Gisborne
Like a giant sundial, Te Tauihu Turanga Whakamana is a large modern sculpture in the shape of a tauihu (canoe prow) that celebrates early Māori explorers.
Must-see attractions in North Island
Waiheke Island
Part of the Waiheke Island Artworks complex, Whittaker’s Musical Museum has a collection of antique concert instruments.
The Far North
Just south of town, off the road to Ahipara, Kaitaia's only winery offers free tastings and sells local produce, including the famous Kaitaia Fire chilli…
New Plymouth
If you lose your bearings in downtown New Plymouth (or just want to know the time), look for the kooky, stripy clock tower, which is often luridly lit at…
New Plymouth
On top of Marsland Hill is the cacophonous 37-bell Kibby Carillon, a huge automated glockenspiel-like device that tolls out across the New Plymouth…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
The Rose Garden has 2500 bushes and 51 varieties with fabulously fruity names such as Lady Gay and Sexy Rexy. The roses usually bloom from November to May.
Hastings & Around
Created in the shadows of Te Mata Peak, the legendary Coleraine red at this unpretentious, old-school, family-run winery is worth the trip all on its own.
Napier
A bronze statue of the sea-dwelling Pania, whose tale is long and heartbreaking – ask a local to regale you with her story or read the statue's plaque.
North Auckland
The village’s pretty Catholic church dates from 1881 and has an interesting tabernacle painting (a copy of one in Bohemia), stained glass and statues.
Gisborne
On top of Kaiti Hill in Titirangi Reserve, this lookout offers high, wide and handsome views out across the sea.
Auckland
A classic colonial mansion (1863), Alberton featured as a backdrop for some scenes in The Piano. It's a 1km walk from Mt Albert train station.
Taranaki & Whanganui
From Aramoana Hill, near the southern end of the Whanganui River Rd, there’s a terrific view: peaks, paddocks, poplars and the curling river.
Auckland
A great vantage point for gazing over Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. Traditional Māori carvings honour important historical chiefs.
North Auckland
The Couldrey family were the original colonial settlers of the Wenderholm area, and their farmhouse dating from the 1860s is now a museum.
Waiheke Island
This interesting little gallery showcases the work of local artists. It's worth dropping by just to scour the gift shop for treasures.
Coromandel Peninsula
This small museum has a grand selection of Royal Albert porcelain and other pioneer and Māori artefacts – look in the drawers.
Napier
A 1936 art-deco fountain named after a local gentlemen's outfitter of the day. Best viewed at night when it's flamboyantly lit.
Parnell & Newmarket
Built in 1864 for a clergyman, this storybook cottage is an exceptionally well-preserved example of an early colonial house.
Taranaki & Whanganui
An archaeological site just off the Whanganui River Rd: what was once the centre of somewhere is now the middle of nowhere.
Coromandel Peninsula
A small but interesting museum focusing on local history – especially Whitianga’s most famous visitors, Kupe and Cook.
New Plymouth
Atop Marsland Hill (great views!) is this wee observatory, with one of the most powerful public-access telescopes in NZ.
Bay of Islands
What it lacks in height this attractive waterfall makes up for in breadth. It's accessed from the Kerikeri River Track.
Waiheke Island
This hilltop tasting room showcases some of Waiheke's finest olive oils and also sells other artisan food products.
Gisborne
One of Gisborne's gaggle of Captain Cook commemorations, part of which is a globe etched with his roaming routes.
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
This reproduction of Michelangelo's Moses was made from marble from the same quarry as the original.
Bay of Plenty
On a hilltop behind town, this observatory offers abundant Bay of Plenty star-spotting when the sky is clear.
Parnell & Newmarket
Tiny St Stephen's Chapel was built for the signing of the constitution of NZ's Anglican Church (1857).
North Auckland
Ten hectares of native bush with labelled trees, a pā site, a lookout and easy short walks.
Gisborne
Built in 1934, this art-deco clock tower is the undisputed highlight of Gisborne's main street.
Napier
Napier's closest swim spot (the main beach in front of the town centre isn't safe).
North Auckland
Tells the story of the hardship and perseverance of the original Bohemian pioneers.
Parnell & Newmarket
A marvellous Carpenter Gothic house (1862), sitting amid lush, landscaped grounds.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
The 7m-high, 7.5-tonne Big Shearer statue is at the southern end of town.
Waiheke Island
'Waiheke's most awarded winery' serves excellent pizza among the vines.
Waiheke Museum & Historic Village
Waiheke Island
Displays islander artefacts in six restored buildings.
Tauranga
Located on a nondescript suburban street, this marae (traditional meeting place) has a sensationally carved wharenui (meeting house). This is the private…
