The North Island of New Zealand is one of the world’s great holiday destinations. New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world to travel in and has a modern western culture merged with an element of the south sea islands through its Maori heritage. There are very few places where the scenery is more spectacular, the people more friendly and the tourist infrastructure in accommodation, tours and attractions more varied. If you have never been to the North Island of New Zealand, then you are definitely selling yourself short and you should make immediate plans to rectify your oversite.

Auckland is the largest city on the North Island and is also the main international arrival and departure point. There is an international airport and also connecting flights to all other NZ destinations. Auckland is known as the city of sails with its magnificent harbours and spectacular coastal scenery. There are a number of tourist icons on the North Island. In the north lies the city of Whangerei and the fabulous Bay of Islands region. This region centers on the town of Pahaia and is also the birthplace of modern New Zealand with the Treaty of Waitangi being signed here to unify the western and Maori cultures. This is a great place to relax on the seaside, go fishing or cruise to brilliant island destinations for the day. To the west of this region are the fabulous giant Kauri forests and this is a must see for any visitor to the area.

To the south of Auckland is the Coromandel peninsular with its spectacular scenery and interesting seaside villages and towns. The Rotorua and Taupo regions are at the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal region with geysers and pools of boiling mud. This region is full of exciting destinations and activities like visiting the glow worm caves at Waitomo or going trout fishing at lake Taupo. Hawkes Bay is located on the east coast and here you will find some of the world’s most interesting art deco architecture. The town of Napier was destroyed by an earthquake during this period and rebuilt in the art deco style. It is now the heart of a thriving wine growing and citrus growing region. Hamilton is on the west coast. It is the fourth largest city in the country and a great place to visit. In the south are the cities of Palmerston North and Wellington, which is New Zealand’s capital.

Avid skiers come to the north island to visit the ski resorts on Mt Ruapehu in the Tongororo National Park. Whakapapa and Turoa are both modern ski resorts with excellent facilities and slopes to challenge the best or suit the beginner. The mountain is an active volcano and there is a real thrill to be able to claim to have skied here.

If you are trying to decide where to go for your next holiday then make some plans for a long visit to the north island of New Zealand.

North Island