Sissi has travelled the world and stayed in some pretty amazing places. Coupled with her job at Hostelbookers there's not a lot she doesn't know about travel. Here she introduces Auckland.

As the biggest city in New Zealand and the home of the largest Polynesian population in the world, Auckland is a cultural melting pot where Polynesian, Asian and Western influences combine to create a lively, cosmopolitan city where the only things warmer than the weather are the smiles of the locals.

Auckland is also affectionately known as the ‘City of Sails’ due to its world famous harbour which packed with restaurants, bars and cheap eateries, is always a hub of activity.

Many of the city’s numerous things to do are based at the harbor including day trips to some of the city’s island retreats like the volcanic Rangitoto Island and yachting on the high seas.

Auckland is also famous for its beautiful white beaches like Mission Bay, Devonport and Takapuna which are popular amongst locals and tourists alike and great for swimming.

In the city itself you can go shopping in one of the city’s famous shopping areas like New Market or Parnell or check out the Penguins at Auckland Zoo. If history and culture are more your thing then head to the Auckland museum and see the Maoris do their famous Hakka.

Speaking of the Haka, one thing you must try during a trip to Auckland is a game of rugby. Rugby is more important than religion for most Kiwis and Aucklanders are no exception.
The Auckland Blues are the local team and play their game at Eden Park where both the semi and the final will be played in next year’s 2011 World Cup.

Accommodation may not be as cheap as other parts of New Zealand but there are plenty of Auckland hostels available that won’t break the bank:

http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/new-zealand/auckland