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Hauraki Gulf Islands

New Zealand

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The Sky Tower in the centre of the buildings of Auckland's CBD, taken after sunset.

Overview

Stretching between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, the Hauraki Gulf is dotted with motu (islands), and is as equally stunning as Northland's Bay of Islands. Some islands are only minutes from the city and make excellent day trips. Wine-soaked Waiheke and volcanic Rangitoto really shouldn’t be missed. Great Barrier requires more effort (and cash) to get to, but provides an idyllic escape from modern life.

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  1. 1Entering the world of Middle Earth on an immersive “The Lord of the Rings” Hobbiton set visit
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