DIRECTORY
North Island
The North Island, gateway to New Zealand for many international visitors, is a place that plays by its own rules. From the northern tip, Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean crash together and swirling seas form an eerie backdrop to a place steeped in Maori legend, to the culture capital of Wellington at its southern end, this is an island where natural abundance knows no bounds.
With a comfortably temperate climate that becomes subtropical in the far north, the North Island invites visitors to enjoy its splendour year-round. It's easy to navigate, with excellent roads and a public transport system that services most parts. In addition to pulsating cities, charming towns, villages and resorts are scattered across the countryside, meaning a latte is never far away.
Highlights of the North Island range from unspoilt natural features to high culture. Make sure your visit takes in the steaming heart of the island. The central North Island features astounding thermal activity in the form of geysers, mud pools and hot springs. Underground activity also features in the Waitomo district, where stunning caves provide opportunities for adventure and a chance to be enchanted by the magic of glow-worms. Delve further into myth and legend with an exploration of New Zealand's intriguing Maori culture. A Pacific Island people who journeyed to these shores in waka (large canoes) many centuries ago, Maori developed a unique and complex society. You'll find opportunities to taste this magic all around New Zealand, but Rotorua is renowned for its cultural experiences.
Other unique inhabitants of New Zealand can be discovered in the rainforests of the North Island. No visit to this country would be complete without setting foot in the native forests that drape the hills. Having evolved in isolation for millions of years, many of New Zealand's plant and bird species are unique. There are no dangerous animals in New Zealand, so you can safely take a scenic walk by yourself, but a guide can help you to unravel some of nature's mysteries. Sample the bounty of local rivers and lakes by fishing for trout. More fishing opportunities exist offshore, or you can swim with dolphins or explore underwater life on a diving expedition. The North Island is blessed with a huge variety of beaches, from sparkling golden bays to wild coastlines with great surfing breaks. There are plenty of places for getting out and enjoying New Zealand's maritime treasures. The Bay of Islands is famed for its subtropical setting, while Auckland is reputed to have more pleasure boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. The Coromandel and Bay of Plenty are popular with New Zealand holiday makers.
When you're ready to discover the latest in New Zealand culture, start your search amongst the bright lights of Wellington or Auckland, the North Island's largest cities. Auckland features more restaurants, cafes and bars per capita than New York. It enjoys a unique setting on two harbours that are studded with islands ranging from unpopulated nature reserves to cultured enclaves from which locals commute to work by ferry each day. 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. Intriguingly, it's also a place for unique fashion and art, the country's cutting-edge national museum and a culture that embraces the individual.
From one end to the other, New Zealand's North Island embraces a diversity of natural and cultural features that is simply mind-blowing. [read more]