Introduction
These are a few of my personal favorite places I have been fortunate to visit in NZ. All images are taken by me on various road trips. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Graeme
North Island - Central - Lake Okatina
Access from State Highway 30 heading towards Whakatane from Rotorua. The road in is one on NZ's best scenic roads with lush trees hanging over the road. Unspoilt and pretty much free of tourist buses 
S 38.10078 E 176.42957
Google Map
North Island - Auckland - View of
Access from Scenic Drive, a small parking bay by the side of the road. Offers great views, bring a tripod at night. This is one of the potential spots to try and capture snow falling in Auckland, I've not done it yet but every winter I have a couple of attempts.
396m ASL
S 36.92385 E 174.55583
Google Map
North Island - Auckland - Piha Beach
Access from Piha Road off Scenic Drive. Home of 'Piha Rescue', Lion Rock, and one of NZ's most popular beaches. It's quite a long drive out from town and very popular. At times it's like every man and his dog is there. Bethells Beach further up the coast is usually less crowded
S 36.95179 E 174.46817
Google Map
North Island - Waikato - Miranda Coast
Rays Rest - pure white shell beach, perfect on a full tide.
Look for the Rays Rest turnoff from the coast road. Around an hour's drive from Auckland, heading south from Clevedon
S 37.15048 E 175.30716
Google Map
North Island - Northland - Kauri Coast Swimming Hole
A 'perfect' river swimming hole
In the grounds of the Kauri Coast Top 10 campground. The river loops around the campground and has a couple of swimming holes and small rapids. Honestly if it had been a bit warmer I'd have been in there!
S35.75052 E173.67389
Google Map
