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Lonely Planet names Auckland the best city to visit in 2022

Lorna Thornber

It might seem ironic that Auckland has been named the best city in the world to visit at a time when travel to and from the city is banned.

Lonely Planet revealed New Zealand’s biggest city sits at number one on its list of the top 10 cities to visit in 2022 as Aucklanders endured their 10th week of lockdown.

And yet tourism experts say they are not surprised at Auckland’s accolade, predicting the city and region will cater well to the new breed of travellers emerging as international travel picks up.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 guide praised Tāmaki Makaurau’s’ ‘‘considerable natural assets’’ – including its 53 volcanoes, more than 50 islands, three wine regions and numerous beaches – and ‘‘blossoming’’ cultural scene in the months before the Delta outbreak.

Lonely Planet senior marketing director Chris Zeiher said it became clear during the judging process that Auckland had been underappreciated.

Zeiher said he believed pent-up demand for travel during the pandemic will push Auckland to the top of many travellers lists when borders reopen; its proximity to scenic outdoor spaces being a key attraction.

‘‘It has that blend of urban, outdoors, food, wine and adventure that the modern traveller really wants, and also appeals to a diversity of travellers. It’s good for couples, it’s good for solo travel, it’s great for families and grey nomads. It ticks a lot of boxes. I think people are going to be looking at their destination lists and thinking ‘I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand, and I’ve been denied travel for so long that it’s going right to the top’.

‘‘And as a gateway city, Auckland is very well positioned to say ‘don’t just use it as a stopover on the way to the South Island. It’s well worth staying and having a great time in and around the city’.’’

Lonely Planet compiles its annual list of the best countries, cities and regions to visit based on input from contributors around the world. From there, a panel of travel experts select the top 10 in each category, looking at why they’re great places to visit right now, the unique experiences on offer, environmental sustainability, and the ‘‘wow’’ factor.

In the months preceding the Delta outbreak, the guide said Auckland had become ‘‘perhaps the most vibrant city in the world, with restaurants, galleries, theatres, concerts and large sporting events all in full swing’’.

National News

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2021-10-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281663963220249

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