Things to do — Auckland

Auckland offers a dense programme for 2-4 days.

Day 1 — City centre: start with the Skytower (NZD 40 observatories, glass floors, panoramic view of harbour and Hauraki Gulf) — for the brave, Sky Walk (NZD 165) or Sky Jump (NZD 285). Continue to Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter (modernised marina, restaurants, lunch). Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Domain park, NZD 30) — one of the world's best Māori and Polynesian collections: giant waka canoe, sculpted Hotunui marae meeting house (1878), natural history galleries. Māori cultural performances 3 times a day.

Day 2 — Islands or west coast excursion: choose between Waiheke Island (vineyard day, 40 min ferry from Britomart), Devonport + Rangitoto (half-day combo each, 12 and 25 min ferries), or wild west coast (Piha + Karekare by rental car, 45 min drive from centre).

At Mission Bay and Takapuna (urban beaches 10-15 min by bus from centre): seaside walk, swimming in summer, restaurants facing the beach. The Tāmaki Drive (8 km scenic road along the eastern waterfront) is one of Auckland's most beautiful walks.

The trendy neighbourhoods to discover: Ponsonby (15 min west of centre — shops, brunches, ethnic restaurants, bars), Parnell (15 min east — Victorian historic neighbourhood, galleries, restaurants), Karangahape Road / K'Road (south of centre — alternative, independent galleries, nightlife), Britomart (centre — modernised neighbourhood with luxury shops and upmarket restaurants).

In Auckland, don't miss the cafes — the city is one of the best for coffee in the world: Atomic Coffee Roasters, Allpress Espresso, Coffee Supreme, Federal Delicatessen, Best Ugly Bagels. For dinner: Cassia (modern Indian), Sid at The French Cafe (fine dining), Soul Bar & Bistro (seafood facing the harbour), Depot Eatery (Al Brown), Cocoro (refined Japanese).