North Island
Active volcanoes, island sanctuaries and history top the list when visiting New Zealand's North Island.
From the far north where New Zealand’s political history began, journey through landscapes that blend magnificent beaches, sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders. Maori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island. Explore the country's fertile heartland, showcasing lush forests, rugged mountains, and steep gorges. Get off the beaten track and you'll be richly rewarded.
Content courtesy of Tourism NZ
Regions
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Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and main transport hub. Make sure you stop and enjoy the shopping, dining and natural wonders Auckland has to offer.
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The subtropical Northland region of New Zealand stretches upwards from Auckland to the very top of New Zealand. Take a journey along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to the iconic Bay of Islands, as well as the Kauri Coast, the Far North, and Whangarei.
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The Bay of Plenty region is home to spectacular beaches, juicy kiwifruit and New Zealand's only active marine volcano.
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The Coromandel, with its pristine beaches, native forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand's most popular and best-loved holiday destinations.
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Eastland is the place where the first Polynesian canoes landed, Captain Cook made his first landfall and Maori and European first encountered each other.
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Just south of Auckland lies the Hamilton-Waikato region; a land of lush pastures that was chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
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There are two words that best describe Hawke's Bay and they are Wine Country - but there is much more than wine to this sunny region.
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The beautiful Lake Taupo is about the size of Singapore – more of an inland sea really.
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Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic kiwi experience that's not to be missed.
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Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture.
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No region in the North Island has more defined character than Taranaki. Wherever you are, the symmetrical cone of Mount Taranaki gazes down at you.
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The Ruapehu region is defined by the three volcanoes that stand sentinel over a landscape of tussocked desert, rivers, lakes and thermal springs.
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Wairarapa is an hour's drive north of Wellington. Visit the vineyards of Martinborough or Cape Palliser, the southernmost point of the North Island.
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Situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington, New Zealand, was recently named "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet.
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Whanganui was one of the first cities to be founded in New Zealand. Whanganui, meaning 'big bay' or ‘big harbour', comes from the great river that flows through it.
