Just a short 35-minute flight, or slightly longer but more scenic 3-hour drive, north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region made up of 144 islands sitting between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Check out the undulating hills of the wine country, before heading to the pristine, blue seas to swim with dolphins – this North Island paradise is nothing short of spectacular.

In the heart of North Island, just two hours south of Auckland, lies the lush pastures of the Shire. Book yourself in for a guided tour of Hobbiton, the movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film series, and explore Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ home of Bag End. Your adventure to Middle-earth ends in the Green Dragon Inn, where you can order a Hobbit Southfarthing ale – available exclusively in this Hobbiton local.

Less than a 3-hour drive from Auckland, the area surrounding Rotorua boasts 18 beautiful lakes and otherworldly geothermal parks. Follow the faint scent of egg and you’ll find Wai-O-Tapu, the geothermal park that boasts spectacularly coloured hot springs, boiling mud pools and towering geysers. Nearby you’ll find the luscious Whakarewarewa redwood forest a hotspot for biking and trail running, and a living Maori village of the same name.

Explore the hip Aotea Arts Quarter, the cultural heartbeat of the city centre and home to theatre venues, art galleries and New Zealand’s only full-time comedy club. If you’re looking to unearth more about the rich history and culture of New Zealand’s Maori people, stop off at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, considered to be one of the top places to visit in Auckland.

One of the top things to do in Auckland – if not New Zealand – is to experience the nation’s rich and diverse marine life. Home to the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Auckland boasts some of the best aquatic encounters in New Zealand. A whale and dolphin safari offers breathtaking and eco-conscious chances to meet these gentle giants and far more.

Mount Eden, also known as Maungawhau, is one of the region’s 14 Tupuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) and the highest natural point in Auckland. A guided tour of this small dormant volcano offers the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the ancestral mountain in the identity of the Maori tribes of Auckland, and its history as a traditional fortified Maori village. Take a stroll up to the viewing deck of this Auckland attraction for spectacular panoramic views of the city.

On the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf lies Great Barrier Island: some 70% of the island is protected as a conservation area and it's full of hikes, hot springs, and natural beauty. The island is also a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary, with some of the most magnificent night skies in the world. This natural wonder is a must-see on any Auckland holiday.

Waiheke Island itself is reason enough to visit Auckland. A collection of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and beaches, it’s hard to believe this haven is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. While away the afternoons at one of the island’s award-winning wineries – particularly noted for their Bordeaux blends – or for something a little more adventurous, get high on one of the ziplines which run above the lush vegetation.

West Auckland’s black-sand beaches are a different kind of breed. They offer beauty, solitude, ruggedness, and some of the best surf in Auckland. Just a short car journey from the city, these lesser-known places to visit in Auckland offer a different perspective on the area. Head to Piha for surf lessons, Whatipu for a remote getaway, or Karekare for dramatic landscapes.

In the heart of North Island, just two hours south of Auckland, lies the lush pastures of the Shire. Book yourself in for a guided tour of Hobbiton, the movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film series, and explore Frodo and Bilbo Baggins’ home of Bag End. Your adventure to Middle-earth ends in the Green Dragon Inn, where you can order a Hobbit Southfarthing ale – available exclusively in this Hobbiton local.

Less than a 3-hour drive from Auckland, the area surrounding Rotorua boasts 18 beautiful lakes and otherworldly geothermal parks. Follow the faint scent of egg and you’ll find Wai-O-Tapu, the geothermal park that boasts spectacularly coloured hot springs, boiling mud pools and towering geysers. Nearby you’ll find the luscious Whakarewarewa redwood forest a hotspot for biking and trail running, and a living Maori village of the same name.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting when there’s a rugby match at Eden Park, make sure to book tickets in advance. As the home ground of Super Rugby team the Auckland Blues, and regular hosts of All Blacks rugby union matches, you’re all but guaranteed a great show – starting with the legendarily intimidating pre-match haka, performed as a sign of respect for the opposing team. It’s the perfect way to complete your Auckland holiday.