Location: Woodhill, Whangarei, New Zealand

This picturesque 35-kilometre drive passes by the bays and beaches of the beautiful Whangarei Harbour. A perfect location for all types of recreation and water sports, the harbour also has a plentiful supply of shellfish. En-route you will notice the legendary Mount Manaia, dominating the harbour entrance with its unique castle-like peaks. For the intrepid climber, a hike to the summit includes a thrilling rock chimney climb at the finish and spectacular 360-degree views (1.5 hours to summit). For the less adventurous, nearby Mount Aubrey makes a more leisurely climb (20 minutes) with superb views of the harbour. Discover Smugglers Cove, a remote and beautiful white sandy beach, fringed with pohutukawa trees – walking access only (20 minutes) from Urquharts Bay. The road ends at Ocean Beach, a favourite with surfers and popular for its unspoiled beauty.

Another picturesque drive taking in some of the finest beaches and scenery to be found anywhere. Travel northeast via the fertile farmlands, stonewalls and orchards of Glenbervie, arriving at the holiday resort of Ngunguru. Continue over the hills to the famous deep-sea fishing base of Tutukaka, and the cosy bays and fishing spots of the Tutukaka peninsula. Tutukaka is also the base for dive trips to the famous Poor Knights Islands. The islands are a Marine Reserve, and renowned world wide for their deep clear waters and variety of sea-life. Continue on to Matapouri and Whale Bay, two of the finest beaches in the country. Whale Bay is an idyllic spot with walking access only (five minutes). Sandy Bay, venue for surf championships, is the turning point of your journey. You can return via the same route or continue on through farmland rejoining the highway at Hikurangi. This makes an 80 kilometre round trip.

This magnificent expanse of white sparkling sand incorporates the fabulous beaches of Ruakaka, Uretiti, Waipu and Langs Beach is just 30 minutes south of the city. Great swimming, surfing, sunbathing, surf casting and plentiful shellfish in these sparkling waters. The islands visible offshore are the Hen and Chicken Islands, so named by Captain Cook in 1769, and now a wildlife sanctuary. The Oil Refinery at Marsden Point is known world wide for its beautiful setting. The Oil Refinery Visitors Centre has an impressive audio-visual display highlighting the workings of this massive project, and also features a huge scale model. Shows are free, open daily and clearly signposted from State Highway 1. Ruakaka boasts an all-weather horseracing track uniquely positioned right next to the surf.