Auckland

Auckland spreads across a narrow isthmus between two harbours, with around fifty dormant volcanic cones dotted through the suburbs. The Sky Tower is hard to miss at 328 metres, and the marinas below it are packed with sailboats, which is how the city picked up the "City of Sails" tag. Queens Wharf puts you within walking distance of the centre, where Maori, Pacific Island, and Asian influences show up most clearly in the food and weekend markets. The Auckland Museum has a strong Maori and Pacific collection, and the weekend markets at Otara are loud, colourful, and cheap. A 40-minute ferry to Waiheke Island gets you to vineyards and olive groves with good harbour views. Kelly Tarlton's aquarium keeps sub-Antarctic penguins if you're travelling with kids. For eating, the Ferry Building waterfront has reliable seafood, and Ponsonby Road has the café scene.