Lonely Planet has just named Auckland as one of the world’s Top 10 Cities for 2014 in its ‘Best in Travel’ guide.

Auckland made the list alongside Paris, Zurich, Shanghai and Vancouver, so we’re in good company. It’s an honour to have the world’s number one independent guidebook and one of the world’s most influential travel brands recognise all the great things Auckland has to offer and reinforce that Auckland is a world-class international destination.

So what does Lonely Planet love about Auckland?

The cuisine, culture and coastal scenery. Our newly revitalised waterfront districts like Wynyard Quarter, and shopping and dining precincts like City Works Depot and Britomart. Our 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. Looks like we are thinking along the same lines with Luxury Adventures previous top 10 list of NZ experiences also including Canyoning in the Waitakere Ranges and the vineyards on Waiheke!

Auckland’s many festivals and events, our vibrant Māori and Pacific culture, and impressive line up of major sporting events all got special mention too.

The Top 10 Cities were independently nominated by more than 500 Lonely Planet authors and staff.

Tony Townley is a luxury lifestyle specialist and owner of Luxury Adventures. Talk to us about planning your next visit to New Zealand, Australia or the South Pacific Islands.