North Island
The North Island of New Zealand offers incredible golden sandy beaches, pungent bubbling mud, soaring geysers and pristine native bush. In a single day you could ski the snow-covered slopes of Mount Ruapehu in the morning and then follow it up with a dip in an historical hot mineral plunge pool that afternoon.
On the East Coast of Northland, Russell, Opua, Paihia, Waitangi and Kerikeri all make up part of the Bay of Islands, a world-renowned tourist destination. Waitangi is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Some of New Zealand's oldest buildings are found in the Bay of Islands. Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it's impossible to escape the lure of the sea.
Wherever you stay in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, stunning beaches, refreshing walks, tranquil holiday islands, exceptional food and wine, fabulous shopping and exhilarating nightlife. Auckland accommodation is ideal for a dream holiday, extended vacation, weekend away or day trip to Auckland. Whatever your interests, you'll never be short of things to do in the City of Sails.
The Coromandel Peninsula is in the Thames Region and is just over an hour's easy drive from Auckland Airport. Alternatively a ferry service runs from downtown Auckland to Coromandel Town, passing through the most picturesque part of the Hauraki Gulf. Take the time to visit Hot Water Beach where at low tide you can dig your own hot pool! Or maybe a beach walk to Cathedral Cove, a stunning natural amphitheatre. The Coromandel's unspoilt landscape and relaxed lifestyle make it the perfect holiday destination.
The green rolling landscapes of the Waikato region that lies to the south of Auckland form some of the most fertile land in New Zealand. Waikato also boasts an extensive warren of underground caverns that formed millions of years ago and are now a major tourist attraction. Hamilton is the region's main centre and is also the country's fourth largest city located on the banks of the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest. The town is famous for its themed gardens, and the local zoo, which has the largest free flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere - an excellent chance to find out about New Zealand's distinctive native birds. To the south of Hamilton, the small and pleasant town of Waitomo is the focal point of the region's subterranean wonders. A popular tourist stopover, the caves are easy to explore on a boat trip like no other, revealing a hidden world of glow-worms and phenomenal limestone formations.
Egmont National Park, on the western coast of the North Island, is dominated by a perfectly shaped volcanic cone known as both Mt Egmont and Mt Taranaki. Three sealed roads ascend the densely forested flanks, bringing the mountain facilities within a 30 minute drive of New Plymouth or Stratford and offering visitors the unusual opportunity to snowboard, ski, water ski and surf all in the same day!
In the very heart of the North Island, Rotorua, Taupo and the Tongariro National Park make up a region defined by volcanic explosion and geothermal activity. In Tongariro National Park the sweeping landscape is dominated by the dramatic volcanic cones of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, while Rotorua is known for its mysterious geothermal areas with hot springs, geysers, mud pools and steaming craters. In fact, virtually all accommodation in Rotorua comes with their own private mineral pool as a standard feature. And at the heart of this region is Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and a recreational mecca for fishers and watersport lovers.
The charming city of Napier in the picturesque region of Hawkes Bay is fast becoming world renowned for its Art Deco history. Add to this the vast number of awards gained by many of the regions wineries; the area is making its mark on the world visitor's map! Hawks Bay is loved for its sunny climate, fabulous beaches, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards. It is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing areas.
Wellington - New Zealands capital - is a vibrant, scenic, cosmopolitan, diverse, eccentric and entertaining place. It has some of the best museums, art galleries, restaurants and cafes in the country. Dominating the spectacular waterfront is Te Papa - the interactive, innovative museum which is one of New Zealand's key cultural attractions. Wellington is home to the NZ Symphony Orchestra, Royal NZ Ballet, The National Opera and the National Dance and Drama schools - all perform regularly in town. Central Wellington is very compact being less than 2 kilometres in length, which makes it a pedestrian's paradise. New Zealand Parliament Building, fondly referred to as 'The Beehive' is situated on Lambton Quay and from there you can catch the Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Gardens and Carter Observatory.
When you have finished exploring New Zealand's North Island.... discover the extremes of New Zealand's South Island!
