Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has taken out the top spot in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022; an accolade that is extremely encouraging in the city’s #ArrivalRevival.
During what is an incredibly challenging time for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s visitor economy, the industry has some positive news to celebrate after being named the number one city to visit next year in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022.
The book, which is on sale now worldwide, features their top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit in 2022.
The lists were compiled independently by a panel of Lonely Planet contributors across the globe and judged against a criteria addressing topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and sustainability.
On Auckland nabbing first place in the top cities category, Lonely Planet Senior Director Trade Sale and Marketing, Chris Zeiher said “This is an amazing recognition of Auckland and its surrounding attractions.
“Within the city’s boundaries there are 53 volcanoes, more than 50 islands, three wine regions and numerous beaches that make this a truly exciting and vibrant city”.
“There is so much to discover or rediscover in Auckland and this recognition, especially now as people start contemplating travel again, places Auckland as the number one city on the map,” Zeiher adds.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland previously made an appearance in the prestigious Lonely Planet list’s top 10 back in 2014, however, this is the first time Auckland has taken out the top spot.
While the accolade will no doubt raise Auckland’s profile amongst travel-starved global tourists, it’s clear that locals will be the first to explore the freshly crowned top travel destination as Auckland transitions to the Government’s new COVID-19 Protection Framework once vaccination targets are met across the region.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says, “Lonely Planet’s promotion of Auckland as the best city in the world to travel to in 2022 is a fantastic acknowledgement of what Tāmaki Makaurau has to offer.
“It will give a real boost to Auckland’s tourism and hospitality sectors as they start to recover from the COVID-19 lockdowns and borders reopen.
“It is also a reminder to Aucklanders and New Zealanders of the treasure trove of places and experiences we have on our doorstep. Seeing Auckland through the eyes of an international traveller is one way to understand how breath-taking, exciting, creative, and full of energy our region is.”
Speaking specifically to Auckland’s offerings in the year ahead, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 fittingly points to some of the outstanding events set to take place in Auckland in 2022, including Rugby World Cup 2021 (postponed from this year), as well as the massive contribution of the region’s Pasifika and Māori cultures to Auckland’s burgeoning creative energy, and the ‘brain gain’ created by Kiwis coming home – citing the return of famous restaurateur and celebrity chef Peter Gordon.
The book goes on to list the top five Auckland highlights, including West Coast beaches, Hauraki Gulf Islands, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery and volcanic cone climbs.
Close Kiwi neighbours The Cook Islands – proudly independent and one of the world’s smallest countries – claim the coveted spot as the number-one country to seek out in 2022.
Also featuring in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 list and another coup for Australasia, the Scenic Rim in Southeast Queensland was named number eight region in the world to visit.
Click here for more information.
- Royal Caribbean welcomes Star of the Seas ahead of August debut
- Karryon Top 10 stories of the week: Catch up on our most-wanted: Jul 11
- Aussie-owned luxury resort to open in Bali’s Uluwatu in 2026
- Travel agent PSA: Niche is Nice 2025 boutique roadshow registrations are now open!
- RSSC sees single biggest booking day for latest ultra-luxury ship; launches 234 new cruises for 2027-28
