An easy ferry ride from Auckland CBD or Devonport, Waiheke Island is a fabulous subtropical getaway. Many of the lush green rolling hills provide the ideal climate for wine grapes, which accounts for 30 or so wineries on this island.

It's also home to several great beaches, restaurants, a massive zipline, and an old military reserve.

Karangahake Gorge is a majestic mix of remnant goldfields and impressive nature. Once the site of New Zealand’s most lucrative gold strike, it is now a walking and hiking destination.

Swing bridges, former gold mine shafts, a historic cyanide treatment plant, and lush green forest led us to the gorge. Karangahake Gorge is a two-hour drive from the city and makes a great Auckland day trip.

Head to the west coast if you are looking for bigger surf waves or black sand beaches. Piha is best known from the former TV show Piha Rescue for its wild surf.

Muriwai is home to a huge colony of 1,200 Australian gannets that fly over to breed annually from late August to March. Either beach, you won't be disappointed.

Tiritiri Matangi is a day of exploration, hiking, and birds. This open bird sanctuary island is just a 75-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Tiritiri Matangi is a protected island paradise thought to be one of the world’s most successful conservation projects.

It's an all-day activity with a morning ferry heading out from Auckland or Gulf Harbour to the island and an afternoon return. Click here for ferry tickets and optional tour.

Just under a two-hour drive to the north will bring you to the provincial town of Waipu. Here, you have two great options. First, explore the caves where you will be surrounded by stalactites, stalagmites, and if go beyond the first chamber, glow worms.

Then, head to the coast and enjoy a beautiful beach. Personally, it's one of our favourite camping spots, as it's close to home, yet far away.

Although there are over 50 islands in the Hauraki, only a handful are accessible without a private boat. Two of our favourites are mentioned already: Tiritiri Matangi and Waiheke.

Two other popular options are Rangitoto and Kawau. Rangitoto is Auckland's largest and youngest volcanic field as well as being home to the country's largest pohutukawa forest.

Kawau was purchased in 1862 by then Governor of New Zealand, Sir Geroge Grey. He brought with him interesting animals and we can still find wallaby there today.

Shakespear Park is one of 27 Auckland Regional Parks currently open to the public. Each is special for different reasons. At Shakespear, you will find multiple beaches, hours of hiking trails, campgrounds, cows, sheep, and it is an open bird sanctuary.

An award-winning park, it's a great place to relax or stretch your legs. It's just less than an hour's drive from Auckland at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Best known for its world-class themed Hamilton Gardens, there are actually a surprising number of cool things to do in Hamilton, New Zealand's fourth-largest city.

A tea plantation, a regional museum, and Riff Raff square are a few of my favourites. Hamilton is 125 km southwest of Auckland.

An easy Auckland day trip, Orewa beach is 3km of golden sand and safe swimming nestled against a charming seaside community well known for its variety of cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.

Only a 25-minute drive, it's also accessible by bus.

Real middle earth, Hobbiton is a top destination for many Lord of the Rings fans. Entry is via tour only and each two-hour tour of the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie set takes visitors to Hobbit Holes, the Old Mill, and the Double Arched Bridge. It's a touristy destination, yet movie fans love it.

Ngatea Water Gardens is an eclectic mix of humour interwoven throughout a beautiful water garden. It requires a sense of humour to appreciate it. We laughed quite a bit.

Also located here is Arthur's Canny Museum. This display of over 11,000 cans is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Ngatea Water Gardens is about an hour's drive from Auckland.

While one can easily drive to Riverhead from downtown in 30 minutes, the more fun way to get here is on a 90-minute cruise along the river system leading out from Auckland.

Once there, enjoy a meal at the Landing restaurant or a drink at the Portage, a neighbourhood bar. Best of all, if you can head here on a Sunday, you can enjoy live music at the Boat House.