Travel bible Lonely Planet rated Auckland, New Zealand as one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world. On average, Auckland attracts 1.8 million foreign tourists every year. New Zealand's best city is rated alongside other top cities like Paris, Shanghai, Zurich and Vancouver in Lonely Planet's ninth annual Best in Travel guide due out in Oct. 29.

The Best in Travel guide highlights the best travel destinations, trips, trends and experiences around the world for the year. Lonely Planet praised Auckland for its waterfront districts like the popular Wynyard Quarter. For the best dining and shopping options in Auckland, Lonely Planet recommended the City Works Depot and Britomart.

Lonely Planet also mentioned the black-sand beaches on Auckland's west coast, the Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island, Waitakere Ranges and the 77-kilomtre Hillary Trail. The SkyWalk on top of Auckland's Sky Tower and the renovated Auckland Art Gallery were also included in Lonely Planet's top tourist destinations in Auckland.

According to the Best in Travel book, the city of Auckland is often overlooked by tourists who are more excited about the lakes and alpine landscapes further in the south. Lonely Planet advises tourists to extend their stay in New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city to enjoy the food, arts and see the coastal hinterland.

Aside from the sights, Auckland has many festivals and events to keep tourists busy. The Maori and Pacific culture and the city's sporting events were also mentioned in the book.

Auckland, with a population of 1.4 million, was also mentioned for its traffic and its "inconsistent" team, the Warriors.

More than 500 authors and Lonely Planet staff voted for the Top 10 Cities in an independent nomination. Auckland-based author Brett Atkinson wrote the entry in the travel guide. He has visited more than 70 countries and published 45 stories based from his travels.

Auckland's marketing expert Graham McGregor said the distinction from Lonely Planet will boost New Zealand tourism, particularly in the city.