FROM THE TRAVEL EDITOR

Regular Herald readers might think of Simon Wilson as the guy who complains about Auckland. He writes regularly about the city and its issues, from traffic, to cycle lanes, to public transport, to ports. He’s not always positive.

Those readers will then be surprised to read his essay on p5 of this week’s magazine, in which he reveals all the things he loves about Tāmaki Makaurau — from art installations such as Michael Parekowhai’s The Lighthouse and Shane Cotton’s Maunga, to Wynyard Quarter’s public spaces and the

Sky Tower’s grandeur, Simon writes, “the city is a surprise, waiting to be unpacked”.

I certainly agree and so do many other writers featured in this week’s issue — we’ve uncovered a whole host of unexpected things to see and do in New Zealand’s biggest city, from winter walks to craft beer pub crawls to fabulous restaurants and luxurious new accommodation.

“The city is growing and changing and working out how to fulfil its dreams,” Simon writes. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, take some time to explore and you’ll find it’s easy to gain a new way of viewing a city you might think you know like the back of your hand.

As our striking cover photo of Waitākere’s Lower Huia dam shows, looking at something from a different angle can change your whole perspective.