Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is one of the best places to visit on a cruise around the waters of Australasia.
The former capital acts as the gateway to the North Island and offers the chance to see scenic beauty and sites of historical interest, whilst also granting access to a cosmopolitan city that is packed with things to see and do.
Once you’ve docked in the heart of Auckland you could head straight for the famous Sky Tower, which is the largest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are multiple viewing platforms from which you can look out across the city whilst those with a head for heights can try the SkyJump – where you jump from a height of 192 metres to the ground below on a wire – or the SkyWalk, where you can walk around a narrow platform at the top of the tower.
If you prefer to stay grounded, then you can visit one of the various popular museums that are to be found within the city – including the Maritime Museum and the War Memorial Museum – whilst the Auckland Art Gallery is regarded as one of New Zealand’s top cultural attractions.
You’ll also find various parks littering the city as well as an aquarium and plenty of dining and shopping opportunities. Mount Eden, the highest point in the city, is also well worth a visit because of the views that can be enjoyed from the summit.
Head away from the city and you can explore some of the most famous attractions on the North Island, which include the spectacular glow-worm caves at Waitomo and the geothermal areas around Rotorua, which include geysers and hot mud pools.
Within easy reach of Auckland you’ll also find plenty of top quality vineyards and wineries where you can sample some of the top wines to come from New Zealand’s shores.