North Island Destination Guide
Auckland
Over a million of New Zealand’s 4.1 million population live in Auckland. Situated on a narrow strip of land between Waitemata Harbour in the north and Manukau Harbour in the south, it’s fairly obvious why its nickname is the “city of sails” and Aucklanders are mad about all things nautical. The best view of the city is to be had from the Sky tower - the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere at over 1,000 feet - with views out over the city and surrounding countryside as well as the long view down to street level through the glass floor.
Over a million of New Zealand’s 4.1 million population live in Auckland. Situated on a narrow strip of land between Waitemata Harbour in the north and Manukau Harbour in the south, it’s fairly obvious why its nickname is the “city of sails” and Aucklanders are mad about all things nautical. The best view of the city is to be had from the Sky tower - the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere at over 1,000 feet - with views out over the city and surrounding countryside as well as the long view down to street level through the glass floor.
Northland
Bay of Islands: Paihia is the gateway to this holiday region and boasts a range of modern hotels and a choice of bars and restaurants, whilst Waitangi, where the historic treaty between the Maori and British Crown was signed in 1840, is just a mile away. Across the bay, and accessible by a regular passenger ferry, is the pretty town of Russell. However, you come to this region to take a trip around the bay and admire the many little islands – mainly uninhabited, but with truly glorious beaches in idyllic seclusion. Not to be missed is a trip through the famous Hole in the Rock.
Ninety Mile Beach: In the northern most part of the island is this amazing stretch of beach. Cape Reinga is at its furthest point and is where Maori legend has it that the dead depart on their way to their homeland of Hawaiki.
Bay of Islands: Paihia is the gateway to this holiday region and boasts a range of modern hotels and a choice of bars and restaurants, whilst Waitangi, where the historic treaty between the Maori and British Crown was signed in 1840, is just a mile away. Across the bay, and accessible by a regular passenger ferry, is the pretty town of Russell. However, you come to this region to take a trip around the bay and admire the many little islands – mainly uninhabited, but with truly glorious beaches in idyllic seclusion. Not to be missed is a trip through the famous Hole in the Rock.
Ninety Mile Beach: In the northern most part of the island is this amazing stretch of beach. Cape Reinga is at its furthest point and is where Maori legend has it that the dead depart on their way to their homeland of Hawaiki.
Ninety Mile Beach: In the northern most part of the island is this amazing stretch of beach. Cape Reinga is at its furthest point and is where Maori legend has it that the dead depart on their way to their homeland of Hawaiki.
Lake Taupo
Taupo is a mecca for adventure lovers with no shortage of exciting things to do from bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating and scenic flights.
Taupo is a mecca for adventure lovers with no shortage of exciting things to do from bungy jumping, sky diving, jet boating and scenic flights.
Rotorua
This is New Zealand’s Maori heartland and is high on every visitor’s list of must dos. Apart from the fascinating cultural aspects of a visit to this region, you could not fail to notice the all-pervading smell of sulphur, which emanates from the geo-thermal activity. Whakarewarewa is the thermal area and is home to the Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute as well as Phutu (Big Splash) – the biggest geyser in New Zealand, which explodes up to 100 feet up to 20 times a day.
This is New Zealand’s Maori heartland and is high on every visitor’s list of must dos. Apart from the fascinating cultural aspects of a visit to this region, you could not fail to notice the all-pervading smell of sulphur, which emanates from the geo-thermal activity. Whakarewarewa is the thermal area and is home to the Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute as well as Phutu (Big Splash) – the biggest geyser in New Zealand, which explodes up to 100 feet up to 20 times a day.
Wellington
Often referred to as the windy city,Wellington is the artistic and cultural hub of New Zealand. The capital city offers a unique blend of heritage, culture and great food with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Boasting an outstanding harbour and being surrounded by a rugged coastline and rolling hills means you get a vivacious inner city experience with scenery, nature, walking trails and vineyards on your doorstep.
