Have a day to spend in Auckland? Enjoy an early breakfast and get your bearings at the Sky Tower, an observation tower with miles of panoramic views, including iconic landscapes such as the Twin Harbours. If you’re feeling brave, strap yourself into a full-body harness and walk along the edge of the tower’s pergola as part of the SkyWalk adventure (there’s also an overhead safety line).

Next, visit some penguins — Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to the largest penguin colony exhibit on the planet, as well as an otherworldly exhibition of Spiny Sea Dragons. Afterwards, relax with a stroll through Parnell Rose Gardens, also known as the Dove Myer Robinson Park. If you’re lucky enough to be there during rose season, November–February, you’ll experience the beauty and heavenly scent of more than 5,000 rose blooms. Next to the main garden, the Nancy Steen Garden houses collections of heritage roses.

Replenish your energy at the Elliott Stables Food Quarter, part-food court, part-epicurean adventure, including a host of dining options with local favorites such as Bonz Cajun Kitchen, Besos Latinos, Wedge Juice Bar, Big Little Grill and Burg’z Burgers. After lunch, duck into the Voyager NZ Maritime Museum to peruse the displays detailing the country’s maritime history from early Polynesian migration onward.

Follow up your maritime exploration by spending the afternoon out on the water. Kayak tours to Rangitoto Island are particularly popular, but there’s also ferry service if you don’t feel like self-propelling to the shores of this dormant volcano.

Rather sail? Embark on a two-hour America’s Cup Sailing Experience on an authentic America’s Cup yacht with Relaxing Journeys Ltd. The tour takes in Waitemata Harbour, with opportunities to take the helm or work the yacht’s grinders and winches.