New Zealand North Island
New Zealand is renowned for the beauty and diversity of its landscape. Where better to see this than the North Island?
Auckland and Wellington (New Zealand's capital city) are gateways for international travellers to the North Island, with Auckland the more popular starting point.
For the best of the North Island, make your way from Auckland to
Paihia, a peaceful and picturesque base from which to explore the spectacular Bay of Islands.
At the North Island's northern tip, the Tasman meets the Pacific in a spectacular swirl of currents without compare anywhere else in the world.
After Paihia, you might make the journey back to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand with almost a third of the country’s population. Its waterside location has earned it the nickname City of Sails.
From Auckland head for the Coromandel Peninsula, offering many beaches for surfing, swimming & fishing, including one with hot steam beneath the sand.
Leaving the Coromandel, you could journey inland to the thermal highlights of
Rotorua and Taupo. From here you can visit the world famous
Glow Worm Caves of Waitomo and the
Tongariro National Park which offers skiing at Mount Ruapehu.
All this is just the start! From the thermal region, consider a visit to Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine-producing districts, or Napier, renowned for its art deco.
Or make your way to the West Coast. New Plymouth, the main city of Tranaki, is famous for its parks and gardens.
If time permits we recommend visiting both the thermal and West Coast regions.
Making your way from the West Coast over rolling farmlands, arrive at Wellington, built around an extensive harbour with a spectacular backdrop of steep peaks.
A visit to the Kapiti Coast is also highly recommended.