Originally settled by the Maori people from the islands of the Pacific more than 650 years ago, Auckland’s numerous extinct volcanoes bear the scars and terracing of previous use as fortified villages. From atop any of these hills, such as One Tree Hill,Mt. Wellington, or North Head, you can obtain commanding views of the city and the islands of the gulf. Just off-shore, Rangitoto Island, a long-dormant volcano, offers the cheapest vantage point for viewing the races. A ferry from Pier 3 in the city will set you back only NZ$18. The assent to the summit is a pleasant one-hour hike, or you can jump aboard a narrated tour by 4WD. The view of the racing arena is so clear and close that you could even leave the binoculars at home ? just don’t forget your suntan lotion and sandwiches. Grab some cheap flights to Auckland and I’ll see you there 
While the massive sleeping form of Rangitoto dominates the horizon out to sea, it is the curiously pointless Sky Tower casino that commands the cityscape. Auckland’s Central Business District throbs with power-walking suits and overworked cell-phones. By day, the ultra-chic and the multi-pierced mingle in the High Street cafes that spill out onto the sidewalks. At night, the cafe-culture hubs of Ponsonby and Parnell offer superb dining opportunities. Though New Zealand is justifiably famous for its lamb, the huge array of freshly collected seafood is also guaranteed to tempt the gourmand within you. Seafood is also the perfect partner for New Zealand’s impressive white wines ?the Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays from the Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay regions have recently proved themselves by winning a number of prestigious international wine awards.
