AWE INSPIRING NORTH ISLAND HOLIDAYS

For beautiful and diverse scenery with flora and fauna unique to New Zealand, a full range of outdoor adventure sports and the charm of laid back cities, look no further than North Island.

• Outdoor Adventure Sports
• Epic Scenery
• Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit fame!

It has a warmer climate than South Island, with about three quarters of New Zealand’s population living on it and is the perfect place for nature and adventure lovers. For ‘Lord of the Rings’ devotees, the ‘Hobbiton’ movie set and tour is waiting… 

Hire a motorhome and travel through North Island.  Stay at campsites overnight or hotels-the choice is yours! Begin your New Zealand holiday!

WHY VISIT NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND?

1. Stunning and diverse scenery…beaches, bays, caves, volcanoes, Lake Taupo with its bubbling hot springs, emerald meadows…

The secluded bays on the 144 islands in the ‘Bay of Islands’ make a popular tourist destination for families, surfers and fishermen as does Waikato and the Coromandel peninsula. At ‘Hot Water Beach’ create your own spa pool for 2 hours either side of low tide!

Try black water rafting (or tubing) along underground rivers in Waitomo caves with its unforgettable glow worms.The popular Rotorua area has geysers, vents, mineral springs and a strong sulphur smell!

2. Unforgettable cities and towns

Cosmopolitan Auckland, NZ’s largest city, has two natural harbours, and is regularly voted as being one of the best places to live in the world. It’s known as ‘The City of Sails’ for its famous yachting tradition and ‘The City of Volcanoes’ as it is built on 50 of them! Hike up a dormant cone or climb the Sky Tower for outstanding views.

A strong Asian and Polynesian culture is reflected in its ethnically diverse cuisine. Head to the food stalls in night markets for delights. The waterfront has a range of restaurants and bars and there is a popular live music scene. Visit Auckland museum for displays on Kiwi culture. Cruise on a yacht (or take a ferry) on the Hauraki Gulf…you may spot orcas or dolphins! The calm bays here are family friendly. West Auckland is famous for its black sand beaches and surfing scene.

Wellington, the capital, has a longstanding art and music scene. With a range of restaurants, museums, galleries and boutiques, the city is easy to walk around. Napier attracts architecture lovers with its famous art deco buildings.

3. Unique Flora and fauna

Impressive Kauri forests once covered the whole of North Island…some remain especially in Waipoua forest. The Pohutakawa tree has red flowers in December and is known as NZ’s Christmas tree!

4. Outdoor and Extreme Sports

Swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, caving, parachuting, horseback riding, sky diving...North Island has it all. Lake Taupo is an extreme sport area, with white water rafting, parasailing and mountain biking.

Hiking is especially popular on the Lake Waikaremoana track, and the day trek through Tongariro National Park (our favourite experience in North Island)! Walk past emerald volcanic lakes; steam will be escaping through the ground! Ngauruhoe or Mount Doom (for Lord of the Rings fans) is a striking image!

Canoeing or kayaking down rivers in Whanganui National Park is possible. Scuba diving is especially popular in The Bay of Islands.

5. Food and Drink

Try fresh fish and unique Greenshell mussels, oysters, cray fish and lobster. For dessert try Lamingtons. Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are outstanding wine regions. Try ‘hangi’ a traditional Maori feast cooked underground.

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