Art Discovery

Learn about the Māori culture by visiting the Kura Gallery downtown. Or, head to the Auckland Museum (Tamaki Paenga Hira) for the world’s most extensive displays of Māori and Pacific Island Collections. Drive to Matakana wine region for an afternoon at Brick Bay Wines. Unwind by strolling through a two kilometer-stretch trail and admire over 45 sculptures.

Explore Auckland’s maritime playground

On the east coast of Auckland, the Waitemata Harbour leads out into the Hauraki Gulf, bordered by islands of all sizes. Sail along Auckland's Waitemata Harbour to enjoy the landscape. Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island to sample olive oils and wines and sunbathe on its beautiful beaches. Hike to the top of Rangitoto Island, where Auckland’s youngest volcano offers stunning 360-degree views.

Find Golum’s precious ring 

Step into the magical pastures of the Shire at the Hobitton and Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of where the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ trilogies were filmed. Explore the farm that represents The Shire in the award-winning movies and take pictures in front of Bilbo Baggins’ Hobbit Hole home. Relive the Middle-earth stories of JRR Tolkien’s book as you see the Green Dragon Inn and discover behind-the-scenes secrets of the pursuit of the ring. Tour the limestone caverns of Waitomo Caves, or take a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto for a spectacular display of lights glowing in the dark.