Feel the fresh air in your lungs in and around Auckland
Auckland is a city that rewards the adventurous of spirit and sturdy of foot, and photographer Nicola Easterby has locked down your hitlist. Hike up to Mount Eden and explore the Maori sites and volcanic cores. By now you've earned a tasting menu at Clooney, but save room for ice cream from Giapo. A day exploring West Auckland will reward you with winery tours, spectacular surf and a waterfall swimming spot. Keeping things outdoorsy there's boutique shopping and bushwalking to be had on Auckland's North Shore, plus a visit to a cheese factory to be factored in. But surely the prize destination has to be Hobbiton, the movie set that lets you explore Middle Earth.
When a public holiday falls against a weekend it's the universe telling you to pack your bags and go somewhere exciting for the long weekend. It's a holiday taster; long enough to make it count, short enough for carry on luggage. Conveniently, Mastercard have gathered a group of tastemakers to put together a series of Priceless Getaways, long weekend itineraries to let you hit the ground running at your minibreak destination of choice.
Perhaps you fancy taking in the beautiful waterfront towns from Queenstown to the Milford Sound? Or you can spend your time exploring Sydney's Northern Beaches, cruising up to wineries around Auckland or getting a local's persepctive on the Gold Coast. Whatever your holiday style, three days gives you that little bit of extra breathing room so that it feels like a holiday, not just a weekend away.