Filled with diversity Auckland is not only the largest city in New Zealand and home to over a third of its population, but it is also a true melting pot of culture from the indigenous Maori to the many travellers who couldn’t bear to leave its enchanting shores.
This bright bold and beautiful city shines like a modern beacon against the skyline, a skyline that is truly enhanced by the natural beauty of its surroundings; never more than a short stroll from glorious beaches Auckland is where sophistication and city chic meets wild untamed nature and results in the holiday of a lifetime.
Auckland has a huge range of hotels ranging from high end luxury establishments to basic hostels catering for the backpackers that are passing through, the 5 star Langham has a great location close to shopping and entertainment and has a complimentary shuttle service that runs regularly to the waterfront, opulent spaces, understated elegance and every amenity you could image makes this world renown hotel stand out amongst the competition.
At the other end of the pricing scale and yet still with a fabulous location is City Lodge, modern but welcoming this budget hotel has all the amenities you could need and makes a great base from which to explore the city, it may not be luxurious but it offers a great stay at a great price.
The diversity of culture that exists in New Zealand gives access to a huge variety of cuisines, all perfectly complimented by arguably some of the best wines in the world, the farmers market culture offers access to locally produced seasonal produce that is sold at the very peak of its freshness.
The Asian influences are readily seen in the cuisine and one of the new rising stars on the restaurant scene is Café Hanoi serving Vietnamese food in a light and airy modern surroundings, fresh and lively flavours tantalise your taste buds; the food is excellent without being pretentious much like the city itself.
Head across to Waiheke Island to the Te Whau Vineyard Restaurant, not only do you have beautiful views across the water to the city but the vineyards 5 star wines are available in the highly acclaimed restaurant either as tasters or by the bottle.
Whether you want an activity filled outdoor holiday or a beautiful city break filled with glamour and shopping Auckland will fulfil your expectations and beyond; head to West Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges for the most dramatic sights in the city – the Tasman sea thrashes against the black volcanic sands fringed by miles of forest, this is hiking country with scenery that will amaze even the most jaded of travellers.
Back in the city be sure to head to the focal point of the city, the harbourside, Viaduct Harbour is filled with excellent cafés and bars and is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of its waterside location, a stroll from there along the newest extension of the waterfront the Wynyard Quarter takes you to Westhaven Marina with all the glitz and glamour of an international marina.
The seasons in Auckland are reversed, summer (Dec-March) when the climate is at its warmest is the perfect time to escape the British winter; as a temperate zone there is no real extremes in Auckland but the seasons are defined with winter being much cooler than the summer which can be quite warm and humid, the colder months are also quite damp with rainfall usual at any time of year.
Festivals occur throughout this vibrant city throughout the year many of them linked to the hugely diverse cultures that the city enjoys, whether you prefer sport, music, dance, theatre or just a great party there is always something happening in Auckland that will delight.
