Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is not the official capital of New Zealand but, many would argue it should be. Located on the North Island it is often the first port of call for tourists with its captivating mix of boutiques, cafes, high rise and colonial buildings.

This amazing city has many nicknames. The Maori nickname ‘sea of sparkling waters’ is more than appropriate as Auckland is indeed a water lover's paradise, with some of the finest beaches, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water sports in the whole of New Zealand. Sitting between two glorious but quite different harbours, the Waitemata and the Manukau, it holds a treasure chest of bays, beaches and islands for the tourist to choose from.

Visitors will certainly agree 'the city of sails' is one of the most apt nicknames, as they gaze over Waitemata Harbour, because Auckland has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. Many racing yachts that have won the America Cup call Auckland their homeport.