NORTH ISLAND REGIONS

Simply click on a region on the map below to get more information.

Northland

Location
Northland and the Bay of Islands includes all of the country north of Greater Auckland. This relatively narrow peninsula is New Zealand's northern-most region, reaching towards Polynesia, the home of its first inhabitants.

General
The sub-tropical north is a land of rolling, sometimes rugged countryside, tidal estuaries and mangroves, sparkling island-studded bays and long silvery beaches. In the more rugged areas are remnants of lush sub-tropical forest featuring giant kauris, which are among the largest trees in the world. It is an area of considerable historical significance, and is the place where Maori and European signed the Treaty of Waitangi that joined them as one nation.

Main Attractions/Activities
Northland is a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic. With 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is renowned for diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. Inland, hiking trails and short walks in the native forests lead to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

Cape Reinga - where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean - is one of the most northern spots in New Zealand. Coach tours to the Cape drive along the flat, silvery sands of Ninety Mile Beach - an historic "highway" (actually only 64 miles or 103 kilometres long) that is very popular with surfcasters and surfers.

As one of the first regions visited and settled by Europeans, the region has the oldest European villages in New Zealand and many historic buildings.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Dargaville - for the kauri forests and wild west coast beaches.
Whangarei - for beautiful bays and beaches, diving and big game fishing.
Paihia - for historic Russell and Waitangi, the Bay of Islands.
Kerikeri - for orchards and craft stalls.
Kaitaia - for Ninety-Mile beach and New Zealand's northern-most point, Cape Reinga.

Greater Auckland

Location
Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus, bounded by two harbours called the Waitemata and the Manukau, at the southern end of the Auckland Peninsula having a population of approximately one million people.

General
Auckland is the main gateway to New Zealand and the centre of commerce and industry. With a population of about one million people, it is New Zealand's largest urban area. Auckland offers something for everyone with great beaches, a beautiful harbour, some fantastic shopping, and the nightlife and culture of a metropolitan city.

Right on Auckland's doorstep is the magnificent Hauraki Gulf stretching in a great 250 kilometres sweep of coastline north and south of the city. Known as the City of Sails, Auckland is the current home of the America's Cup, yachting's greatest trophy.

Main Attractions/Activities
A diversity of landscape provides an inviting playground for the adventure seeker. Some of the world's finest and freshest cuisine, including an array of seafood delicacies and award-winning wines, are found in the city and its environs.

A multi-cultured city, Auckland offers all the amenities and attractions associated with a sophisticated cosmopolitan city, including galleries, museums, theatre and concerts. All of these have the distinctive blend of Polynesian and European themes.

Don't Miss

The Coromandel

Location
The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, across the Hauraki Gulf.

General
Looking across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the north of the Coromandel Peninsula can be seen on the horizon. Although only 90 minutes from Auckland, the Coromandel feels like it's a world away.

Main Attractions/Activities
The jagged, volcanic hills of the Coromandel Peninsula still retain much of their original rainforest, including giant kauri trees. Although there are great hiking trails in the forested hills, probably the greatest attraction is its spectacular coastline of sandy beaches, coves and harbours that provide boundless opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. There's even a beach with warm water bubbling up through the sand that allows bathers to scoop out their own spas.

The Coromandel's history is reflected in charming colonial architecture and historic buildings found in the small towns around the region, which had their heyday in the mid-1800s following the discovery of gold.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Thames - main town and gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Coromandel - charming old gold mining town with many craft shops.
Whitianga - has excellent restaurants.

Nearby is spectacular Cathedral Cove and fascinating Hot Water Beach.
Pauanui - upmarket resort with great fish restaurants and boat charters.
Whangamata - has the region's best surfing beaches, popular with recreational fishers.

Bay of Plenty

Location
Coastal Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel peninsula.

