Why You Should Visit Auckland, New Zealand

It's called the City of Sails and once you catch sight of Auckland's harbor, you'll know why. It's a stunningly pretty sight-hundreds of sailboats crowded onto port against the glass and steel sheen of Auckland's skyline-like two different postcard sceneries juxtaposed in a camera frame. Auckland is where the Riviera meets urban chic, and what's so wonderful about this place is that it somehow manages to balance out the modern sophistication of city-living with the laid-back ambience of down-home country living against some of the most stunning landscapes. Ah, this is where Middle Earth takes off.

Take a walk along the harbor or a drive around the city and you'll find yourself wondering if there are more boats than people in this place. The next best thing to do is catch a cruise and jetty along Auckland harbor for a lazy two-hour boat ride. You'll get a detour along Auckland harbor Bridge where you'll get an excellent vantage point for viewing daredevil bungee jumpers taking off from one of the bridge's steel frames. Simply put, a harbor cruise is the best way to take in the City of Sails' stunning urbanscape. Time your visit and you just might be able to catch one of the famed yacht races or sailing cup events that Auckland hosts each year.

The city is a melting pot of cultures-including Kiwis, Maoris and Oriental Asians. While it may not be the best place for shopping (malls open late and close early, while every street block seems to have at least three New Zealand souvenir shops with that cloying recorded greeting blaring for you to go in and rummage through a spate of generic souvenirs), Auckland has some fantastic weekend markets. A trip to Avondale or Otara markets will have you brimming with bag after bag of fresh local and Asian produce and handicrafts. And the locals are the some of the most charming city folk I've ever met!

In the summer, the beaches of Auckland provide the perfect allure to get away from it all. It that isn't enough, swing by the harbor to grab ferry timetables from Auckland to the outlying islands of the Hauraki Gulf-always the thrilling escape for a weekend of diving and sailing. Don't miss out on Devonport, an über-charming island-town that's but a short ferry ride away from the city. Stroll through the neat winding rows of seaside shops, bargain stores and fresh markets, or have a pleasant afternoon tea in one of the quaint cafés overlooking the harbor. Devonport is sure to be a nice surprise for couples and families alike!

While in the city, catch a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It's a fairly small place, but very ingenious in that almost its entire structure is submerged underwater, serving as a natural aquarium that you can enjoy from the inside. A conveyor belt ferries you into an underwater mecca of fishes, sharks, rays, and skates, among others. Kids will also certainly love the live feedings that take place at various times during the day! You'll also get to see penguins up close when you board a fictional snow mobile and embark on a reenactment of an explorer's Antarctic expedition. Look out for Kelly Tarlton's colorful shuttles roaming Auckland, too-they're free and they're quite a sight!

There's also a world-casino in Skycity (which features a tower and looks like it somehow tumbled off the Vegas strip and ended up in this part of the world) and a sprinkling of theaters hosting musical productions and lively bars to keep your thirst for nightlife sated. Auckland is one of those few places where you can lift a beer, have a bit of fun while avoiding the rough and rowdy crowd. Whether you're looking for a good soak or a thrilling run-on with adventure, a little piece of Auckland is sure to go a long way.