In the Maori language, the Auckland is called Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers. According to Aucklanders, this is because it is a place that is desired by all and has been conquered by many. This can be highlighted by the fact that it is one of the most regularly visited destinations in the country.

Auckland was legally considered to be the capital of New Zealand for the first 25 years of the country’s history, only to have the crown passed to Wellington because of its proximity to the South Island. It is still commonly mistaken to be New Zealand’s capital city and continues to play host of a plethora of major events on the international calendar.

This can be seen in the city’s busy sporting calendar that involves a whole range of sports, but most importantly, water sports. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland’s close proximity to bodies of water makes it a perfect place for water sports such as sailing, yachting and boating. Events such as the International Boat Show, the Auckland Match Racing Cup and the Auckland Powerboat Championship make it easy to understand why the city is commonly referred to as the ‘City of Sails’.

Because of this maritime influence, many of the city’s tourist attractions are based around water life. Dolphin and whale watching, riding in a glass bottomed boat, sailing classes and fishing safaris are just some activities that may excite any visitor to Auckland, but a especially unique experience can be found at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It is a quirky aquarium that does not only lead visitors through a tunnel of sharks and stingrays, but it also has an ‘Antarctic encounter’ with a Snow Cat ride that shunts riders through a bustling penguin town.

This is just one of the many water-based attractions that are available for exploration by tourists of the city, but it does not mean that all that there is to see is water, water and more water. There is one non-water-based attraction that challenges both heights and records – the Sky Tower. In fact, the Sky Tower is exactly the opposite of all the other maritime attractions dotted throughout the city with its record of being the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. It has a lift that shoots visitors up to the observation deck in 40 seconds where they can see ant-like humans scurrying across Auckland’s centre.

Another exciting sight to see when in Auckland is volcanoes. As a part of a Volcanic Field, the city straddles about 50 volcanic vents in the field with North Head being one of the oldest volcanic cones in the area. It was once a site of a Maori pa (fortified village) and is an interesting cultural experience of New Zealand to be had.

There are so many other things to see in this historically rich expanse of a city. Adventure sports, stunning natural views, fine wine-ing and dining, educational museums and park, breath-taking gardens, exciting night life and, of course, excellent shopping all can be seen, done, tasted and breathed in Auckland. It really is a city that has everything to love.