Auckland

This South Pacific waterside city has a strong pulse and a nautical twinkle in its eye. Its bewitching location on a thin stretch of the North Island, surrounded by the Pacific on just about every side, is complemented by the lush subtropical forests of the nearby hills and islands.

With its spectacular harbour and bridge, NZ's largest city ranks with the best of them and its districts weave their way around a variety of bays ideal for swimming, water sports and particularly yachting - hence the nickname, 'City of Sails'.