Auckland is fairly bursting with intriguing attractions, with something for the fussiest of divas as well as the most rugged of sailors. One of the most well-known attractions is the Sky Tower, which stands 1,082 feet above ground (328 meters), making it the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. The tall, Space-Needle-like structure has an observation deck with a 360-degree panoramic view of Auckland. For those who do not suffer from vertigo, part of the deck has clear, plate glass floors (eek!). For those who are even more adventurous, bungee jumping is available from the Sky Deck. The Sky Tower itself houses an enormous casino, so feel free to trade in one kind of excitement for another on your way down.

Another highly popular tourist attraction is Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. Tarlton rose to fame as a marine archaeologist, and in the mid-1980s, he opened up this theme park, which is dedicated to viewing southern ocean marine life from a diver's perspective. Today, the park is wildly successful, with over seven and a half million people visiting the park in its twenty years of operation.

Auckland is also a bit of a hidden paradise for shoppers and fashionistas. With an up-and-coming design scene making its presence known around the world, the shops and boutiques of Auckland are sure to delight the aesthetics of even the most jaded Parisienne. Queen Street is Auckland's main fashion hub, with shops, restaurants, bars and sidewalk cafes everywhere. Make sure to stop by Smith & Caughey, the main department store, and Vulcan Lane, home to an eclectic cluster of boutiques, in order to find out more about New Zealand's burgeoning fashion designers.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Domain Dr Auckland, New Zealand Tel: 64 9 309 0443 Attraction Type: History museum, Museum, Military museum
Sky Tower Corner Victoria and Federal Sts Auckland, New Zealand Tel: 64 9 363 6000 Attraction Type: Landmark/point of interest, Observation deck/tower
Coast to Coast Tours P.O. Box 199 Waimauku Auckland, New Zealand Tel: 649 411 7080 Attraction Type: Farm
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World 23 Tamaki Dr Orakei Auckland, New Zealand Tel: 64 9 528 0603 Attraction Type: Aquarium, Nature center, Ballet
Queen Street Auckland, New Zealand Attraction Type: Shopping