How to get there: 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland 

This relaxed island is where locals take their holidays. It’s a haven of rolling green hills and quiet beaches, dotted with award-winning wineries and long lunch-friendly restaurants. Ivy-covered Stonyridge Vineyard in the heart of the isle is a local favourite for its French-style reds – including the signature Larose, which you’ll get to sample as part of a tasting experience – and its hearty dishes such as kumara gnocchi and fresh-caught fish topped with smoked almonds. Both are best enjoyed while peering over the property’s vineyards and verdant olive groves. After eating and drinking your fill, head north to Oneroa or Palm Beach, where soft sand meets the warm lapping waters of the Hauraki Gulf, for a refreshing dip.

How to get there: 45 minutes by car from central Auckland

Picture glimmering black sand beaches, barrelling waves that beckon all levels of surfers and walking trails that hug seaside cliffs. In Muriwai, less than an hour’s drive east of Auckland, you can have it all. Thrillseekers have plenty of to-do’s to tempt them here, from soaring over the water on a paragliding adventure, galloping along the shore on horseback or learning to conquer a swell at the Muriwai Surf School. Embodying laid-back Kiwi charm, the town is populated with chilled-out cafes and eateries for passing the time in a more relaxed fashion: Muriwai Deli specialises in delicious donuts and is a must-visit.

How to get there: 2.5 hours by car from Auckland or 2 hours by ferry

Many Aucklanders love heading to this coastal haven, edged with white sand beaches and quiet, sheltered bays, for a seaside getaway. Boating and diving are among some of the most popular pastimes but if you prefer to keep your feet dry, you can also try your hand at  panning for gold in the idyllic town of Thames. Fuel up at the charming Eggsentric Cafe in Flaxmill Bay, which, as the name suggests, serves all manner of egg-based dishes, as well as heartier fare such as local crayfish with avocado and gazpacho, and venison slathered in a fragrant raspberry and beetroot jelly.

How to get there: 1.5 hours by car south from Auckland, or 2 hours by train from Puhinui (near Auckland airport)

Nestled along the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is an under-the-radar city that’s quickly making its mark as a favourite local getaway from Auckland. Its crown jewel is the Hamilton Gardens – sprawled over 54-hectares, the grounds are divided by curated themes such as the South Pacific, Ancient Egypt and Alice in Wonderland, with each patch an immersive escape created with plants. Nearby Matamata is where you’ll find the perfectly preserved Hobbiton – the real life Shire from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with daily walking tours offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the beloved production.

How to get there: 1 hour by car from Wellington

If shopping’s your thing, Greytown’s vintage stores are a treasure trove of finds, from new additions for your wardrobe to charming interior decor. To the east, you’ll find Stonehenge Aotearoa, an open-air astronomical observatory that looks remarkably like the Stonehenge you’ll find in England. Bibliophiles will want to take the 12-minute drive west to Featherston, at the foot of the Remutaka Range mountains, for its bookshops – it’s home to more stores than anywhere else in the country. The wider Wairarapa region is also filled with beautiful wineries, rugged nature and gourmet restaurants – cosy Main Street Deli & Cafe in Greytown plates up hearty chicken and bacon sandwiches as well as seafood curry chowder.

How to get there: 40 minutes by car north from Wellington

You could drive to the Kāpiti Coast or you could take the train. The 45-minute rail journey from historic Wellington Station skims the coastline of the lower North Island and is stunning – at dusk, the sky lights up in dazzling hues as the sun sinks below blue waves. Nature-lovers can disembark at Paekākāriki to tackle the hilltop-traversing Escarpment Track. The return hike takes just under four hours and includes crossing two swing bridges and an ascent to 220 metres above sea level. Queen Elizabeth Park in Paraparaumu – a 13-minute drive north of Paekākāriki – offers walking, horseback riding and a tram museum. Ride a historic tram to the beach, where, if you’re lucky, you might spot orcas frolicking in the water.

How to get there: 2 hours by car from Wellington

On the southernmost tip of North Island, the red-and-white-striped Cape Palliser Lighthouse has stood proud over the coast since 1897. After climbing its 250 stairs, take in panoramic views of the glimmering Cook Strait, spot fur seals playing in the pounding surf (the area is home to the island’s largest colony) and keep an eye out for passing whales and dolphins. Back on land, explore the zen green hills and forests of Aorangi Forest Park and if you’re here after dark, turn your focus to the heavens – the park lies at the heart of Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and is renowned for its topnotch stargazing conditions.

