Auckland, NZ

Auckland, like any other big city is just that, a big city. BUT despite being the largest city in NZ the people in shops and restaurants are extremely friendly. I've already noticed the Kiwi Charm everyone hears about. Another bonus is that there are a few opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of the central business district that are fairly easy to access.
1) take a half hour bus ride south of the city and enjoy the walk up One Tree Jill. A volcanic cone that has a memorial to the Maori people.
2) Mt. Eden (Maungawhau) is Auckland's highest cone (196m) with a grass covered crater (50m deep). The view from here is pretty great.
3) take a 25min ferry ride to Rangitoto the largest and youngest volcanic cone. It takes about an hour to walk to the top but that includes lots of stops along the way. There are nice information boards along the way on geology and plants.