General
This region seems to have it all - a mild, sunny climate, some of the country's most popular beaches and an abundance of orchards, especially citrus and kiwifruit. The main centre, Tauranga, has all the amenities of a major city. Holiday accommodation ranges from high-class lodges to holiday parks and backpacker hostels, both in the city and across the harbour at the beach resort of Mount Maunganui.

Main Attractions/Activities
Mount Maunganui, with its prominent volcanic cone that gives it its name, is popular with surfers. It's also a very popular family holiday spot having a choice of both ocean and gentle harbour beaches.

Boat charters are available from Tauranga for big game fishing, snorkelling, dolphin watching or just cruising. Out on the horizon is White Island, an active volcano usually identified by its trailing plume of steam. Helicopter trips land on the island from Rotorua and Whakatane, along with boat trips also from Whakatane.

There are a number of challenging activities in the area, including tandem parachute jumping, sky diving, a hair-raising ride in a bungee rocket and rafting down the Wairoa River, one of the most spectacular stretches of white water in the country.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Katikati - Mural town.
Tauranga - M major regional centre and popular holiday spot.
Te Puke - Kiwifruit Orchards.
Whakatane - Main town of Eastern Bay of Plenty, with boat trips to White Island Volcano.

The Waikato

Location
Travelling south from Auckland, the Waikato is the first region south of Greater Auckland.

General
The Waikato region, centred on the Waikato River, contains some of the world's most productive farmlands. The main centre is the university town of Hamilton, with an impressive collection of Maori treasures in its Museum of Art and History.

Main Attractions/Activities
Beneath the rolling green fields in the south are the Waitomo Caves, whose cathedral-like caverns have long attracted sightseers but now also cater for thrill seekers exploring the underground streams and shafts. Glide through the darkness on a water-borne barge and admire the beauty and grandeur of the caves and glow-worms overhead.

The more adventurous may try tube rafting on an underground stream or abseiling (rappelling) 100 metres into the Lost World and the Haggas Honking Holes (no previous experience is required). Above ground, there are interesting walks in the unusual limestone country. Exploring the many small prosperous Waikato towns for arts and crafts can also be very rewarding. Out on the coast, Raglan is an internationally renowned surf beach and the region's seaside resort.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Hamilton - main centre for the rich Waikato region and location of Waikato University.
Cambridge - an attractive leafy rural town and centre of bloodstock industry.
Te Awamutu - known for its rose gardens and arts and crafts.

Rotorua

Location
This region is centred on the internationally renowned thermal resort of Rotorua.

General
Geysers, bubbling mud pools and Maori hospitality are some of the many experiences you will encounter in Rotorua. It is the oldest and best-known resort in the country, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Maori culture.

Main Attractions/Activities
From the moment you arrive in Rotorua you'll know you're somewhere quite different. There is a pervasive smell of sulphur, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.

If nature doesn't provide enough excitement, then you can top-up with some man-made extreme adventure. Try rap jumping down a mountain face, jumping from a plane at 9,500ft in a tandem skydive, sledding on a toboggan down white water rapids, jetboating, luging down a local mountain; or you might fancy tumbling head over heels down a hillside inside a giant ball - a zorb.

The Rotorua region is also one of the country's prime fishing spots where you are practically guaranteed a catch, especially if you hire a local professional guide.

After a hard day's sightseeing or strenuous activity a dip in a thermal spa is totally relaxing. In the evening you may be in the mood to experience a taste of Maori culture at a performance of song and dance, followed by food cooked in a traditional hangi (an earthen oven).

Don't Miss

Main Centre
Rotorua - the country's oldest resort and centre of geothermal activity.

Eastland/Gisborne

Location
This hilly North Island region reaches out to the Pacific Ocean, and is the most easterly in New Zealand.

General
The east coast is best known for its high annual sunshine hours, stunning coastal scenery and glorious country gardens. An area of high Maori population, it is one of the best places in the country to discover Maori heritage. The region is also one of New Zealand's prime grape-growing regions, renowned for its Chardonnay wine.

