The ‘underrated’ part of New Zealand ‘all Aussies’ are being urged to visit

The writer said was she "not prepared for Auckland to be the first New Zealand city to steal my heart".

Move on Queenstown. Step aside Rotorua. Look away Milford Sound.

There’s a new “underrated” place in Aotearoa that all Australians are being urged to visit above all else: Auckand.

The Daily Mail’s head of lifestyle Laura House sang the City of Sails’ praises as she detailed her trip across the Ditch for her series The Detour.

“Like so many Australians, my imagination had always been captured by the South Island: mirror-still lakes, rugged peaks and road trips,” she wrote.

“I was not prepared for Auckland to be the first New Zealand city to steal my heart.”

She hailed Tāmaki Makaurau as a true all-season travel destination with year-round appeal, under a headline beginning “Why all Aussies should visit this underrated city”.

“Its mild climate makes every season appealing: long beach days in summer, winery wanders in autumn, winter festivals and spring hikes.”

Suggesting Auckland is “much like” Sydney, the Aussie writer was impressed by the variety of activities on offer, complimenting the city’s culinary culture and lush scenery.

“The City of Sails has it all: waterfront espresso bars, volcanic lookout points, island wineries, hidden oyster shacks and late-night brasseries.

“It feels both local and effortlessly cosmopolitan ... and perhaps that balance is its magic.”

Dining hotspots Gilt Brasserie, Daphnes Bar Taverna, and Shucker Brothers were all spotlighted as particular highlights.

“A sensory delight”, the Matakana Markets also got a special mention, as did local brand Honest Chocolat, which has a permanent shopfront in the village centre.

But it was Waiheke that really sealed House’s love affair with Auckland, though she did note the “breathtaking” island feels like “an entirely different universe” to the mainland.

Her visit to the popular day getaway included stops at Allpress Olive Groves, Waiheke Whiskey and standout Tantalus Estate.

The impassioned piece reflects a boom in transtasman travel, with Stats NZ recording a 12% increase in arrivals from Australia this year.

And after a 12-year hiatus, Qantas launched its first international flight out of Adelaide, flying into Auckland on October 31.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said the new direct service is set to meet the growing demand.

“With 1.47 million Australians visiting New Zealand over the past year, these direct services play a vital role in strengthening connectivity and making transtasman travel even more seamless.

“We’re excited to continue welcoming South Australians to New Zealand, now with even more travel options that make it easier than ever to experience the unique magic of a 100% Pure New Zealand holiday.”