One Tree Hill for unbeatable views over Auckland

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Unsurprisingly it's called One Tree Hill because it only has one tree!

It is also an important memorial for both Maoris and indeed all New Zealanders.

If Auckland is to be your gateway to going home then this is the place to take those last minute scenic shots from.

edit: I have since discovered that One Tree Hill is now, in fact, No Tree Hill after several attacks on the tree including one with a chainsaw - how very sad.

The memorial of course still remains as do the beautiful views

Mount Maunganui - the big hill that needs to be climbed

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Its 232 metres (761 feet) in height and it offers spectacular views of Tauranga and The Bay Of  Plenty.

It stands out so much from the surrounding landscape you almost feel it is yelling out to you "climb me!"

"It" is Mount Maunganui !

232 metres doesn't sound like a long walk does it? After all an olympic athlete, in theory, could run that distance on the flat in under 30 seconds.

But as you can see (above) the path to the top is far from straight. Instead it winds around the mount, in a gradual, but deceptively steep climb.

An adult of normal fitness would get to the top in about 45 minutes. Anybody with any sort of walking impediment will probably take far longer. Wear comfortable footwear that are suitable for climbing on a stony surface. If it has been raining areas may be muddy too.Sandals are not the ideal shoes for this climb (I'd opt for comfy trainers). Oh and if it's a hot day go prepared with sunscreen and water!

The reward at the top however will be worth it, and hopefully you will remember to take your camera with you (you probably won't want to go back down to get it).

The good news is that the descent is far easier than the ascent was - I can almost guarantee your legs will feel that they have climbed far more than 232 metres.

Whakatane

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Just a little north of Ohope beach ,still in the Bay Of Plenty, lies Whakatane. From here you can take a White Island live volcano tour. Or you may fancy whale watching and dolphin swimming? Go running on a bush track, watch rare sea birds or try mountain biking. Jet boating is nearby too. Whakatane is a great base for an activity holiday.

The narrow harbour to Whakatane is picturesque and provides great photographic opportunites. The rocky formations providing a challenge to boats navigating the channel and quite a contrast to neaby Ohope's sands.

Ohope Beach for a stunning beach and incredible views

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Whether you enjoy lazing on a beach, just watching the birds, or enjoying beautiful views Ohope beach will be hard to beat.

As regards to the views you can just enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Plenty or gaze out at New Zealand's active volcanic island, White Island.

If this is towards the end of your holiday as you approach Auckland for the airport this would be a great place to relax and just enjoy your surroundings.

Napier, The Scenic Option

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Napier is such a beautiful city on the North Island of New Zealand. There is also so much to do whether you are a native of the country or just on holiday as we were.

I'll kick off this post with a "scenic post"

Take note of where Bluff Look Out is on the map above. That seemingly little car park is the key to some of the best views over Napier, the port and surrounding areas. If you have a good zoom lens or zoom facilty on your camera you can get some great shots of boats in the harbour.

Mount Victoria for more Wellington views

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Another day another excellent viewpoint. This time from the Mount Victoria Lookout.

Using Google Earth, above, I have put you as close as possible to the lookout point. I have no idea why Googles car did not drive the short distance to the viewpoint or even continue navigation of the road.

However, using the usual controls for Google Earth turn around and head back down the hill. As you decend you will still get great views as younavigate the winding road.