Main Attractions/Activities
Gisborne is the first city in the world to welcome the new day. Its surf beaches and long hot summers have always attracted New Zealanders on holiday. The Gisborne area also has some of the country's best surviving carved Maori meeting houses and churches.

South-west of Gisborne is Te Urewera National Park, the largest wilderness area in the North Island, with magnificent walks and trails centred on beautiful Lake Waikaremoana.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Gisborne - main city for Eastland and centre of regional wine industry.
Wairoa - for Te Urewera National Park.

Taupo

Location
South of Rotorua, this region is centred on Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, at 619 square kilometres in size, with the township of Taupo, in the scenic heart of the North lsland.

General
This region incorporates the southern part of the thermal belt that extends from White Island in the Bay of Plenty through Rotorua to Tongariro National Park. Hot springs appear in several places around the lake, which is actually a volcanic crater. Just north of Taupo, near the Wairakei International Golf Course, underground steam has been harnessed for electricity generation. One of the few outlets from Lake Taupo is the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, which gushes through a narrow chasm at the Huka Falls.

Main Attractions/Activities
Lake Taupo, the To

ngariro River and other inflowing streams have for a long-time had an international reputation for their rainbow trout fishery. Many people, however, just enjoy cruising, participating in the many water activities, or simply relaxing in one of the North Island's beauty spots. For the more energetic there are horse treks, bungy jumping, rafting, golfing and walking.

The Wairakei International Golf Course is one of the country's premier courses and one of seven in the area. Turangi at the southern end of the lake, is also another renowned trout fishing spot and the base for whitewater rafting on the Tongariro River which flows into the lake.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Taupo - a resort on New Zealand's largest lake.
Turangi - for fishing the Tongariro River and rafting.

Ruapeha

Location
The Ruapehu district is located in the central North Island, midway between Auckland and Wellington, with Highway 1 and scenic Highway 4 through the region providing equally good access and forming the western and eastern boundaries. The connecting Highways 47 and 49 provide the northern and southern boundaries respectively.

General
The 80,000 hectare Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Area and makes up most of this region, with its centrepiece Mount Ruapehu (2,797 metres) rising dramatically from the surrounding countryside. Alongside Mount Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains - Mount Ngauruhoe (also active) and Mount Tongariro. Mt Ruapehu is still very much an active volcano that every year or so puts on a magnificent pyrotechnic display of a mini eruption. It is also the site of the North Island's premier ski fields at Whakapapa and Turoa, which have world class facilities.

Main Attractions/Activities
In summer there are a number of trails to explore, with one of the best known being the Tongariro Crossing, a full-day hike. These hikes provide opportunities to experience some of the most active volcanic areas, as well as moonscape craters, lush native forest, lava formations, glaciers and pristine streams and lakes.

High-energy pursuits include ice and rock climbing, abseiling and mountaineering. There is also rafting, canoeing, trout fishing, horse trekking, golfing and farm bike tours. Two of New Zealand's biggest and most developed ski areas are both based on Mount Ruapehu - just four hours drive from Auckland or Wellington. Near the junction of Highways 1 and 49, the Waiouru Army Museum tells the stories of New Zealanders at war.

An attraction of special interest to railway buffs is the Raurimu Spiral, an internationally recognised engineering achievement built to negotiate a 215 metres escarpment on the North Island Main Trunk Railway. Railway enthusiasts come from all over the world to ride this section of track, either on scheduled services or on regular vintage steam train excursions.

Don't Miss

Main Centre
Ohakune - main service and apres-ski centre for the region.

Taranaki

Location
Taranaki, on the North Island's west coast, is on a peninsula that juts into the Tasman Sea and is half way between Auckland and Wellington.

General
The most striking natural feature of Taranaki is the near-perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki that dominates the whole region. From mountain trails, you can see spectacular views of Egmont National Park spread out below and lush green dairy pastures that stretch as far as the eye can see.

