Auckland
WHAT HARRY AND MEGHAN
DID: Thanks to an ambitious regeneration project, Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is now a buzzing cultural hub, complete with acres of pristine boardwalk, street-food stalls and hip bars. It’s here that the royal couple greeted the public before heading to a swanky reception at the War Memorial Museum.
YOUR ROYAL ITINERARY: Didn’t get a VIP invite? Take your mind off it by hopping on a boat to Waiheke, an island around 20km off the Auckland coastline, where you’ll find sandy beaches and fresh seafood by the bucketload. Ferry crossings cost $22, and can be booked via Sealink.co.nz. Take a tipple-tastic tour of the island’s vineyards and explore the seafront shops. Once back in the city, brave a 192m-high walk around the Sky Tower, or hang out at one of the many coffee houses along Ponsonby Road. Hokey pokey ice cream is as synonymous with NZ as feta is with Greece, so make sure you sample it. Oh, and if you have a day to spare, take a trip out to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. A tour of the set from the iconic film costs $84, and includes a peek inside the Hobbit Holes and a visit to Green Dragon Inn (Hobbitontours.com).
REGAL ROOMS: The centrally located Shakespeare Hotel
(Shakespeare.nz) blends comfort with fabulous furnishings, and the staff are some of the nicest people on the planet. You can even nab a room for two for under £70. Or try out the M Social, a stylish design-led hotel overlooking the harbour. Rooms cost from £104 a night (Millenniumhotels.com).