Often referred to as the windy city,Wellington is the artistic and cultural hub of New Zealand. The capital city offers a unique blend of heritage, culture and great food with a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Boasting an outstanding harbour and being surrounded by a rugged coastline and rolling hills means you get a vivacious inner city experience with scenery, nature, walking trails and vineyards on your doorstep.
Waikato
Hamilton: New Zealand’s fourth largest city is the gateway to the rich and fertile agricultural lands south of Auckland.
Waitomo Caves: The legendary Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand's top tourist attractions. Located just outside Waitomo, the caves are home to the famous Waitomo glow worms. The Cathedral cavern is known for its superb acoustics, which are due to the enclosed shape and rough surface. One of the most enjoyable ways to view these tiny creatures is by floating through the caves on a large inner tube, dressed in a wetsuit, wellies and a hard hat with a lamp on it.
Hamilton: New Zealand’s fourth largest city is the gateway to the rich and fertile agricultural lands south of Auckland.
Waitomo Caves: The legendary Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand's top tourist attractions. Located just outside Waitomo, the caves are home to the famous Waitomo glow worms. The Cathedral cavern is known for its superb acoustics, which are due to the enclosed shape and rough surface. One of the most enjoyable ways to view these tiny creatures is by floating through the caves on a large inner tube, dressed in a wetsuit, wellies and a hard hat with a lamp on it.
Waitomo Caves: The legendary Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand's top tourist attractions. Located just outside Waitomo, the caves are home to the famous Waitomo glow worms. The Cathedral cavern is known for its superb acoustics, which are due to the enclosed shape and rough surface. One of the most enjoyable ways to view these tiny creatures is by floating through the caves on a large inner tube, dressed in a wetsuit, wellies and a hard hat with a lamp on it.
Coromandel
The town of Thames marks the entrance to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, where you can choose to laze on a picture perfect beach or if you’re feeling more energetic, go tramping, fishing or sailing. The main towns of Coromandel and Whitianga offer the widest choice of accommodation. Make sure you stop at Hot Water Beach, where the thermal activity causes steam to rise from the sand and you can dig your own thermal hot pool on the beach!
The town of Thames marks the entrance to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, where you can choose to laze on a picture perfect beach or if you’re feeling more energetic, go tramping, fishing or sailing. The main towns of Coromandel and Whitianga offer the widest choice of accommodation. Make sure you stop at Hot Water Beach, where the thermal activity causes steam to rise from the sand and you can dig your own thermal hot pool on the beach!
The facts
Geography: More hills than mountains, North Island also has three active volcanoes and a stunning coastline.
Travelling time: Approximately 241/2 hours flying time from London.
Local time: GMT +12 hours
Climate: The warmer of the two islands, being closer to the equator, North Island enjoys a subtropical climate with winters not generally cooler than around 6°C and summers, a comfortable average of 23°C.
Airport information: Auckland airport is 15 miles southwest of the city with frequent shuttle buses operating to the centre.
Departure tax: A fee of NZ$25 per adult is payable locally for all international departures.
Geography: More hills than mountains, North Island also has three active volcanoes and a stunning coastline.
Travelling time: Approximately 241/2 hours flying time from London.
Local time: GMT +12 hours
Climate: The warmer of the two islands, being closer to the equator, North Island enjoys a subtropical climate with winters not generally cooler than around 6°C and summers, a comfortable average of 23°C.
Airport information: Auckland airport is 15 miles southwest of the city with frequent shuttle buses operating to the centre.
Departure tax: A fee of NZ$25 per adult is payable locally for all international departures.
Travelling time: Approximately 241/2 hours flying time from London.
Local time: GMT +12 hours
Climate: The warmer of the two islands, being closer to the equator, North Island enjoys a subtropical climate with winters not generally cooler than around 6°C and summers, a comfortable average of 23°C.
Airport information: Auckland airport is 15 miles southwest of the city with frequent shuttle buses operating to the centre.
Departure tax: A fee of NZ$25 per adult is payable locally for all international departures.
