Auckland

The Auckland Museum overlooks the city and the attractive Waitemata Harbour. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city, housing a remarkable collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts and cultural displays. Originally built as a World War I Memorial in 1929, the building was dedicated to the memory of New Zealand victims in both World War I and II. The 'New Zealand at War' exhibition has since been joined by extensive displays about the people and the country, its cultures, art and natural history. A highlight is the Maori cultural performance of song and dance, performed three times daily.

Address : Domain Drive, The Domain, Parnell

Website : www.aucklandmuseum.com

At 1,076 feet (328m), Auckland's Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable views over the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. It is part of the Sky City Entertainment Complex, with a casino, theatre, hotel, and conference centre. Visitors to the tower can splash out on dinner in the revolving restaurant, or admire the view from one of the four circular observation decks, reached by a glass lift. There is an outdoor deck, glass floor panels, an audio visual guide, and a number of touch computer screens providing geographical information. The Sky Deck is the highest viewing level with spectacular 360-degree views.

Address : Sky City Complex, Victoria and Federal Streets

Website : www.skycityauckland.co.nz

The Bay of Islands is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery. Interspersed with numerous little coves, inlets and sandy beaches, the historical townships of Paihia, Waitangi and Russell are the central hubs of the area. Sailing and boat cruises around the islands are the main attraction, but the natural surroundings and warm waters of the bay make it an ideal place for kayaking, swimming, diving, and fishing. The bay is also of historical significance as the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between the European settlers and Maori chiefs in 1840.

Website : www.bay-of-islands.co.nz

Hamilton is a pretty town 80 miles (128km) south of Auckland. Its proximity to the bigger city means it is often overlooked by tourists in New Zealand. However, as an excursion from Auckland, Hamilton has some worthwhile sights to offer. There are several hot springs around Hamilton, and the city is full of gardens, parks and river walks. Not far out of Hamilton is Matamata, home to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the 'Hobbit village' created for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Guided 'film and farm' tours are offered for fans of the movies.

Website : www.hobbitontours.com

The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous islands, some recreation retreats and others conservation islands with restricted access for the protection of rare bird, animal, and plant life. Waiheke is the most popular, with picturesque bays and white sandy beaches, rolling farmlands, and hills cloaked with vineyards and fine wineries. Uninhabited Rangitoto is a large volcanic cone with an unusual landscape of black distorted lava shapes. It is possible to hike up to the crater rim and explore the lava caves on the slopes. Each island has its own distinct character, so tourists can decide if they want to explore natural geographic features, relax on the beach, or simply wander around galleries and cafes.

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation projects. A hundred and twenty years of farming had seen this 220-hectare island stripped of almost all its native bush but between 1984 and 1994, volunteers planted between 250,000 and 300,000 trees. The Island is now sixty percent forested with the remaining forty percent left as grassland for species preferring open habitat. Visitors can access the island by a regular ferry service, which leaves from Auckland and Gulf Harbour. When on the island, visitors can enjoy a guided walk, explore the beaches or simply admire the natural beauty of the place.

Website : www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz