Whangaparaoa Peninsula
Beaches and walking tracks a short drive north from Auckland. December is a good month to visit as New Zealand "Christmas tree" the pohutakawa is in full bloom. Just north is Orewa beach camping ground.
Riversdale
Surfing beach 40 minutes from Masterton in the Wairarapa.
Mauriceville West Lutheran Church
Mauriceville is a Scandinavian settlement area a short drive north from Masterton (and about 10 miles from Peter "Lord of the Rings" Jackson's house.)
