New Zealand Features in Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2014 Lists

Two New Zealand destinations have made their way into two Lonely Planet Top Ten list,s part of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014. Auckland features in the top ten cities in the world to visit list, while the West Coast features in the top ten regions in the world to visit.

Auckland sits alongside iconic hotspots including Paris, Zurich, Shanghai and Vancouver in the ninth annual guide, which highlights the trendiest destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

The city 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.”

The region’s west coast beaches, canyoning and abseiling in the Waitakere Ranges, and the Hauraki Gulf and islands, including Waiheke Island’s vineyards and kayaking to Rangitoto, are also singled out.

Christchurch (2013) and Wellington (2011) have made the list in earlier years.