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Located in the northern half of the North Island, Auckland is a dream destination for a city break and a stepping-off point for exploring the rest of the island. It's known as the City of Sails, since the Hauraki Gulf is a yachters paradise. Art, culture, chic dining, outdoor activities... Auckland is a dream destination for every kind of traveller.

Essentials in Auckland

Auckland is as much about doing as it is about seeing. New Zealand is heralded around the world for its extreme sports and even in Auckland, you can test your bravery from extraordinary heights. Spend your afternoons shopping or hiking through the nearby mountains... every sense and experience is covered here.

Auckland War Memorial Museum: If you visit one museum in New Zealand, it should be this one. Despite the name, it's hardly a war museum. There is a fine sampling of Maori art as well as crafts from other Polynesian cultures. It's perched up on Auckland Domain, a park that sits on top on an extinct volcano, you can't miss it. Admission is by donation.

Art Gallery: When making your rounds to the essential stops in Auckland, don't skip the city's Art Gallery. It houses the largest collection of New Zealand art in the world. There are two galleries which are open daily from 10:00-17:00.

Shopping: Shoppers can rejoice, there are plenty of places to max-out their cards on High Street and Vulcan Lane in the Fashion Centre of Auckland. You might also consider bringing a spare suitcase! Each of Auckland's neighbourhoods offers its own style of shopping and if you're a fashion aficionado, it's worth browsing around more than one district.

Waitakere Ranges: The Waitakere Ranges offers waterfalls to swim under and beautiful beaches which, despite their popularity, remain secluded and rugged. It's only 45 minutes by car, making it an excellent day trip from Auckland.

Extreme: Did you know you can even climb Auckland Harbour Bridge? That is of course, if you're not afraid of heights! You can also base jump from the Sky Tower, which reaches a height of 192m. You can also walk around the tower on the Sky Walk.

Find more information on aucklandnz.com.

Accommodations in Auckland

Auckland, being the main gateway to New Zealand, has a wealth of accommodations types including the main international franchise hotels as well as smaller boutique-style places and bed & breakfast hotels. Most of the larger Auckland hotels are located in and around the central business district of the city while you're find the smaller establishments in Auckland's trendy neighbourhoods like Devonport and Ponsonby.

The busiest time for hotels is from November to March and it's recommended to book at least 4 or 5 months in advance to get the room and rate that you want. If you plan to hire a car in Auckland, it's a good idea to check if your hotel offers complimentary parking, especially if you stay at an inn or B & B.