Book excerpt: The Rough Guide Snapshot to Auckland and around is the ultimate travel guide to New Zealand's biggest city. It leads you through the city and its surroundings with reliable information and comprehensive coverage of all the sights and attractions, from the Auckland Art Gallery and Otara Market to hiking in the Waitakere Ranges and chilling out on Great Barrier Island. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the best cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you make the most of your trip, whether passing through, staying for the weekend or longer. The Rough Guide Snapshot to Auckland also covers the top places to visit beyond the city, including the Waitakere Ranges, Karekare, Piha, Wenderholm Regional Park, the Firth of Thames, Rangitoto Island, Great Barrier Island and Tiritiri Matangi. Also included is the Basics section from the Rough Guide to New Zealand, with all the practical information you need for travelling in and around Auckland, including transport, food, drink, costs and health. Also published as part of the Rough Guide to New Zealand. The Rough Guide Snapshot to Auckland and around is equivalent to 112 printed pages.