New Zealand's Biggest City Has So Much To Offer

Beaches, yachts, islands, sand and sunshine - Auckland has so much to offer. Even if you're not a boating fan, you will marvel at the endless number of volcanoes (happily none active!) that surround the city and be lured by the happy culture, amazing food, unforgettable wine and top designer shopping.

Auckland is not only New Zealand's biggest city but a fabulous holiday destination, full of activities and with a large vibrant multicultural feel. Of its 1.2 million residents, 200,000 Pacific Islanders call Auckland home, making it the largest Polynesian city in the world. The annual Pasifika Festival is the best of the city's many events and is held every year in March as a celebration of Auckland's Pacific Island community. It's a wonderful chance to sample the food, sights and sounds of the islands.

As Auckland is fairly spread out, make your first stop the famous Sky Tower, which will help you get your bearings. At 328 metres, it's the highest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Adrenaline junkies will be in for a treat, as you can also take part in the Sky Jump where you will bungy jump from the top of the tower, falling for 16 seconds at 75 kph!

You'll also get a wonderful view of the city by heading to the extinct volcano, Mt. Eden Domain. This is where the Maoris once grew their food in the rich volcanic soil, using the steep volcanic walls for fortification. Another good volcanic walk is One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park. Donated to the city in the early 1900s, the park not only has plenty of facilities for visitors but - unusual for an urban park - also a 125-hectare (300-acre) fully functional cattle and sheep farm.

To get in with the action, take a trip to Viaduct Basin. Originally built to house the 2000 America's Cup, this area has now been transformed from a quiet backwater marina to a vibrant cultural centre. You'll be surrounded by super yachts, sparkling views, a plethora of restaurants, bars and beautiful people.

While in the area, you can also learn about the city's love affair with sailing at the National Maritime Museum.

To wine and dine, head to Princes Wharf, adjacent to Viaduct Basin, the perfect stop for a cocktail or two.

It would be a sin to visit the City of Sails without getting out on the water. So why not pretend you're an America's Cup sailor and take part in a three-hour match race between NZL40 and NZL41, two yachts built for the 1995 America's Cup in San Diego.

For some relaxing time on the water, hop on a ferry and head to the seaside village of Devonport, just 15 minutes from the city centre. The ferry continues to the iconic Rangitoto Island on the Hauraki Gulf - a stunning and densely forested extinct volcano, where you can walk to the summit in an hour, or opt for an easy train ride.

Save a day to jump on a ferry to Waiheke Island - 35 minutes from the city centre and home to wineries, art studios and beaches. February is a great time to visit, when the island comes alive for its annual wine and food festival.

And if you haven't yet discovered why it's truly a harbour town, there are plenty more water spots to visit. Try Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St. Heliers - all lined with cafes and bars.

These neighbourhoods are edged with golden sand to explore - a stunning walk from Mission Bay to St. Heliers will only take you about 30 minutes. Alternatively, stop at Fergs Kayaks in Okahu Bay and hire a sea kayak.

Don't leave without fitting in a spot of shopping! You'll find top designer haunts along High and Chancery streets. The inner-city suburb of Parnell is another hot spot for shopping, and if you're in town on Friday or Saturday, don't miss the markets in the Aotea Square - a large, paved pedestrian haven in the centre of town - sure to send you home with a suitcase full of goodies!