Auckland Named One of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities

Santa Monica, Calif., – Auckland has been rated as one of the world’s Top 10 Cities to visit next year in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014, published this week. Auckland sits alongside cities such as Paris, Zurich, Shanghai and Vancouver in the ninth annual guide which highlights the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

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In addition to Auckland’s “Top 10 Cities 2014” ranking, the West Coast of New Zealand has also been selected as one of the “Top 10 Regions to Visit in 2014” – placing at number eight. Auckland is recognized for its cuisine, culture and coastal scenery with Lonely Planet saying: “Food, arts and exploring the coastal hinterland are all excellent reasons to extend your stay in New Zealand’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city.” Gregg Anderson, General Manager Americas and Europe for Tourism New Zealand says the accolade from the world’s number one independent guidebook is well-deserved. “Auckland is not only the largest Polynesian city in the world but a combination of magnificent natural scenery and a vibrant city lifestyle,” says Anderson. Auckland is praised in Best in Travel 2014 for its newly revitalized waterfront districts like Wynyard Quarter, and shopping and dining precincts like Britomart. The region’s west coast beaches, canyoning and abseiling in the Waitakere Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf and islands, including Waiheke Island’s vineyards are also singled out. The West Coast is featured for its unique experiences. “Here’s your chance to venture into untamed territory normally well beyond your limits, such as the icy faces of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, or beyond them into the midst of the Southern Alps on a scenic flight,” Lonely Planet says.