Auckland Sky Tower

At 328 metres, the Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the easiest way to take in Auckland's two harbours and its volcanic cones in a single view. Glass floor panels on the main observation level let you look straight down.

Thrill-seekers can try the SkyWalk around the outside of the pod or the SkyJump, a cable-controlled jump to the plaza below. For something calmer, the revolving restaurant turns slowly as you eat, so the whole city passes by your table.

Visit near sunset, then walk down to the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter for dinner by the water. A ferry ride to Devonport or Waiheke Island makes a good second half-day in Auckland before you head south to Hobbiton and Rotorua.