I love Australia but there is something about New Zealand that I just can't get out of my system. Every time I venture to this mysterious and magical country, whether for work or for a holiday, I continue to be inspired and overwhelmed by its beauty and versatility.

Fashion fun
I began this seven day trip in Auckland. One of my favourite ways to begin any visit to the 'City of Sails' is to head to High Street to get lost in the cobbled alleys and peruse the myriad of local designer shops. I always find fabulous and unique fashion that I can't buy anywhere else in the world. TK store and Moochi were highlights this time.

After a long day's shopping I retreated back to the Westin Hotel located on the water in Lighter Quay, overlooking Viaduct Harbour.

A personal sanctuary
With an eye for every detail, the hotel is a personal sanctuary. My room was large and offered space to relax and revitalise. The service was impeccable and the hotel was walking distance from every thing.

And you'll never believe who I rubbed shoulders with while staying there - David Beckham and the LA Galaxy team! As the masseur rubbed my weary feet, I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

A little touch of paradise
The next day I hopped on the ferry to Waiheke Island, only a thirty-minute ride from the Viaduct. If you've never been there, it is like a little touch of paradise. It's quiet, picturesque and you can smell the fresh bread hot from the oven as you enter the main street. Last time I visited the island I hired a scooter to get around but this time it was just as easy to jump in a taxi, which line up to greet every ferry. After a tour of the stunning Cable Bay vineyard I sat down in their restaurant to be treated to a long, relaxing lunch. I sampled the best local produce in dishes that combined bold, rustic flavours, while sipping their wine and looking back at the 180 degree view over Motukaha Island, the inner gulf, and all the way back to Auckland city. Ahh the good life!

Local traditions
The following day I took a Potiki Adventure tour which provided me with an opportunity to meet some of the local Maori folk and experience part of their traditional and contemporary lifestyle. It was wonderfully insightful and cultural. The tour ended with a visit to one tree hill lookout. What a knockout view!

Sailing in the 'City of Sails'
That afternoon I had another truly unforgettable and invigorating experience. I had the rare opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America's Cup yacht. With the sun shining and the breeze through my hair we set out into the beautiful Waitemata harbour and had a crash course in sailing one of these grand prix racing vessels. We wrenched the forty foot sail, set our course, counted down the start and then the race was on. You could choose whether you wanted to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. It was one of the most stimulating things I've ever done and a fantastic way to see Auckland city.

A unique dining experience
To top off my perfect day I treated myself to a dinner at Clooney's in Sale Street. Having spent my fair share of time wining and dining in Auckland I thought I had my favourite places pretty much mapped out. But now Clooney's sits at number one on my list. The design of the restaurant was one of my favourite elements. Floor to ceiling beaded curtains separate the round tables. They provide enough privacy but still create a fabulous ambience. The menu was sumptuous and presented like a fine piece of art. Clooney's is hip, funky and incredibly cool. And for a nightcap I headed down to the private bar that you can only access through the back of the restaurant.

As I was flying back to Sydney, just a mere three hours away, I knew it wouldn't be long before I returned to keep exploring my extraordinary second home, New Zealand.

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Photos by Daniel Allen.