Combining natural beauty with city style in a mild climate, the North Island is perfect for a beach holiday, an authentic cultural experience or retail therapy in one of its vibrant cities.

The North Island, gateway to New Zealand for many international visitors, is a place unlike any other. From the northern tip, where swirling seas form an eerie backdrop to Maori legend to the culture capital of Wellington, this is an island where abundance knows no bounds.

With a temperate climate that ranges to subtropical in the far north, the North Island invites exploration year-round. Highlights range from amazing natural landscapes to high culture. The central North Island features astounding thermal activity, from geysers to mud pools and hot springs. In the Waitomo district, cave networks provide opportunities for adventure. Delve further into legend with an exploration of Maori culture – it is easily accessible to any visitor. Rotorua is a particular highlight for those interested in learning about the Maori people.

No visit to the North Island would be complete without setting foot in the native forests that drape the hills. Sample the bounty of rivers and lakes by fishing for trout. Offshore, swim with dolphins or explore underwater life on a diving expedition. The North Island is blessed with a huge variety of beaches, from golden bays to wild surfing breaks. Great places to enjoy New Zealand’s maritime treasures include the subtropical setting of the Bay of Islands and Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’.

If your clients would like to discover the latest in contemporary New Zealand culture, their adventure should begin in Auckland or Wellington, the North Island’s largest cities. Auckland enjoys a unique setting on two harbours that are studded with islands, and features a large number of highly regarded restaurants, cafés and bars. Wellington has a style all its own. Set on a harbour and surrounded by hills, this is where New Zealand’s politicians get down to business. It’s also a place for unique fashion and art, the country’s cutting-edge national museum, and a chance to ride on the Wellington Cable Car.

Northland & Auckland

Northland Birthplace of a nation, blessed with pristine beaches and forests in a subtropical climate. Auckland New Zealand’s main international gateway; the colourful and cosmopolitan ‘City of Sails’.

Pacific Coast Highway

The Coromandel A rustic and unspoilt landscape boasting rich heritage, rainforest and a long coastline. Bay of Plenty Beaches bathed in sunshine, vibrant towns and outdoor adventures on land and sea. Gisborne & Eastland An authentic taste of coastal New Zealand life in the first part of the world to see the sun. Hawke’s Bay Art Deco architecture and fine wine are the perfect blend in this pretty coastal region.

Thermal Explorer Highway

Waikato & Waitomo Tranquil rolling hills and lush gardens complement unforgettable caving adventures. Rotorua A fascinating blend of Maori and European cultures in a remarkable geothermal area. Taupo & Ruapehu Lake Taupo is the epicentre of a region bursting with adventure and natural attractions.

Western North island

Taranaki Explore dramatic surf coastline and an iconic mountain in a region steeped in history. Wanganui & Manawatu Thriving culture and fascinating history complemented by rural New Zealand charm.

Wellington & Wairarapa

Wellington Sophisticated and stylish, offering cultural experiences in a beautiful harbour setting. Wairarapa A quintessentially New Zealand blend of rustic charm, rugged scenery and wineries.

Highlights

National Parks The North Island has four National Parks: Te Urewera, Whanganui, Egmont and Tongariro. Geothermal activity Rotorua and Taupo are excellent places to experience New Zealand’s incredible geothermal activity. In Ruapehu, south of Lake Taupo, visitors can even ski on a volcano during the winter ski season. Maori and Pacific culture Maori culture can be encountered all around the North Island. The Central North Island offers an excellent range of Maori cultural activities, while Waitangi, in Northland, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by Maori and Pakeha in 1840. Eastland is a great place to experience 21st Century Maori culture – this is where the movie Whale Rider was filmed.