One of my all time favourite places to go in the summertime. Located just outside of Warkworth, The…read moreCement Works is an old quarry that is now filled with fresh water and serves as a brilliant swimming spot. Relatively unknown by outsiders, The Cement Works is usually filled with locals. I only know about it because my dad used to be from up north, so has 'inside knowledge'. The water is insanely deep so is a little scary but really fun to find trees to jump out of, as you know you'll never hit the bottom. The fact that its fresh water is also a huge bonus - it doesn't matter if you accidentally swallow it because it won't burn your throat on its way down! It also means if you stop there for a swim after a day at Goat Island or a nearby beach, you leave feeling fresh and clean rather than salty and sticky. Take a picnic and a chilly-bin filled with cold beverages (trust me this place is magic when cold beer is involved), pile your friends into your car and head up north for a lovely day in the sun! Tip: With the new motorway bypassing Orewa, it may cost a tariff but is totally worth it - now it only takes 45 minutes to get to The Cement Works!

The Old Cement Works is one of my favourite places in Warkworth. As the name suggests, it was an…read moreoperational cement and lime works until 1928. Today it's a historcial site; all that's left is a creepy, yet somehow beautiful pile of chimney ruins. They make a lovely photo, but I wouldn't get too close, they really are ruins. Some even say it's haunted by workers from the past (only the nice ones of course). Once you've taken your snaps the flooded quarry makes a perfect swimming hole. Part of the Mahurangi river, the water is deep and fresh. No sand and no salt! It does get deep very quickly though, so watch the little uns'. It's very peaceful along the river with some beautiful old willow trees to picnic under. Pack a blanket, your ham and egg sammies and it's a lovely place to spend the afternoon.

Algies Bay is a lot quieter than the more popular and touristy Tawharanui; it is mostly populated…read moreby locals and people with holiday homes in the surrounding area. It is a sand and shell beach, and it is much less tidal than other local beaches, such as Snells Beach, so there is more flexibility in when you can swim. There is a boat ramp, playground, toilets, a BBQ and a few picnic tables available, so if you are wanting to have a relaxing beach day trip without having to compete for space, where you can read your book and relax in the sun in peace, then this is the place to go.

We booked a bach on Kawau Island for a summer holiday and I can honestly say it was one of the best…read moreI've ever had. The island is absolutely magnificent. The water is so, so, so clear and we spent most of our holiday in it. We stayed in School House Bay and there was an awesome wharf where we'd bomb into the water. You'll need to watch out for stingrays though, but it's a good thing the water is so clear so you can see if there are any below you. There are loads tracks all over the island so you can walk to all the different bays and enjoy the scenery as you go. However, you'll need to make sure you take all the food you need as there's only a small dairy there. But the fact that there's nothing from normal life is what makes it the perfect place for a holiday.

"Cruise the Kawau Cat, to paradise and baaaack"…read more That 's the old radio jingle for the Kawau water taxi, and is what pops into my head every time I think of the place. Other things that come to mind... Mansion House - a beautiful old (haunted) mansion, built by Governor Grey that you can amble through Wallabies - the only 'exotic' animal left over after Governor Grey tried to start his own zoo. Island legend has it there were once giraffes and zebras too Beautiful beaches - it's a great place to moor the boat and explore. There are plenty of secluded little sandy bays fro sun bathing Shipwreck - on the western side of the island, good for diving or snorkelling over Walks - there are walking tracks galore to keep you busy on the island. They are well maintained and mostly flat so good for the whole family. The copper mine walk is one of my favs; a decent walk from Lady's bay to the ruins of an old copper mine Phosphorescence - If you're staying the night I recommend a midnight dip. If you're lucky enough you may encounter this amazing light show in the water. Just incredible!

New Zealand's hidden gem! A quiet and picturesque place with convenient access to restaurants and…read moregrocery stores!

