The North Island
You can’t beat the North Island when it comes to island-studded bays, long sandy beaches, lush forests, rugged mountains, world-class vineyards, and a wealth of geothermal attractions. It’s also home to Auckland, the so-called City of Sails set on a narrow strip of land flanked by two harbours: the Waitemata on the Tasman Sea and the Manukau on the Pacific Ocean. You’ll have ample time to explore the city, perhaps soaking up views from the 328-metre-high Sky Tower or gazing up at the 196-metre Maungawhau (Mount Eden). Later, you’ll visit Wellington, the city that takes pride in its “coolest little capital in the world” moniker and offers a mix of interesting museums, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving arts scene.
Equally worthy of your attention is Tongariro National Park, the dual UNESCO World Heritage Site that recognises both its Māori cultural and spiritual significance (established in 1887, it was New Zealand’s first national park). Here you’ll find three active volcanic mountains, majestic landscapes, and some of the best hikes in the world. Further thrills await in both Rotorua, the thermal wonderland best known for its shooting geysers, natural hot springs, and bubbling mud pools, and Taupo – home to the phenomenal Huka Falls, the 11-metre-high waterfall that blasts approximately 220,000 litres of water every second.
