Sightseeing

As to suggestions of places to visit nearby (1-day or 2-day trips) below are a few to consider:

-     Waiheke Island

-     Coromandel Peninsula

-     Karikari Peninsula

-     Waitangi Grounds

-     Cape Reinga

-     Rotorua

-     West Coast (beaches, bird colony and wineries) 

-     Mangawhai

-     Matakana

-     Auckland Art Gallery

-     Auckland Museum

-     Auckland Fish Market

-     Puhoi Cheese Factory

-     Sheep World

-     Honey Centre

-     Kauri Museum

-     Matamata and the Hobbits

-     Waitomo Caves

-     Hamilton Gardens

-     Bay of Islands

-     Hawkes Bay and the Merlot region

-     Lake Taupo

-     Great Walks in NZ

-     One can always take a short flight to Barrier Island, Queenstown (with nearby Arrowtown and Lake Wanaka) or Wellington, or Christchurch, etc.

-     And, there are plenty more places to explore to eat out, breweries, wineries, cafes, etc.