New Plymouth and surrounding districts are known for their glorious parks and gardens, particularly the dazzling array of rhododendrons and azaleas on display in spring. Many of the area's magnificent private gardens are open for public viewing year round.

Main Attractions/Activities
There are 21 attractive golf courses in the city and region, many in park-like surroundings with ocean views. The rugged backcountry makes for exciting canoeing, horseriding, four-wheel drive adventures and dam dropping. There is a choice of walking tracks on Mt Taranaki. The three-to-five day Round-the-Mountain track is recommended. Hut and motel accommodation are available.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
New Plymouth - the main regional centre.
Inglewood, Stratford, Hawera - attractive country service towns.

Hawkes Bay

Location
The Hawke's Bay region encompasses the area around Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the North Island.

General
This region is known for its sunny climate, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards. It is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing areas. Napier, the main city of the region was razed by earthquake and fire in 1931, and rebuilt in the art deco style fashionable at the time. What makes Napier so special is that it has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world.

Main Attractions/Activities
A unique attraction is the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctuary, the largest mainland colony in the world. It can be reached by 4WD vehicles, tractor and trailer, unimog or four-wheel motorbike, and at low tide on foot.

The Art Deco Walk is a permanent attraction, but each February there is the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend, a not too serious celebration of the art deco style. The Hawke's Bay vineyards are all within a short distance of Napier and Hastings cities, with over 30 open to the public for free wine tasting. Many also operate cafes and restaurants in both indoor and outdoor settings. The region is especially known for its fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.

Don't Miss

Main Centres
Napier - Art Deco city, with wine tasting and vineyard restaurants.
Hastings - the fruitbowl of New Zealand, with wine tasting and vineyard restaurants.

Wanganui

Location
The Wanganui region is on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo/Ruapehu regions, based around the Whanganui River.

General
Except for the rolling coastal lowlands around Wanganui, the hinterland is very rugged and there are only two winding roads following river valleys up to the volcanic plateau. A large part of the hill country is included in the Whanganui National Park, through which flows the historic Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway. The river was an important means of access for pre-European Maori, European settlers, and for intrepid tourists heading for the central North Island.

Main Attractions/Activities
Modern-day visitors can travel up the Whanganui River by jetboat or riverboat into the heart of the Whanganui National Park, or canoe downstream over gentle rapids. There are historic tribal villages along the way, where Maori welcome visitors who want to experience their unique lifestyle and cultural traditions.

There's a wonderful scenic daily mail bus trip up the river road to Pipiriki. Wanganui's Old Town Heritage Walk showcases a typical colonial New Zealand town.

Don't Miss

Main Centre
Wanganui - for nineteenth century heritage buildings, Whanganui River and National Park.

Manawatu/Rangitikai

Location
This area is based around State Highway 1 where it descends from the volcanic plateau to Wellington, west of the main ranges.

General
Although there are extensive coastal plains, the countryside becomes increasing hilly towards the north. Sheep farming and cattle raising are important activities, along with cropping on the lowlands.

Main Attractions/Activities
In the Rangitikei River Valley and surrounding hill country, bed and breakfasts and farmstays are a speciality, with many old homesteads having magnificent gardens. The largest of the villages and towns along the road to Mt Ruapehu and the central plateau is Taihape. It is renowned as the "gumboot capital", where every year a festival is held to celebrate this essential item of rural Kiwi footwear. The river supports an excellent trout fishery and there's also bungy jumping, white water and scenic rafting.

To the south is the Manawatu region with its broad coastal plains, on which lies the university city of Palmerston North, one of the country's larger provincial cities. The central business district of Palmerston North is centred on a large leafy square where many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and are now charming boutiques, cafes and great restaurants. It is a good base for exploring the many large private gardens in the surrounding countryside.

Don't Miss

Main Centre
Palmerston North - A major university city with many gardens to visit in the countryside.