Snells Beach is perfect for the family - picnic tables, two playgrounds, plenty of parking and old…read morePohutukawa trees which provide shelter on hot days. The beach is very safe for swimming as the water is quite shallow; however it is good to note that you should always check the tide, as it does go out quite far. There is a water ski area available, and also boat launch ramp capabilities. Unfortunately there are no dogs allowed in summer on the beach, however I'm not sure how strictly they enforce this law as yesterday I saw a few dogs in the water with their owners. Toilet facilities and a public BBQ are also available, making this a great summer picnic spot if you want a weekend escape not too far from the bustle of Auckland.

Kauwau Island is such a special spot for me. There's just something different about it. And Ladies…read moreBay epitomises this for me. It's really secluded but you can also get off the boat and walk 500 metres to the café in Mansion House Bay. You get all the perks of having a secluded bay, but with the benefits of being able to pop over for a coffee when your blood needs a hit of caffeine. We love going snorkeling here as the water is so clear. You hardly need a snorkel and mask. There's always loads of kina and the odd fish if you're lucky. This bay is way quieter than its neighbours Mansion House Bay and Copper Mine Bay so I suggest you go here on long weekends and during the peak season to avoid feeling like you're still in Auckland. There's also a track that goes from the Bay and will take you all over the island. It's a great way to spend the day and get some exercise.

Schoolhouse Bay in Kauwau is pure bliss. It's like what I'd imagine New Zealand used to be like…read more There are little baches, sure some have spa pools and hot water, but they still look like baches should look - a little run down and super cute. The best thing about this bay is the huge wharf! Which is a plus for two reasons. Firstly, it means you don't have to lug a week's worth of luggage and food in the dingy to shore. Secondly, it's perfect for jumping, bombing and diving off. But watch out for stingrays, there sure are plenty of them. Eep. Up behind the bay there is a road that you can walk up that will lead you to all the trails that will take you all over Kawau Island. One day we walked all the way to Mansion House Bay and got a well deserved ice block!

I know it's a bit of a push to classify this as 'Auckland' but I'm including it because it's only a…read more45min drive from central Auckland (even less if you live on the North Shore) and it is one of the best days I've spent in a long time. Gibbs Farm is a private property, open only one day a month by prior appointment, showcasing the sculpture collection of Alan Gibbs, philanthropist and one of New Zealand's most successful businessmen. The farm, which takes 2-3 hours to walk around includes major works by Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel and Zhan Wang. And there are giraffes! Real live giraffes! And zebras, emus, llamas and bison. I was lucky enough to visit this sculpture park and I thoroughly recommend that you try to as well. Beautiful landscape combined with breathtaking international artwork - what more could you ask for!

Never heard of Gibbs Farm before until a friend mentioned it but after researching into it, made an…read moreonline booking to see it as I was intrigued. Only open once monthly from 10am-2pm, it is a private farm property with a collection of amazing, large-sized sculptures by a range of artists including Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel and Zhan Wang. Set on the coast at the Kaipara Harbour, it is about a 40 minute drive from the North Shore and is made up of a large area of rolling grass hills. Prepare to get walking as there are several sculptures dotted around the property that you need to climb up and down hills for. Bring a packed lunch, water, put on good shoes and enjoy the artworks as well as farm creatures. Such a great place!

Omaha Beach is popular for it's small to medium surf, white sand and hot life guards. But when…read moreyou're sick of the water and the life guards have packed up for the day, there's a different type of perving you can do. House perving; and it's good. Take the board walk through the dunes, and let yourself dream. Dream that one of these many multi million dollar properties is your holiday home. Architects have been given endless budgets and full reign, and the result is interesting. We like to walk along and choose our favourites; some are peculiar, some nautical, some inventive and some stunning. One thing they all have in common is that they are BIG and have an amazing beach front view.

Mansion House is a must see touristy spot if you visit Kawau Isalnd. It was built wayyyyy back in…read morethe day to be the Copper Mine Manager's house. It is truly an amazing site to see when coming into the beautiful Mansion House Bay on the ferry. I love walking around the gardens. They're manicured to perfection and provide great shade on a hot summer's day. The peacocks are also really fun to watch! We usually take a picnic lunch and then get an ice cream from the little store in the bay. You can take a tour inside the house and there's also lots of information around the gardens about the island, the history and also all the walking tracks.