What you need to know before you book your airfare and tickets
Known as the ultimate holiday destination for adrenaline junkies, you'll find when you get off your cheap flight to Auckland, that New Zealand is about so much more. Discover the ancient Maori cultures and traditions, enjoy top notch New Zealand wines and gourmet cuisine, and of course the awe inspiring landscapes we all know from the Lord of the Ring movies. Auckland being the largest city in the country is the best place to start your trip and explore all of the above. Thrill seekers should take the lift up to the observatory deck of the Sky Tower and bungee jump back down again. Adrenaline rush guaranteed. Or take a guided tour of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It won't take you across it on the road but instead you climb the arches of the bridge. Not a good idea if you suffer from vertigo. If you're more of a food junkie or shopaholic, take a bus to trendy Parnell and browse the many boho and indie shops. Relax with a flat white at one of the coffee houses and finish the day with dinner at Iguacu. It's a large bar cum restaurant where live bands perform on Sundays. For more dinner options, check out the Viaduct Harbour where you can dine while admiring the many luxury boats moored along the quays. The Harbourside restaurant is probably the place with the best views. Oh and the food is delicious too. If you want to learn more about the Maori history, take a day trip to Waitangi where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. The signing of this 'declaration of independence' of the Maoris is still celebrated today. Or drive south to the town of Rotorua. Ignore the eggy sulphur smells and head to Whakarewarewa village to watch the powerful performance of the traditional Haka and the preparation of a Hangi meal.
