ANZAED conference commitee member and Auckland local. Marion Roberts offers these suggestions for short touring trips before or after the conference

​Day trips from AKL this is a good list https://www.theurbanlist.com/nz/a-list/day-trips-from-auckland (I particularly recommend waitomo & karangahape george walk) need car hire

Other north island highlights https://www.theurbanlist.com/nz/a-list/north-island-attractions (particularly recommend hobbiton & Rotorua canopy tours) need car hire

For those staying in auckland - heart of the city is a very comprehensive website https://heartofthecity.co.nz/attractions?category[0]=categories:99 

​For waiheke Island i would just go to the ferry website to book tickets + any add-ons like winery tour https://www.fullers.co.nz/destinations-and-experiences/destinations/waiheke-island/

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