For something slightly different try a farm stay, book into ‘A Kiwi Farm stay’ just north of Auckland in the Kaipara hills and experience farm life. Stay in either a self contained cottage or book a room in the family farmhouse. Feed the farm animals, enjoy the many beaches, horse ride or take a mountain bike up the mountain trail, this is more than just accommodation it is a holiday within a holiday.

In the city stay at the Sebel Suites, offering the comfort of a hotel with the convenience of self catering these apartments are spacious and tastefully decorated. The unrivalled views over Auckland Viaduct Harbour are possibly the best in the city. Close to the Sky Tower the location is perfect for sightseeing or shopping right in the heart of the city.

Auckland has its share of luxury hotels but Hotel DeBrett is in a class of its own. 25 individually designed rooms offer an eclectic mix of the old and the new put together in the cleverest of ways. Character, colour and stunning visual arts come together perfectly making this hotel like no other. The opulence shines though in the bathrooms, each one exquisitely tiled and with black granite heated floors. The bespoke hand designed carpet that runs through this hotel gives an indication of the individual touches and attention to detail that they owners pride themselves on.

As befits any modern cosmopolitan city Auckland has a mix of international cuisines. The wide range of restaurants offer everything from fine French dining to takeaway pizza, but for good food look no further than the ocean all around you. Surrounded by fresh high quality seafood Auckland has no shortage of quality seafood restaurants.

Amongst the finest of these is the well established ‘Sail’ on Westhaven Marina. Using only the freshest ingredients the talented team of staff pride themselves on their recommendations for the perfect local wine to match your food. The beautiful surroundings give a sense of grandeur to your meal. For a slightly less formal seafood restaurant try Squid Row in central Auckland with equally good food, it offers a sense of fun in a more relaxed environment.

If you want a view with your meal then the place to visit is the Solar Eating House in Oneroa Village. With views across the bay to Coromandel that will take your breath away. The location is the primary pull but once you have tried the menu with it’s Asian influenced New Zealand cuisine you will realise that the view isn’t this restaurants only appeal.

One of the most exhilarating experiences in Auckland has to be the Skywalk, travel to the top of the Sky Tower with it’s circular views around the city. Step into a harness and walk around the top of the tower, 192 metres in the sky, no handrails just you and a safety device. A feeling like no other.

Take a trip to one of the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Visit Waiheke with it’s vineyards and olive groves or travel to see the native forests on Great Barrier Island. To see conservation at its very finest visit the wildlife sanctuary on Tiritiri island, where native endangered species have been given the help they need in their natural habitat by armies of volunteers.

No visit to Auckland would be complete without taking part in the numerous water activities that are on offer. Jet ski, snorkel in the clear waters with the colourful fish or take a kayak fishing cruise the choice is yours. If you want a more cultural experience then hire a Maori Waka, your guide will tell you the tales and teach you the skills of their ancestors aboard this traditional vessel.

Auckland has mild weather all year around with the summer months of December to February averaging a very pleasant 74F. The coldest of the winter months still average 57F however rainfall is particularly high during the months of June and July.

The high rainfall is to be expected all year around even during the warmest of months, however without this rainfall Auckland would not be the beautiful emerald land that it is. The otherwise mild conditions make Auckland a perfect year round destination.