Starting out in Auckland, which is where most tourists arrive by plane, drive north. About 45 minutes into your drive, you’ll hit BeesOnline. It’s at 791 Highway 16, Waimauku. It’s a restaurant, but they make gourmet honey here, and you can ask to taste their honeys. They serve food, and almost everything has some honey in it.

Drive a little further north and hit Whangarei Falls. It’s free, and located just outside the town of Whangarei. The falls drop 26 meters, or 82 feet, in parallel columns.

For beaches on your New Zealand driving tour, try Muriwai Beach and Aranga Beach. Aranga Beach can be combined with a hike up a steep hill. At the top you get a great view from Maunganui Bluff. In a country known for amazing scenic ocean views, even this one stands out. Muriwai Beach is popular for surfing, and has rocks galore. Located 28 miles northwest of Auckland.

If you make it all the way north to Paihia, save time for some hiking. A nice and easy, scenic hike can be found at Russell. Russell is a short ferry ride from Paihia, with boats leaving every half hour. It takes about fifteen minutes. Russell was the first permanent settlement of Europeans on New Zealand so it’s a good destination even if you don’t want to go hiking. It’s really a vacation town now. There’s a walking path that leads to some very steep inclines, but don’t worry, the hike is pretty easy. You get up to the peak, called Flagstaff Hill. You get a 360 degree view of the Bay of Island region, one you won’t ever forget.

National Government House in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand is where lots of visitors fly in for vacationing in this country. Even if you’re headed out to more rural parts, take time to explore Auckland, New Zealand because you’ll be surprised at how much there is to see and do! First, for a beginner’s guide to Auckland, New Zealand, head over to the Sky Tower. Go up to the top and get the best view in town. It’s over one thousand feet tall, and bungee jumpers just LOVE the Sky Tower. Watch for them falling! Admission to the observation deck at Auckland’s Sky Tower costs $19.

For lunch, eat like the locals do and hit the pubs. Pubs are ubiquitous in New Zealand and Auckland is no exception. Try The Gables, very local with hearty food and game nights. It’s at 248 Jervois Road. Or try Belgian Beer Cafe, which is a chain restaurant but that doesn’t matter because the food is so good! Get French Fries, or steak frites as they’re known here (steak fries). It’s a little fancier than your average Auckland New Zealand pub. Different locations bring different atmospheres for this chain, and one of our favorites is the one at Ponsonby. Eat in the courtyard for lovely meal.

For breakfast, go to 5 Loaves & 2 Fish. It’s also popular with locals. The coffee is turbo! Get the egg burritos and delicious bacon for a real treat. It’s located at 208 Jervois Road.

Here’s a tip if you’re arriving in Auckland New Zealand by plane from far away. If you arrive in the morning, chances are you’ll be exhausted from your long trip. Don’t give in to sleep, however. Try and stay awake and adjust to local time. Drink plenty of water and take a stroll in the fresh air.