The Sky Tower in Auckland is 328 metres tall, making it the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere when it opened in 1997. Observation decks offer views up to 80 km away, and there is a revolving restaurant. Adventurous visitors can try the SkyJump or SkyWalk around the outside of the tower.

Piha Beach is a rugged black-sand surf beach on Auckland's west coast, about 40 km from the city. The famous Lion Rock, a volcanic formation, divides the beach in two. Known for powerful surf and dramatic sunsets, it is surrounded by the Waitākere Ranges, with walks to waterfalls and lookouts.

The Bay of Islands in Northland includes about 144 islands spread across sheltered waters. It is known for sailing, dolphin watching and cruises to the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett. The historic towns of Paihia and Russell are located here, and it was one of the earliest areas of European settlement in New Zealand.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, making it New Zealand's most important historic site. Visitors see the Treaty House, the carved meeting house Te Whare Rūnanga and one of the world's largest ceremonial war canoes.

Cape Reinga, or Te Rerenga Wairua, is at the northern tip of New Zealand's North Island. Here the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in swirling currents. In Māori tradition it is where spirits of the dead depart. A white lighthouse stands on the headland, reached by a short walk.

Cathedral Cove, or Te Whanganui-A-Hei, is a beautiful beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, named for its huge natural rock arch. It lies within a marine reserve popular for snorkelling and kayaking. The cove is reached by a coastal walk or by boat, and the Te Hoho Rock stack sits just offshore.

Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula sits above underground hot springs. For about two hours either side of low tide, visitors dig holes in the sand to create their own natural spa pools with water reaching up to 64°C. The beach also has rolling surf and is close to Cathedral Cove.

Mount Maunganui, known as Mauao, is a 232-metre extinct volcanic cone at the tip of a peninsula in Tauranga. Walking tracks climb to the summit with panoramic views or circle its base. Below lies Main Beach, one of New Zealand's best surf beaches, and the hot saltwater pools.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua is an active geothermal area with colourful hot springs and craters. The Champagne Pool shows vivid orange and green, while the Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily. The Devil's Bath glows a bright lime green from minerals, and boiling mud pools bubble nearby.

Te Puia in Rotorua is home to the Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, which can erupt up to 20 times a day. It also houses the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where carvers and weavers train. Visitors see bubbling mud pools, a kiwi house and cultural performances.

Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata is where the Shire was filmed for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Set on a working sheep farm, the guided tour visits 44 hobbit holes, the Party Tree and the Mill. The tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn with a drink.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often called New Zealand's best one-day hike, covering 19.4 km across the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park. It passes the Red Crater, the vivid Emerald Lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe, which portrayed Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings. The park is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Napier in Hawke's Bay was rebuilt in Art Deco style after a devastating earthquake in 1931, creating one of the world's most complete collections of Art Deco buildings. Guided walks, vintage cars and the annual Art Deco Festival celebrate the 1930s style. The town also sits in a renowned wine region.