Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and most visitors’ first stop, built across and around no fewer than 53 volcanic cones, with the Sky Tower and the harbour bridge giving the clearest sense of its setting between two coastlines. Waiheke Island’s vineyards sit less than an hour away by ferry, an easy day trip that pairs city time with wine country. Most itineraries use Auckland as a short stopover before heading further afield, though its waterfront and food scene are worth a day in their own right.