New Zealand’s North Island is a land with miles of spectacular coastline and tranquil beaches, rolling green hills and rugged mountain ranges, geothermal wonders and sprawling farmlands, not just one - but two beautiful harbour cities and a rich Maori culture.
Visit the modern city of Auckland with its melting pot of cultures from the South Pacific Islands. Enjoy a leisurely harbour cruise, catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands for the day or stroll along its waterfront, dining in one of many popular restaurants, cafes and bars. Take in the magnificent 360° views 328 metres above the ground from the top of the iconic Sky Tower.
Head north for the hot springs of Waiwera or sample some fine New Zealand wines in the vineyards of Matakana. Take a guided walk into the Waipoua Kauri forest, take a leisurely cruise around or a scenic flight above the 144 islands that make up the gorgeous Bay of Islands or drive along the west coast up Ninety Mile Beach towards the northernmost point and the lighthouse at Cape Reinga.
Explore the beautiful hidden gem of the Coromandel Peninsula with breathtaking coastlines and a rugged, rainforest covered interior. Its charming, arty town is Coromandel which is located on the pretty Coromandel Harbour.
Visit the underground labyrinth of limestone caves in Waitomo, where glow-worms twinkle like stars in the enchanting Glow-worm Grotto. For the adventurous, you can try your hand at cave rafting or abseiling into chasms and experience these incredible cave formations in a truly unique way. Stay on the Bay of Plenty, seaside playground for New Zealanders with hundreds of kilometres of white sand and surf beaches. Visit Middle-Earth in Matamata, on a magical Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour of the farmland used in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies; where you’ll see Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and other sets that were used in the film.
For something out of this world, wander around the ethereal moonscapes of Hells Gate Geothermal Park, the most active geothermal field in Rotorua. See the incredible volcanic landscape of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the awe-spiring Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you can witness Lady Knox Geyser, sizzling hot pools, steaming fumaroles and vividly coloured terraces. There are some informative and interactive Maori visitor experiences around Rotorua including the Mitai and Tamaki Maori Villages.
Close to the same size as Singapore, Lake Taupo was created nearly 2,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. Today, it is a tranquil setting where you can enjoy all kinds of thrilling water sports and activities in the chilly waters – see thermal waterfalls, impressive Maori Rock Carvings and beautiful gorges and native bushland.
Heading south, visit the charming town of Napier with its many Art Deco-styled buildings. Popular in style in the 1930s, the town was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1931 levelled most of the existing buildings, resulting in a proliferation of buildings in that style. Usually the last or the first stop before seeing the South Island is the lovely harbour city of Wellington. Enjoy stunning 360° views from the Mount Victoria lookout or take the iconic Wellington Cable car to the Botanic Gardens where you’ll discover 25 hectares of colourful flower displays, unique landscapes, protected native forest and specialised plant collections.
