Auckland sits alongside cities such as Paris, Zurich, Shanghai and Vancouver in the ninth annual guide which highlights the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.
In addition to Auckland’s “Top 10 Cities 2014” ranking, West Coast New Zealand has also been selected as one of the “Top 10 Regions to Visit in 2014”.
Auckland is recognised for its cuisine, culture and coastal scenery with Lonely Planet saying: “Food, arts and exploring the coastal hinterland are all excellent reasons to extend your stay in New Zealand’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city.”
Tourism New Zealand General Manager Tim Burgess says the accolade from the world’s number one independent guidebook is well-deserved.
“Auckland is not only the largest Polynesian city in the world but a combination of magnificent natural scenery and a vibrant city lifestyle,” Mr Burgess said.
Auckland is praised in ‘Best in Travel’ for its newly revitalised waterfront districts like Wynyard Quarter, and shopping and dining precincts like Britomart.
The region’s west coast beaches, canyoning and abseiling in the Waitakere Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf and islands, including Waiheke Island’s vineyards are also singled out.
Auckland’s many festivals and events, its vibrant Māori and Pacific culture and impressive line up of major sporting events also received special mention.
ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development) Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley says this accolade adds weight to Auckland’s marketing efforts to attract domestic and international visitors to the region.
“Third party endorsements like this provide an outstanding independent platform for us to showcase all that is so special about Auckland to a global audience,” Mr O’Riley said.
The Top 10 Cities were independently nominated by more than 500 Lonely Planet authors and staff and selected based on topicality, excitement and that special x-factor.
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