Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails, straddles two sparkling harbours with the city draped around rolling green hills and a necklace of extinct volcanos. Wherever you venture, there are always elevated views and new perspectives to enjoy in New Zealand's largest city.

From testing your skills onboard a former America's Cup racing yacht, taking the commuter ferry across to historic Devonport village for a coffee and stroll or simply picnicking high up on picturesque North Head with the Hauraki Gulf spread out before you, you're never far from the water in Auckland.

Nestled in the heart of the Gulf, amongst a scattering of islands, is jewel-like Waiheke Island with its scalloped bays, beaches and hills dotted with vineyards and villages. Every Easter the island comes alive to the sound of world-class jazz with the annual Waiheke Jazz Festival, drawing thousands of visitors and locals alike. Just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke is a haven of tranquility and laid-back living at any time of year.

Back on the mainland, the stunning Waitakere Ranges out to the West provide a wild bush experience right on the city's doorstep. Forming the border between Auckland and the dramatic West Coast beaches of Piha, Karekare, Muriwai and Bethels Beach, the Waitakeres offer numerous walking tracks through glorious bush to waterfalls and reservoirs. Down at sea level, the black sand beaches and the pounding surf are in sharp contrast to the gentle white sand coves and bays of the Eastern and North Shore beaches of the city.

And in the heart of Auckland, the attractions on offer range from getting up close with stringrays to finding the perfect pair of slingbacks, from indulging in terrific food and wine at the city's cafes and restaurants to clearing your head completely with a stunning bridge climb over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

sky city

The Sky Tower is currently the Southern Hemisphere's tallest free-standing structure at 328m; the observation decks afford spectacular views over the harbour and the Gulf Islands. The complex has a range of bars and restaurants, a theatre and New Zealand's largest casino. Visit Website

kelly tarlton's underwater world

An opportunity to view penguins, sharks and manta rays at Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. Highlights include shark and fish feeding displays and a snow-cat ride through an arctic environment. Visit Website

viaduct harbour

This popular waterfront area received a new lease of life with the America's Cup Series, with lively seafront cafés, restaurants, a waterfront promenade and a superyacht marina. It is now one of Auckland's key dining precincts. Visit Website

auckland museum

Auckland's neo-gothic war memorial museum is internationally renowned for its collection of Maori and Pacific Island taonga (treasures), with more than 2000 Maori artefacts on display. Other highlights include the natural history galleries, interactive children's discovery centres and 'Scars on the Heart', a permanent exhibition which revisits New Zealand at war. Visit Website

auckland domain

The Domain (81ha) is the city's oldest park and home to the beautiful Winter Gardens. It hosts a series of free concerts over the summer months, including the annual Symphony Under the Stars and Christmas in the Park events. View More Information

auckland art gallery

New Zealand's largest collection of art, including early masters such as Lindauer and Goldie, a changing programme of local and international exhibitions and a permanent exhibition of European masters. The art gallery's contemporary collections include works from leading New Zealand artist Colin McCahon. Visit Website

auckland zoo

Home to more than 600 animals; zoo habitats include a rainforest where monkeys roam free, a native New Zealand forest, a tropical island and an African Savannah. Visit Website

nz national maritime museum

Displays of New Zealand's maritime history and a fleet of historic vessels, including the KZ1, New Zealand's 1988 America's Cup challenger. Visit Website

museum of transport & technology

A collection of vintage cars, carriages, buses, aeroplanes, fire engines and trains, a pioneer village and a Science Centre with interactive science exhibits for children. Visit Website

victoria park market

Browse for some bargains or souvenirs at Auckland's colourful historic market. Visit Website

gulf islands

Auckland's Hauraki Gulf contains numerous outlying islands, serviced by the ferries which leave from the downtown terminal on Quay Street. A multitude of attractions include native bushwalks, vineyards, historic homes, hot springs and bird sanctuaries. View More Information

maungakiekie (one tree hill)

Set in the rolling grounds of Cornwall Park, this Auckland landmark provides panoramic views of the city. A former pa (fortified village) site, today the craters are used for golf and archery practice. The Auckland Observatory is also set in the park grounds, and offers an evening Stardome Show on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. View More Information

sky jump

Take the plunge from the Sky Tower on the world's highest tower-based jump. Visit Website