This City Is Down Under…And A Little To The Right

Maybe you haven’t heard, but Auckland, New Zealand is having its moment in the sun. This city is down under…and a little to the right. The city was a recent host for the America’s Cup, and new construction is always on the table in the Commercial Bay District (CBD). All the new blood in the hospitality sector has done more than revitalized a harbor on life support. It’s breathed literal new life into the entire retail scene. Luxury hotels here do not disappoint.

It’s the juxtaposition of human development and natural splendor that really set Auckland apart from other cities: all the rejuvenation of shopping and accommodations set against a backdrop of picture-perfect sands, beautiful beaches, fertile volcanic soils, and dual harbors flanking the Pacific and the Tasman.

Typically, Auckland isn’t the destination — it’s a place to stop and rest while traveling elsewhere, such as Queenstown. But Auckland has much in its own right that makes it worthy of destination status.

New Zealand’s summer lasts from around December to the first week of March. New Zealand has an appeal accentuated by its outdoor activities and naturescapes. These are places to be enjoyed when the weather warms up and the sky is sunny.

Plus, January brings New Zealand’s answer to Wimbledon, the ASB Tennis Classic. Over the rest of the summer, there are multiple, ongoing festivals dedicated to art, music, and movies.

As the largest city, urbanized living is tough to miss, with skyscrapers and multi-family housing throughout, with shopping, dining, hotels, and more intersecting with a wild natural beauty. Walking Auckland is pretty easy, but if you really want to explore the city’s suburbs, you’ll need a car.

But no matter what, Auckland’s residents are some of the most friendly people in the world. If you happen to lose your way, locals can help get you back to where you were going safely. So, head on down to this city down under (…and to the right) to take it all in yourself.