Auckland Museum,Auckland
Situated on The Domain, an extensive central city parkland on one of Auckland's extinct volcanic hills, the Auckland Museum overlooks the city and the attractive Waitemata Harbour. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city housing a remarkable collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts and cultural displays. Originally built as a World War I Memorial in 1929, the building was dedicated to the memory of New Zealand victims in both World War I and II. The 'New Zealand at War' exhibition has since been joined by extensive displays about the people and the country, its cultures, art and natural history. There is a Children's Discovery Centre on the middle floor. For many, a highlight of a visit to the museum, is the three times daily Maori cultural performance of song and dance, providing an entertaining insight into Maori mythology and history.

Admission:
A NZ$5 donation is suggested (adults). The Maori performance requires an admission of NZ$15 (concessions available) and this includes the museum donation

Opening time:
Daily from 10am to 5pm

Hauraki Gulf Islands,Auckland
The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous islands such as Rangitoto, Waiheke and Great Barrier Island and those close to the mainland make a good day trip. Some are recreation retreats, and others are conservation islands with restricted access, reserves for the protection of rare bird, animal and plant life. Waiheke is the most popular of the gulf islands, with picturesque bays and white sandy beaches, rolling farmlands and hills cloaked with vineyards and fine wineries. The town enjoys the slow and relaxed pace of island life, along with chic little restaurants and cafes, and is home to many art galleries and craft shops. The nearest island to the city is the uninhabited Rangitoto, a large volcanic cone with an unusual landscape of black distorted lava shapes that governs the view over the harbour. It is possible to hike up to the crater rim and explore the lava caves on the slopes. Each island has a different character with different things to do, whether it is to explore natural geological features or to enjoy the isolation, relax on white beaches or wander about the galleries and cafes. Some visitors prefer simply to sail around the islands on a yacht or ferry cruise and enjoy the scenery from on board.

Sky Tower,Auckland
The Sky Tower, at 1,076ft (328m), is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable views over the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. It is part of the Sky City Entertainment Complex, with a casino, theatre, hotel and conference centre. Visitors to the tower can splash out on dinner in the revolving restaurant, or admire the view from one of the four circular observation decks, reached by a glass lift. There is an outdoor deck, glass floor panels, an audio visual guide and touch computer screens providing geographical information. The Sky Deck is the highest viewing level with spectacular 360-degree views.

Admission:
NZ$20 (adults), NZ$8 (children). Other concessions are available. To climb to the Sky Deck level is an extra NZ$3

Opening time:
Daily from 8.30am to 11pm (12pm on weekends)

Bay of Islands,Auckland
The Bay of Islands is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and it is one of North Island's major attractions. The bay is interspersed with numerous little coves and inlets and sandy beaches, and the historical townships of Paihia, Waitangi and Russell are the central hubs of the area, from where an unbelievable array of activities and tours can be arranged. Sailing and boat cruises around the islands are the main attraction, but the natural surroundings and warm waters of the bay make it an ideal place for kayaking, swimming, diving and fishing. The bay is also of historical significance as the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between the European settlers and Maori chiefs in 1840.

Pasifika Festival,Auckland
Auckland boasts the world's largest Polynesian population, and celebrates the art, culture and lifestyle of this vibrant native community with the annual Pasifika Festival. The festival opens on Friday evening with a concert showcasing talented Polynesian music artists. On Saturday the entertainment continues with local church music and dance groups while visitors can sample traditional food, view art and handcrafts, browse at more than 300 stalls and wander through the series of 'Pacific Island villages' for a total cultural experience.

Date: 7-8 March 2008
Venue: Western Springs Park, Great North Road
Time: Opening night concert: 7.30pm to 9.30pm; festival: 10am to 5pm

Hero Festival,Auckland
A feast of culture, arts, music, dance, drama and drinking makes up the packed programme for Auckland's Hero Festival, aimed at spreading 'Gay Pride' across the Pacific islands. Chief among the numerous events taking place during the annual two-week festival is the 'Big Gay Out' at Coyle Park, which is filled with food stalls, bars and trade and display tents for the occasion. Another highlight of the Festival is the Hero Party.

Date: 1-23 February 2008
Venue: Various

New Zealand Fashion Week,Auckland
International fashion buyers and writers descend on Auckland during October each year to celebrate in grand style the unique indigenous-inspired collections of New Zealand's talented designers. About 50 designers show their collections at this major event. Some shows are open to the general public, but on the final day of the week everyone can join in the fashion extravaganza when Aotea Square becomes a hive of fashion, music, markets, and interactive and educational activity for all.

Date: 16-22 September 2007
Venue: 135 Halsey Street, Auckland's Viaduct Harbour

Auckland Anniversary Regatta,Auckland
Being known as the 'City of Sails,' Auckland is recognised as a yachtsman's paradise, so it is no surprise to discover that its annual official Regatta is the biggest one-day Regatta in the world. This historic event was first held in September 1840 and has sailed on through turbulent years and changing social trends to become a family outing full of fun and excitement. Numerous events take place in the harbour and surrounding waterfront to complement the actual yacht regatta.

Date: 29 January 2008
Venue: Auckland Harbour

Waiheke Island Wine Festival,Auckland
Waiheke Island, just a short boat trip from Auckland, is a favourite weekend get-away for city residents. Not only is the beautiful island dotted with the luxury homes of privileged Aucklanders, but it is also covered with the lush vineyards of more than 30 wineries, which produce high quality red and white wines. Each year the wine producers showcase the cream of their exclusive crop with a festival, which combines the fruit of the vine with gourmet cuisine, café society and live music at about eight venues across the island.

Date: February 2008, TBC
Venue: Waiheke Island

Ellerslie Flower Show,Auckland
New Zealand's answer to the famous Chelsea Flower Show in the U.K., saw over 70,000 attendants during 2006 and has been increasing in popularity since 1994 when it was first held in Ellerslie. The show is filled with multitudes of the glorious colours found in nature artistically presented through various floral arrangements and designs.

Date: 14-18 November 2007
Venue: Auckland Botanic Gardens
Time: 10am to 6pm (8.30pm on Saturday)

Auckland's Big Day Out,Auckland
The New Zealand leg of the popular Australian summer tours brings the biggest names in popular world music to Auckland for a day of hard rocking and dancing till the sun goes down.

Date: January 2008, TBC
Venue: Ericsson Stadium
Time: 11am

NZ International Comedy Festival,Auckland
Some of the best and brightest comedians from the International circuit join some of New Zealand's top acts for over three weeks of comedy madness.

Date: 4-27 May 2007
Venue: Various