Auckland

New Zealand's tallest structure (328m) — the observation deck gives a 360° view of Auckland's two harbours, the Hauraki Gulf islands and, on clear days, the volcanic cone of Rangitoto. The SkyJump base jump is optionally terrifying.

The most beautiful island in the Hauraki Gulf — a 35-minute ferry from the city, with world-class pinot gris and Bordeaux-style reds from 30+ boutique wineries, dramatic coastal walks and superb beaches.

New Zealand's finest museum — the world's best collection of Maori taonga (treasures), a superb natural history floor and Pacific cultural collections. The 1929 neoclassical building overlooks the Domain's volcanic domain.

Auckland's revitalised waterfront — former America's Cup village now lined with restaurants, craft breweries and sailing charter companies. The Wynyard Quarter beyond has the best craft food halls in the city.

Auckland's finest steakhouse — New Zealand grass-fed wagyu and angus, dry-aged on site, with an exceptional selection of Hawke's Bay and Central Otago reds.

Al Brown's celebrated Auckland institution — an always-busy all-day eatery serving New Zealand oysters, green-lipped mussels, fish burgers and the best clam chowder in the country.

Auckland's finest Middle Eastern restaurant — Moroccan tagine, Lebanese mezze and Persian rice dishes made with New Zealand produce. The shared table format encourages trying everything.

Auckland's most acclaimed restaurant — the Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) menu features ceviche with yuzu, wagyu nigiri and black cod with miso. One of the Top 10 restaurants in New Zealand.

New York-style Jewish deli in the Auckland CBD — the pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup and knishes are authentic and excellent. Al Brown's second restaurant after Depot.

Auckland's premier craft beer bar on the waterfront — 28 taps of New Zealand craft beer from Panhead, 8 Wired, Garage Project and seasonal guest breweries.

Auckland's most beloved indie bar in a converted alley off Queen Street — retro furniture, vinyl records, craft beer and an anything-goes atmosphere that defines Auckland nightlife.

Upstairs pub in historic Vulcan Lane — exposed brick, wooden floors, and a rotating selection of 20 craft beers alongside pies, burgers and bangers and mash.

Auckland's original specialty coffee roaster — the flat white was arguably invented in New Zealand, and Atomic's version is among the finest in the country.

Auckland's most celebrated bakery — sourdough on organic flour, the finest croissant in New Zealand, and seasonal fruit tarts that change weekly.

The finest accessible beach from Auckland — reached by 15-min ferry from the Ferry Building to Devonport, then a 10-min walk through the Victorian village. Panoramic views of Auckland CBD and Rangitoto Island from the beach.

New Zealand's most dramatic beach — black iron sand, powerful surf, the iconic Lion Rock rising from the sand, and the ancient Waitakere Ranges forest behind. A quintessential New Zealand landscape.

New Zealand's finest wine island — Stonyridge Larose (one of the world's most awarded red wines), Cable Bay with cliff views, and Man O' War in the island's wild eastern bays.

The fully preserved Lord of the Rings movie set on a working sheep farm — 44 Hobbit holes, the mill, the Green Dragon Inn (with real ale brewed on site) and the Party Tree, all exactly as filmed.

The most extraordinary natural attraction in New Zealand — tens of thousands of Arachnocampa luminosa glowworms illuminate the cathedral ceiling of a vast limestone cave with blue-green bioluminescence, viewed from a silent boat.

Auckland's youngest and largest volcano — erupted 600 years ago and now covered in the world's largest pohutukawa forest. The 2.5h summit walk passes through extraordinary lava fields to a 360° view of the Hauraki Gulf.