Auckland Travel Guide

Though most of the country is now made up of Europeans, Maori traditions are prominent throughout Kiwi culture. The country's All Blacks rugby team famously performs the "haka" (a traditional Maori war cry) at the start of all rugby matches. Maori "hangi" (or the tradition of cooking food under heated rocks, much like the Hawaiian "kalua") meals are commonly found throughout the island. And in Auckland, visitors can explore popular attractions like Waiheke Island, Waitekere Ranges Regional Park and Rangitoto Island, all of which have ties to the Maori language. To learn more about Maori culture, consider visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

New Zealanders invented bungee jumping, and they're very proud of their extreme sports. Kiwis also take pride in their country's natural beauty. If you've ever seen any of "The Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit" films, you'll understand what they're bragging about. Though most of the movies' picturesque settings are found on the South Island, just outside of Auckland sits the Hobbiton Movie Set, one of the only remaining sets left from the movies.

When visiting Auckland, keep in mind that several aspects of Kiwi life are opposite of what you'll find in America. Auckland's summer takes place during the Western Hemisphere's winter (and vice versa), and driving is on the left side of the road. Pedestrians should also make sure to look right, then left, then right again before crossing a street.

The official currency throughout New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), which is equivalent to approximately $0.72, but make sure to check the exchange rate before you go. Like Australia, New Zealand practice is to refrain from tipping unless exceptional service is given. Should you decide to tip, it is customary to leave approximately 10 percent of the total bill.

Kiwi cuisine is all about fresh, local fare. In Auckland, expect to find top-notch seafood, plenty of lamb and a handful of signature desserts. Local seafood offerings include green-lipped mussels, fish and chips, whitebait fritters and bluff oysters. You'll also find roast lamb on most Auckland menus. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with a scoop of hokey pokey (vanilla with pieces of honeycomb) ice cream or a slice of Pavlova (a meringue-based treat topped with fruit and named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova).

Everything from casual pubs to fine dining establishments can be found in Auckland. Specialty cuisines (think: Indian, Japanese and French) are also prevalent throughout the city. Kazuya Restaurant, The Grove Restaurant and One Tree Grill Restaurant are just a few traveler favorites for upscale meals, while eateries like Azabu and Ela Cuisine impress diners with their reasonably priced ethnic dishes. Other standout eateries – such as the Sky Tower's The Sugar Club, Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar, Best Ugly Bagels and Federal Delicatessen – are linked to celebrity chefs like Peter Gordon and Al Brown.

If you're 18 or older, save time to sample some of the City of Sails' world-renowned wine. Bordeaux-style red wine and chardonnay are the most commonly produced wines in Auckland's three wine regions: Waiheke Island, Matakana and Kumeu.