Horowhenua

Location
The Horowhenua region lies approximately one hour north of Wellington (the capital city) on State Highway 1, bounded by the Tararua Ranges in the east and the Tasman Sea in the west.

General
Most of the area is an extensive coastal plain that ranges from Manakau, near Otaki, to just north of Foxton. The township of Levin, renowned for its clothing industry, is the heart of the area.

Horticulture is the major industry, based on the rich alluvial soils and mild temperate climate, and the area is known as the "market garden" of the lower North Island. Dairying is also very important.

Main Attractions/Activities
The Tararua Forest Park offers many opportunities for hikers - both experienced and those wanting pleasant day walks. The beaches are wide and sandy, and the unique dune lakes of Horowhenua and Papaitonga at Levin are rich in Maori history and native fauna. Owlcatraz, a nature park in Shannon, exhibits a variety of native birds and other animals, including the native New Zealand's morepork (Ruru) owl.

Foxton Township has great historical significance as the original river port of the Manawatu region and the centre of the flax industry. This history can be seen in painted murals around the town, the horse drawn tram, audio-visual and trolley bus museums.

The Foxton River Cruise also recreates part of the town's history and provides access to the Manawatu River estuary and wetlands, of international ornithological significance, to view the Royal Spoonbills.

Don't Miss

Main Centre
Levin - Principal town servicing the horticultural and agricultural community, at the junction of State Highways 1 and 57.  

Wairarapa

Location
The Wairarapa region is situated on the south-eastern part of the North Island, about 60 kilometres north east of Wellington City.

General
The Wairarapa area is a rich sheep-farming district with more than 100 farm and home stays located in idyllic countryside. The region, especially Martinborough, is fast gaining a reputation for premium wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc varieties.

Main Attractions/Activities
Greytown, one of the smaller Wairarapa towns, has a main street comprising mostly wooden Victorian-style buildings, many of which are now cafes and speciality shops selling antiques and gifts. About 20 kilometres north of the main centre of Masterton is Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, where rare and endangered birds and other species are studied and bred.

In the ranges to the West are the Rimutaka and Tararua forest parks, which contain a network of huts and trails that begin at many road-end picnic spots. Adventure activities include four-wheel driving, rafting, jetboating, abseiling, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, canoeing, hot air ballooning and gliding.

Wine tasting is encouraged at many of the vineyards and wineries clustered round the colonial village of Martinborough. The village has craft shops and several excellent restaurants, especially the wonderfully restored Martinborough Hotel. Around 30 of the Wairarapa private gardens open to visitors are at their best from September to March, but some are open and provide refreshments year round.

Don't Miss

Main Centre
Masterton - Wairarapa's main town (Population 20,000).

Wellington

Location
Wellington Region includes Wellington City and the south-west portion of the North Island.

General
Wellington, New Zealand's capital with its population of 346,000, is a superbly compact city, set on the shores of a deep harbour and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of wooded hills. It is New Zealand's trendy weekend destination and has the most vibrant entertainment district in the country, where you can find some of the best bars, cafes, restaurants and theatres. Wellington boasts an eclectic mix of shops. With a host of fashion stores and the country's premier department store, the city offers some of New Zealand's best shopping opportunities.

Main Attractions/Activities
With around 400 cafes and restaurants, Wellington's inner city has the highest concentration of eating establishments in New Zealand, earning it the tag 'café capital of New Zealand'. The city is home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, as well as national dance, drama, opera and musical groups. Four professional theatres operate year-round, so there are live shows every night. Wellington is also the home of much New Zealand heritage, including Te Papa, New Zealand's national, leading edge museum.

Just 45 minutes by car or rail from Wellington, Kapiti Coast is the recreational playground for the lower North Island, with both beaches and mountains readily accessible. Choose from white water rafting, safe swimming, boating, hunting and hiking, golfing, horse trekking and bush walks.

Don't Miss