Auckland has been named one of the best global destinations for next year in a prestigious UK travel magazine.

Brian from New Lynn

Condé Nast Traveller's 23 Best Places to Go In 2023 said Auckland is "mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year", hailing the super city's jam-packed events calendar.
"After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year," the list reads.
"Pasifika, the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause.
"And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will swing down under."
The article also points to New Zealand's recently-reopened status, after borders were closed due to Covid-19.
"Three years' worth of flashy hotel openings await.
"From the looks of it, 2023 will – finally – give Auckland its time to shine."
It comes after a number of other recent global accolades for Tāmaki Makaurau.
Lonely Planet picked Auckland as the best city to visit in 2022 and Kingsland is officially one of the world's coolest suburbs.
'Living up to our name'
==================
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's head of visitor economy Annie Dundas welcomed the news.
"It's fantastic to see Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland again acknowledged as a top destination to visit by a trusted international travel publication – living up to our name as a place desired by many," she said.
"We are excited to be welcoming back our international manuhiri to explore our amazing attractions, events and festivals, as well as the many new accommodation, dining spots and activities on offer throughout our region."
On top of this year's Lonely Planet listing and Kingsland's Time Out shout-out, Dundas pointed to other recent achievements.
"This adds to a list of recent awards for our region – Auckland was also recently named the Best Global Music City at the Annual Music Cities Awards, and also awarded Oceania's best destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions for the third year running at the 2022 World MICE Awards," she said.
================================================