How to get there: 45 minutes by car from Wellington

The delightfully rugged Kāpiti Island can be reached via a 15-minute ferry ride from Paraparaumu. The isle’s wild trails traverse native forest, grassland, marshes and beaches, and rare native birds such as the flightless weka and chicken-like takahē (Kāpiti is a protected reserve dedicated to preserving local flora and fauna) run wild. Make the trek up to Tuteremoana, the highest point of the island, for panoramic vistas over the Tasman.

How to get there: Around 1.5 hours by car south-east from Christchurch

A seaside heritage town in New Zealand, colourful Akaroa wouldn’t look out of place in the French countryside thanks to chic boulangeries and cute shopfronts (A la baguette and L’Escargot Rouge are favourites). Hit the water with eco-tourism operator Black Cat Cruises and go for a swim with wild Hector’s Dolphins – one of the world’s smallest, then take the 25-minute winding drive through the hills down south to discover the country’s largest little penguin colony.

How to get there: Around 2.5 hours by car north from Christchurch

Giant sperm whales inhabit the waters of Kaikōura year-round. The best way to see these graceful mammals is by boat or helicopter. After marvelling at these aquatic creatures, sign up to spot dolphins in the wild, try birdwatching or give ziplining over the hills a go. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Hapuku Kitchen, on the northern side of town, for a farm-to-table culinary class and feast.

How to get there: Around 2 hours by car north-west from Christchurch

High in the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a pristine network of waterfalls, bridges and viaducts striped with hikes of all lengths and challenge levels. The walk to the aptly-named Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall crosses glacier-fed rivers on wooden bridges, weaves through misty forests and feels like stepping into another world. While trekking through the national park, keep an eye out for olive-green kea – a native, endangered parrot that’s known for its cheeky antics. 

How to get there: Around 20 minutes by car north-east from Queenstown

Bring your appetite to the former gold mining village of Arrowtown, a clutch of great restaurants and unique shops fringed by the cerulean Lake Hayes and verdant vineyards. A standout is Aosta, where a bold blend of Italian and Kiwi cuisine results in delicious dishes such as gnocchi with local agria potatoes. The Remarkable Sweet Shop is heaven for those with a sweet tooth – the house-made, gooey fudge is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Down the road, the Gibbston Valley is home to world-class wineries with cosy tasting rooms including Kinross, where you’ll sample the vineyard’s fragrant pinot noir and lesser-known golden Gewürztraminer.

How to get there: Around 45 minutes by car north-west from Queenstown

In the shadow of craggy mountains, the spectacular drive along Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, leads to a wild wonderland that has often appeared on the silver screen (remember The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and Rohan in Lord of the Rings?). The best way to take in the area’s dramatic mountain scenery and pristine lakes is with a guided trek on horseback through the spectacular Dart Valley. If you’re keen to kick your heart rate up a notch, zip down the glacier-fed Dart River on a jet boat or explore the waterways in a “funyak” inflatable canoe.

How to get there: 2 hours by car from Queenstown

When you picture New Zealand, there’s a strong chance this region is what you’ll see. From dramatic mountain peaks to swooping valleys and moody waterfalls – all of which can be explored by helicopter, plane, boat, or even a combination of all three – Fiordland embodies Aotearoa’s natural splendour in all its glory. Base yourself in the town of Te Anau to take it all in. Before tackling one of Fiordland National Park’s endless walking tracks, go underground and explore the otherworldly Te Anau Glowworm Caves; the twisting passages are illuminated by hundreds of twinkling glow worms, echoing the night sky.  

How to get there: Around 2 hours by car north from Queenstown

One of the key filming locations for Isengard in The Lord of the Rings film series, Mount Aspiring National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area composed of glacier-carved valleys, towering waterfalls and ultra-blue lakes. The myriad walking trails – many starting just off the highway – are on offer for hikes of every level of experience. The aptly-named Thunder Creek Falls is accessible by a sealed track through native forest, taking about five minutes all up and culminating with a platform that’s ideal for viewing the 28-metre-high waterfall. Other activities include jet boat rides and scenic flights brushing past white, snowy peaks.