the South Pacific and is the largest Polynesian city in the world. Its different racial groups co-exist harmoniously providing a rich diversity of arts and cultures. As a cultural centre, Auckland regularly hosts world class performances of theatre, dance and music.

World renowned as a maritime city offering some of the best sailing in the world, Auckland is home to a vibrant boat building industry from small pleasure craft to some of the worlds most luxurious yachts.

Parnell is one of Auckland's trendiest/lifestyle/gay suburbs and walking distance to almost everything that characterizes Auckland. We recommend a stay at The Kingsgate Hotel Parnell. Its international standard accommodation is different from any in Auckland, and designed to complement the architecture of the many magnificent homes in one of Auckland's oldest harbourside suburbs.

Auckland was home to the America's Cup and the Auckland waterfront underwent a stunning renaissance from run down wharves and warehouses to chic café-style eateries, bars and restaurants with views of the Harbour and its passing panoply of white sails and launches.

Beyond the Waitemata is the Hauraki Gulf, home to a myriad of islands waiting for holiday makers to tread their footprints across pristine sands. Just a short boat trip or helicopter ride from downtown Auckland will bring you a picturesque island experience combining extraordinary scenery with trendy outdoor cafes and brassieres and nearby wineries offering internationally recognised wines.

Apart from its amazing natural attractions including two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones, 23 regional parks, 2 marine reserves, over 100 kms of coastline and more than 500 kms of walking and hiking tracks, Auckland has a wide array of man made attractions. The tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere (Sky Tower), the largest factory outlet shopping complex in Australasia and the new Force Entertainment Centre, which includes the IMAX Giant Screen Cinema and Planet Hollywood to name just a few.

Other leading attractions include the Auckland War Memorial Museum, MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology), Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, the Auckland Zoo including the Kiwi House where kiwis can be seen during the day, New Zealand National Maritime Museum, Howick Historical Village, Auckland City Art Gallery and many more. Auckland Attractions

Auckland is a modern evolving and dynamic city with an ever-changing skyline and a buzzing nightlife attracting seekers of fun and excitement. Whatever your quest, be it harbour tours, island living, garden explorations, nature tours and general sightseeing expeditions or culture, art, sophisticated dining and pulsating nightlife, Auckland's eclectic mix of culture, art and stunning scenery offers something for everyone.

Auckland has several of the oldest wineries in the country. A flourishing Dalmatian community was responsible for setting up some of the first commercial wineries in New Zealand. This area is good for ripening grapes as the area is warm with high degree days. High autumn rains can be a problem in some areas. Cabernet sauvignon based reds are very important here.

Islands in the Hauraki Gulf
Kawau, Waiheke, Rangitoto, Great Barrier, Rakino, Motuihe, Ponui, Pakatoa, Little Barrier, Tiritiri Matanga, Motutapu, Motuora, Motuhaku, Kaikoura, Browns.

Accommodation