New Zealand's verdant countryside and its rich fisheries provide some of the finest natural ingredients on offer to chefs anywhere around the world. As a result of these rare bounties being matched with skills and artisrty of a legion of innovative local chefs, the country has built an enviable reputation as a gourmet destination.

Auckland is home to some very fine establishments indeed and many are well worth seeking out. Our selction ranges from laid back, friendly & funky to more upmarket and sophisticated options, but we are pretty sure you'll find something that fits the bill and tantalises the taste buds.

Our suggestions are designed to give you food for thought, but in Auckland there are so many good options that the best approach is is often just to follow the crowds and aroma's and drink in the atmosphere.

A few glass of a premium local white and a plate of the freshest seafood make Auckland an even more attractive proposition than it allready is.

Once considered something of a backwater in the bar and clubbing stakes, Auckland’s drinking scene has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years.

Admittedly, the city used to have a reputation for closing down at 11pm. But these days you can party until the wee hours in all manner of salubrious establishments. Ranging from swish cocktail lounges to tiny specialty bars to good old corner pubs, this buzzing metropolis has no shortage of spots to sip, slug, shoot or savour your favourite tipple.

Speaking of tipples, New Zealand is home to many internationally acclaimed wines, beers and more recently, spirits. So check out a few local brews while you’re here. Or if you prefer your favourite label from back home, you should be able to find that too.

While there are swanky establishments on just about every block in the CBD, we’ve worked hard to find you the places the locals prefer to haunt. These are the hippest, the funkiest, the favourite drinking spots in town. All within a reasonably short walk of Rydges Auckland.

We think you’ll find the local drinking scene, (pardon the pun), rather intoxicating. Enjoy!

Whilst Auckland is proudly known as The City of Sails , this does an injustice to the other delights that await the intrepid visitor. The city also boasts parks, manicured gardens, harbour islands, museums, wineries, shopping precincts as well as a host of other adventure activities and options.

Auckland’s spectacular scenery is matched by an eqaully rich history and the city has some fine buildings and industrial architecture.

Many first time visitors are suprised by Auckland's scale and its sprawling topography. A good way to get your bearings is to take a trip to the top of Sky Tower and take in the panorama. Other visitors head to the summit of Mt Eden, the highest of over 50 volcanic conesin the region to view the city and its twin harbour below.

What ever you choose to do, the friendly locals and vibrant pacific culture make Auckland a great place to do as much or as little as you like.

If it’s retail therapy you’re after, you’ll find Auckland is truly therapeutic. New Zealand is fast becoming renowned for our unique, Pacific-inspired fashion, art and culture and of course, Auckland is the epicentre of all things fashionable.

We’ve gone out and found you a selection of our favourite shopping haunts: the best retail precincts, stores, galleries, book shops, you name it. (Yes, it was hard work, but someone had to do it!). These are the places the locals favour. The iconic and the up-and-coming; the hip and the happening; the hidden gems that visitors don’t tend to hear about. And they’re all within a ten-minute cab or bus ride from Rydges Auckland.

So feel free to shop ‘til you drop and enjoy our wonderful ‘city of sales’.