Modern and cosmopolitan, Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in both Polynesia and New Zealand. In addition to big city charms, visitors will also find gorgeous beaches and epic scenery.

Hike west of Auckland along the black sand surf beaches Karekare, Piha, and Te Henga/Bethells for great views of waterfalls and wildlife. For a truly stunning panorama, take the Sky Tower’s glass-front lift. Daring types have the option of bungee jumping off the top. Get a culture fix at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, one of the city’s oldest public art galleries. It houses around 15,000 pieces of art spanning the 12th century to the modern day.

For an urban walk, check out Queen Street for great shops, cafes, and clubs. Cornwall Park is the New Zealand version of New York’s Central Park. Stroll amongst Japanese cherry blossom and magnolia trees and don’t miss its lookout point, One Tree Hill. Come evening, catch a show at the Civic Theatre or peruse the Wynyard Quarter for its night market and free live music.