These splendid gardens feature an impressive array of plants from diverse climates.

This elegant garden close to downtown Auckland has towering palm trees, a floral clock, a Victorian fountain, statues and an Argentinian ombu tree, whose enormous roots grow above ground.

Matakana Village and Matakana Farmers Market, one hour from Auckland. Close enough to visit, far enough to stay. On Saturday the vibrant farmers market is a focal point for the community and its growers to meet. Produce fills the stalls - fruit and vegetables, delicious home-baking and Italian-style sausages, divine organic chocolate, fine wines and boutique olive oils, locally-brewed beer, cafes and live music. Matakana is a unique mix. Rainbow Valley Farm is a world-famous model for permaculture. You'll find a riverside gallery next to the new cinemas, the best in contemporary literature just over the road from teahouse or cafe.

This scenic drive takes you past bush scenery, to observation points for spectacular views and to gorgeous beaches.

This driving route takes visitors roundtrip from Auckland through the island's scenic Northland region, offering beautiful views of coastlines and farmland.

The New Zealand National Maritime Museum collects and exhibits a diverse range of nautical and historical artefacts that represent New Zealand maritime history from the earliest Polynesian arrivals to modern day seafaring.

The steep incline of this vineyard makes tours out of the question, but a delicious lunch on the patio, overlooking hills and water, as well as a taste of the excellent Chardonnay makes a visit here very worthwhile.

This guided tour gives the best views of Aukland from the top of Sky Tower.

Visit the center of Auckland sailing and the place for the finest restaurants, bars, and luxury apartments.

Characterized by its formal gardens, this park is a great place to relax just minutes away from the city center.

This home grew from a modest farmhouse built in 1863 into an enormous fairy tale mansion, where visitors can admire its beautiful verandahs and towers and view original family furniture.

This meticulously preserved 19th-century cottage, built of kauri wood, has much of the original family furniture and possessions.

Get a feel for the lives of the prosperous Victorian family who owned this splendid timber Gothic house with fine gardens.

The international array of wines at this store, one of a national chain of wine stores, is truly impressive.

A venue for music and the performing arts, including the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, this building also houses a visitor information bureau, conference center and restaurants and bars.

This unusual museum has steam and sailing vessels both for show and cruises, 14 exhibition galleries describing New Zealand’s maritime heritage and demonstrations of nautical crafts.

Enter another era at this living museum, where costumed staff and 30 restored buildings recreate an early Auckland settlement.

Take a journey across frozen Antarctica to see accurate displays and live penguins interacting in real ice and snow.

Take a cruise of this spectacular harbor via catamaran, ferry, launch or yacht.

Over 100 outlets carry clothes, souvenirs and New Zealand goods, and the food court has cuisine from around the world.

The museum highlights the progression of technological achievements in transportation that have helped shape New Zealand.

This mega complex has two casinos, restaurants, bars, hotel, theater and the 1,000-foot high Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, which offers magnificent views and bungee jumping. The casinos offer favorite table games such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Jai Sai and Roulette plus more than 1,200 slots and gaming machines.

A walking tour of this picturesque vineyard reveals beautiful roses interspersed with the grape vines, used to make the vineyard's signature Larose Bordeaux style red wine.

CLOSED effective 4/11/2002

Tranquil 5 acre garden paradise, with bridges, waterfalls, waterwheels and magical fountains. Imprinted concrete paths throughout, combined with a huge variety of plantings, make these gardens ideal for year round viewing. Friendly hand fed birds, plus funny signs and scenes throughout the gardens gaurentee to make you laugh. Cafe, giftshop, picnic areas, playground, plus function centre for weddings, etc.