The North Island is the perfect spot for beachy adventures, immersing yourself in traditional culture and exploring beautiful harbour cities. Looking for inspiration for the ultimate North Island itinerary? These places should be on your shortlist!
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The Bay of Islands
Beach lover? You’ll find some of New Zealand’s most incredible beaches in the Bay of Islands. Whether on land or water, there’s so many unique places to explore, like Cape Brett with its famous “hole in the rock”, which you can explore on a guided boat tour as you spot dolphins and whales. Elsewhere, there’s historical significance in Russell, a romantic seaside town and New Zealand’s first seaport, and Waitangi, where the famous Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
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Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is most famous for the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. One of the most popular day hikes, it’s an exhilarating trail that takes you high up into the peaks of Mount Tongariro. The landscape here is truly breathtaking: shimmering emerald lakes, and craters that look like they belong on the moon.
There’s also great skiing at Mt. Ruapehu, home of the North Island’s twin ski fields. Both Whakapapa and Turoa offer fabulous late-season skiing well into spring (mid October).
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Wellington
New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Known for its bohemian laneways and amazing cafes, Wellington has a compact city centre that lends itself perfectly to exploring. You can take a Lord of the Rings guided tour, visit the iconic Beehive and parliament buildings, or just explore the day away, discovering the many artistic and unique detours that the streets of Wellington have to offer. The national museum, Te Papa, is a perennial favourite, and showcases the best of Kiwi culture with an impressive roster of exhibitions.
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Rotorua
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland, rich in Māori culture. Bubbling mud pools, giant steam geysers and hot water springs are all part of the Rotorua experience. At Te Puia, NZ’s Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, visitors can learn the traditional arts of Haka (dance), Hāngi (cooking), and Whakairo (carving).
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Auckland
New Zealand’s City of Sails city has a temperate climate, a stunning harbour, and all the shopping and entertainment options that come with being the nation’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. It’s also conveniently located if you want to make a detour to a quiet haven.
Well worth the drive, the Coromandel is located a few hours from Auckland, where you’ll find incredible rainforests and gorgeous sandy beaches. Even closer is the gorgeous and intimate Waiheke island. Just a short ferry ride away from Auckland, Waiheke boasts an array of amazing vineyards and beautiful bays to explore in a day or two.
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Taupo
Taupo is the North Island’s adventure mecca. Skydiving, jet boating and bungy jumping are just a few of your adventure options in this stunning lakeside town. If you’re keen for more laidback outdoors adventures, there’s also fantastic fly-fishing, waterfalls galore (don’t miss a trip to Huka Falls), and boat cruises on the lake to explore famous Māori landmarks. And for the keen golfer, there’s perhaps no better Kiwi destination. There are several superb courses and golf resorts here, including the Jack Nicklaus signature Kinloch Club.
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If you’d like to add one of these dream North Island destinations to your next New Zealand holiday, contact us today.
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