The imposing Sky Tower is part of the Sky City complex - a 24-hour casino with the works. At 328m (1076ft) it is the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere, with a lift that can shoot you up to the observation deck in 40 seconds. It's lovely to go in the late afternoon, when you can sip champagne in the Sky Lounge while watching the sun set.

In a 200km/h wind the top of the building sways up to 1m (3ft). From the preliminary observation levels you can see ant-like humans scurrying around Auckland's centre. The views from the very top level are even more spectacular; from here you can see the harbour as well as the city. For techno-junkies, there are all sorts of interactive displays, audio guides, powerful binoculars and weather monitors.

In late 2006 the Gallery's collection was consolidated into one space to allow for extensive renovations to the main gallery. An extensive permanent collection of NZ art (including Charles Goldie's stark Maori portraits of a vanished age) and contemporary art are now on show in the one building.

The 19ha (48ac) Museum of Transport and Technology is near the zoo. It's in two parts: Motat I has exhibits on transport, communications and energy, including vintage cars, a display about pioneer aviator Richard Pearse and the infotainment Science Centre, with hands-on displays.

Motat II features rare and historic aircraft as well as railway and military hardware. Exhibits include a V1 flying bomb and a Lancaster bomber from WWII, but pride of place goes to the huge Solent flying boat that ran a Pacific islands loop in the days of luxury flying.

This monumental-looking museum sits atop a sweeping expanse of lawn that forms part of the Auckland Domain, one of Auckland's oldest parks. The museum has a comprehensive display on Pacific Island and Maori culture on the ground floor, including a magnificent 25m-long war canoe.

The 1st floor is dedicated to the natural world and has a first-class activities centre for children (plus some great life-size imitations of past giants like the moa). The 2nd floor focuses on New Zealanders at war - from the 19th century to the peace-keeping assignments of today, and includes a nifty re-creation of Auckland shops as they would have appeared in 1866.

For many, the highlight is the performance of Maori song and dance by Manaia. The informal shows at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:30 provide a good (and good-humoured) introduction to Maori culture.

Housed in old stormwater holding tanks, this unique aquarium has a transparent acrylic tunnel that you travel through on a conveyor belt with the fish, including sharks and stingrays, swimming around you. The big attraction, however, is the Antarctic Encounter with its replica of Scott's 1911 Antarctic hut, and a Snow Cat ride through a bustling penguin town.

The most popular small venue in Auckland is the Kings Arms Tavern, which has emerging bands playing rock and alternative music. If there's no band on, you can take it easy in the garden bar any day of the week. A gig at the 'K A' is a rite of passage for bands breaking into the local scene.

With the volume consistently cranked, Papa Jack's Voodoo Lounge is the home of hard rock. Attracting a mixed crowd, it's bedecked with skulls, ripped seats, a pool table, live bands during the week and DJs on weekends.

For the cream of the comedy crop, head to the Classic Comedy Club, Auckland's top venue for laughs. Main shows are Thursday to Sunday and there's an open-mike night most Mondays. A bimonthly calendar of events is available at the door.

Antoine's is the last word in old-fashioned fine dining, Auckland-style. The French-influenced menu is inspiring stuff, while the 'nostalgia' menu features items that haven't changed since 1973. Wash it down with Dom Perignon and do your best to find room for the dessert of spiced prune gnocchi.

A great choice for a hearty breakfast: try the eggs, veggie or salmon Benedict, bagels, croissants or the porridge and plums. As it's a wireless hotspot, you can sit indoors or outdoors in this small but lively cafe with a bagel in one hand and mouse in the other.

Sheinkin stands out amongst the other eggs-and-coffee joints in Auckland's CBD due to its stellar Israeli-inspired food, quality coffee and unhurried atmosphere. They do a fabulous tasting plate, soups and salads and there is plenty of glossy reading material to peruse while you wait for your bagel.