Beyond Auckland there are many contrasting landscapes all within a few hours drive.  Golden beaches, geothermal activity, rolling green hills and pretty coastal villages are all close by for those wanting to venture beyond Auckland. We've picked out a few of those regions which are situated within easy reach.

Northland

3 hours drive north, on the rugged east coast, you will find several bays and peninsulas.  The most notable is the Bay of Islands (over 150 of them) which is a popular holiday destination and hotspot for fishing and sailing.  新西兰最北端的城市, Whangarei, 在群岛湾以南60公里处, and is the most populous place in Northland.   A trip to the region brings opportunities for diving, kayaking, surfing, dolphin-swimming and the famous Ninety Mile Beach.

Coromandel

从奥克兰往东开车两小时, the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula is a favourite holiday destination with locals. There are over 400kms of picturesque coastline, beaches and coves, 还有数不清的灌木覆盖的走道.  Further inland, you'll find rugged, 火山山隐藏在雨林中, containing the world's tallest fern trees and perfect for hiking.  Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are just two of the region's highlights. Read more.
Waikato & Hamilton

30km south of Auckland, rolling hills and majestic forests shape the Waikato landscape.  This rich agricultural region encompasses the area around Hamilton, the country's fourth largest city and extends along the banks of the Waikato River, 该国最长的河流.  The region features the world famous Waitomo Caves and its glow-worms and caving activities, 拉格兰的黑沙冲浪海滩, 汉密尔顿著名的花园和霍比屯, home of the hobbit village from the Lord of The Rings film trilogy.  Read More.
Rotorua 

依偎在同名的湖边, Rotorua is popular with those who wish to sample the sulphuric delights of the city's geothermal activity.  A 3 hour drive south brings you to geothermal landscapes, geysers and mud pools thanks to the Caldera (dormant volcano) upon which Rotorua sits. With 16 lakes, 毛利文化景点, a huge range of adventure activities and Lake Taupo close by, 这是一个显而易见的选择.  Read More.
Taupo

Lake Taupo itself is the country's largest freshwater lake, and a magnet for those seeking some wet pursuits away from the coast.  Taupo is also famous for the volcanic and geothermal attractions, Huka Falls and is the gateway to Tongariro National Park, the inspiration behind many of the locations in The Lord Of The Rings film trilogy.  Read More.
New Zealand Guides

For the very best information on the major cities of New Zealand, please visit our our sites:

• My Guide Wellington
• My Guide Rotorua
• My Guide Christchurch
• My Guide Queenstown