How About Auckland, New Zealand?

New Zealand continues to do an outstanding job with managing the COVID issue. As you may know they have had just 25 deaths and just over 2,000 cases overall throughout the entire country.

Some say, of course, that it's been easier for them to have control considering they're an island and they have more sheep than humans. This sheep reference tends to be an ongoing joke about New Zealand although even though the city of Auckland has more humans than sheep, they've still had far fewer COVID cases than most cities in the world. ;)

I suspect New Zealand will be one of the safest places to visit post-COVID and it's also such a beautiful country with wonderful people and so much to see and do. The city of Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of just over 1.5 million.

Following are 11 of the top reasons you should ensure that the magnificent city of Auckland is on your list of places to visit in the future.

1. From helicopter flights to visit Waiheke Island and area to hiking, motorbiking, kayaking, and bungee jumping - there is so much for the adventurer to do in and around the city.

2. The city has such natural beauty with its regional parks, stunning gardens, sandy beaches, beautiful alpine forests and even volcanoes. Did you know that Auckland sits on a volcanic field comprised of 53 volcanoes that fortunately have been dormant for years and hopefully will remain so?

3. Auckland is almost completely surrounded by water so that the coastlines around the city are absolutely stunning. There are as many as 86 beaches, lagoons, and outlets around the city that are safe for swimming. They even have a program called "Safeswim" that assures public safety.

4. Waiheke Island is labeled as a blissful island filled with great culinary opportunities including great wineries, fresh seafood, and other tasty dining options. It has its own sandy white beaches but also has wonderful art galleries and some great local gift and craft shops.

5. As you may know, New Zealanders are fondly called Kiwis around the world but, of course, it also happens to be the national icon for New Zealand and also is the name for their rugby team. It's a very unique bird in that it doesn't fly, has hair-like feathers and has no tail.

6. Auckland has some amazing award-winning restaurants and eateries. Pictured here is, of course, some yummy New Zealand lamb chops - either you LOVE lamb or you detest it. They also have some authentic foods you can consider tasting such as a Hangi dish or a Lolly cake. The former is a method of steaming food in an 'earth oven' in the ground and the latter is a favorite dessert made with malt biscuits and colorful marshmallows.

7. There's a great deal of respect for the relationship that New Zealand has with their Maori culture. The Maori wood carvings play a very important role in their culture and this art is present in the street art, murals, and Maori treasures you'll see all over the city including in the Auckland Art Gallery.

8. The Sky Tower is an iconic backdrop to the wonderful panoramic views of Auckland's skyline no matter where you are in the city. It is the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere at over 1000 feet. There are also dining facilities and a bar to be enjoyed along with the spectacular view.

9. Auckland has some incredible markets to enjoy that are open every day with some great souvenir purchasing opportunities. Some souvenir options to consider include jade jewelry, merino wool products, Manuka honey, Lord of the Ring items, toys and various edible treats.

10. Auckland is sailing crazy, as they say, with their crystal blue waters. Considered the "City of Sails", with two main harbors and great views of the city and skyline, it's a must for anyone who has the slightest interest in sailing.

11. There are so many fantastic things to do on the North Island of New Zealand not far from Auckland including the beautiful Bay of Islands a few hours north and other great options south including Hobbiton, the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, the Coromandel Peninsula and so much more!

When will you be ready to explore Auckland and New Zealand? When you are, please don't hesitate to connect with me and I'll be ready to help you plan it all!