Auckland's Best 10
All international flights make Auckland the first introduction to beautiful New Zealand. It's a thriving city with many highlights that break from tourist traps and let you interact with Kiwis up close -- seeing  how genuine they really are. My favorite is #1 Ponsonby Road which is sited on top of a hill with breathtaking views of the city. Ponsonby Road has great restaurants, active street scene, shopping and an attractive bar crowd (SPCQ). Here are more top picks that will make Auckland an experience you won't forget:
# 2 Best City Views: Take any of the ferries from downtown to Devonport. The town is touristy, but it's the view of downtown from the ferry that you're going for.
# 3 Best Hotel: Westin on the harbor brings nature inside -- sited on the harbor. The lobby alone is 75% outdoor water space wrapped inside a building.
#4 Best Gym: Les Mills (We worked out while the South African Ruby Team was there)
#5 Best Hustle/Bustle: Check out Auckland University and see how this place flows
#6 Best Crowd Pleaser: Watch a rugby game live. It's all the rage!
#7 Best Shopping (Men's Clothing): High Street is lined with shops for men's clothing and caters to the locals (no tacky tourist t-shirts here)
#8 Best Food: Green Lip Muscles are NZs and are a must next to their wine.
#9 Best Challenge: If you dare, take a leap from the 50 story Skytower. It's not bungee jumping, but will definitely get your heart racing at the first leap.
#10 Best Out of Town Exploration: 45 minutes out of town to Piha Beach where you can view surfers brave the waves, from a black sand beach. The snaking drive over the mountain to the beach gives you lush rainforest.