Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand's largest city ranks with the best and its districts weave their way around a variety of bays ideal for swimming, water sports and yachting. Located on a thin stretch of the North Island, which is surrounded by the Pacific on just about every side, it is complemented by lush subtropical forests of the nearby hills and islands.

Auckland is popularly known as the "City of Sails" because the harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts and has more per capita than any other city in the world. Viaduct Basin hosted two America's Cup challenges, and its cafes, restaurants, and clubs add to Auckland's vibrant nightlife.

High Street, Queen Street, Ponsonby Road, and Karangahape Road are also very popular with urban socialites. Newmarket and Parnell are upmarket shopping centres. Many national treasures are displayed at the Auckland Art Gallery, such as the work of Colin McCahon. Auckland also boasts a world-class symphonic ensemble in the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, considered one of the finest orchestras in Australasia.

Auckland has a warm-temperate climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters.