Auckland

Nicknamed the City of Sails, the sea is a huge part of Auckland’s identity, and most of the best things to do in Auckland revolve around the water in some way or another. Its isthmus location means water is never far, be it inner city beaches or wild west coastline. It’s a great place to be outdoors but there are also excellent city options like theatre, galleries, shopping on Ponsonby and Karangahape roads or checking out the fabulous Asian cuisine of Dominion Road. Locals go easily from sea to city to bush, and even to an island filled with wineries. The bar and restaurant scene has exploded in recent years as a visit to Britomart, Ponsonby Road or Federal Street will reveal. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

The best restaurants in Auckland make up a scene that reminds of an excited twentysomething who has just entered the prime of their life. A huge wave of immigration—primarily from Asia—has blown the culinary scene wide open, meaning $10 Sichuan spicy dumpling joints cosy up next to innovative high-end, ten-course tasting-menu joints. The inner-city neighbourhood of Ponsonby has some real gems if you're looking for things to do to satsisy your inner foodie; there’s a concentration of first-rate restaurants in Britomart and around the base of the Sky Tower and, if you want good authentic Asian food, the enclaves of Dominion Road (largely Chinese) and Sandringham (Indian) can’t be beaten. Start perusing our round-up of fab eateries immediately.