Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the northwestern most tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s also known as Far North and it is located over 100 km north of the nearest small town of Kaitaia. The name of the cape comes from the Maori word “Reinga”, meaning the “Underworld” and it is believed by the group that the cape is the point where the spirits of the dead enter the underworld. Standing at the windswept Cape Reinga Lighthouse and looking out over the endless South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea where the seas converge certainly has an end-of-the-world feel to it.

WHAT TO DO?

Drive on Ninety Mile Beach; Sand board on the gigantic sand dunes; Stop to see the Massive Kauri trees on the way down, dated 2000 years with 30m diameter and 60m high.

Paihia

The Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand, combining great outdoor experiences with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. Cruise from Auckland, or start your holiday in Paihia, the hub of the Bay of Islands, where many tours by both land and sea begin.

WHAT TO DO?

Visit Waitangi to see the treaty house, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed by Maori and Europeans leaders; Take a ferry only 10 minutes from Paihia to visit the island Russel ; Visit the Role in the Rock by boat; Coastal and bush walks, paragliding, kayaking or swimming with dolphins; Sail on the beautiful waters of Bay of Islands; Visit the Hundertwasser’s toilet in Kawakawa town, very close to Pahia.

Coromandel

Coromandel Peninsula has some of the most stunning beaches in the North Island, golden sand, hot pools and glorious waters. The region is located less than 3 hours of the main cities such as Auckland, Hamilton or Tauranga and has three main towns: Thames, Whitianga and Hahei. Coromandel Peninsula is the place to go if you want to sit on a beach all day, or go on some of the amazing walks around the hills, gazing at perfect beaches.

WHAT TO DO?

Cathedral Cove: A 2-hour return walk, or a guided kayaking trip, will bring you to the white sands and arches of Cathedral Cove; Relax, indulge and experience a treatment on thermal water of Lost Springs in Whitianga; Dig a pool at Hot Water Beach and sink yourself into a sandy thermal bath.

Auckland

Auckland is known as City of Sails and belongs to the North Island, being the international gateway to the country. It is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand. Population exceeds 1.3 million. It is a major city and symbol of economic power. There are a great number of immigrants, especially Asians.

WHAT TO DO?

Chill out on the Auckland waterfront, one of the most alive places in Auckland, offering dining and entertainment; Cruising the Harbour by Yacht or Ferry; Visiting or bungee jumping the Sky tower; Walking to the top of Mount Eden; Visiting stylish Parnell Village with its antique shops and arts and crafts; Visiting Auckland War Memorial Museum or visit one of the vineyards in Waiheke Island.

Tauranga

Tauranga is the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty region and due to its sheltered position on the east coast, Tauranga enjoys a warm, dry climate. This has made it a popular location to retire to. Tauranga City is the fifth largest urban area in New Zealand, with an urban population of 116,000 and is one of New Zealand's main centers for business and has the largest port in New Zealand.

WHAT TO DO?

Waitomo

Waitomo is located on the central western North Island, south of Auckland and Hamilton cities and west of Rotorua and Taupo. Auckland is less than a 3 hour drive, Hamilton 1 hour, Rotorua and Taupo just over 2 hours. Waitomo is world famous for its glowworm caves, Black Water Rafting, action adventure, cave eco-tours, fabulous landscapes. You would rarely visit somewhere where the view underground is even more amazing than what you can see above the ground! There is a vast network of caves displaying stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms, as well as the occasional cave weta, one of the largest insects in the world.

WHAT TO DO?

Try The Legendary Black Water Rafting. Experience this mysterious, magical underground world of ancient caves, rivers and waterfalls and breathtaking glowworms.

Rotorua

Located on a volcanic plateau which covers much of the Central North Island, Rotorua sits on an area that has been geologically exciting for millennia. Here you will see geysers, hot mud pools and steaming craters. There are several geothermal areas in Rotorua for a truly magnificent display of the wonders of this region. Strolling through the streets of Rotorua, you will instantly feel like you have entered another world, where hot steam escapes from cracks in the road, back gardens come with their own natural mineral hot pool and the pungent aroma of sulphur exotically permeates the air.

WHAT TO DO?

Skydiving, mud baths, geisers, geothermals, BungyJump, globe riding with water (Zorb), Concerto Maori, Rafting with falls of 7 metres.

Taupo

Taupo is situated in the volcanic heart of the North Island; the Lake Taupo region is the biggest lake and home to New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, fascinating geothermal areas and the famous Huka Falls. Visitors come for the scenery and action-packed adventure, which are accompanied by a genuinely friendly local culture. The lakeside community is alive with great places to eat, drink and party.

WHAT TO DO?

Cheapest Skydiving in whole New Zealand; World famous trout fishing in New Zealand;  Swimming in pristine waters; Relaxing in hot pools; Skiing on a volcano;  Bungy Jumping; Visiting the mighty Huka falls or jet boating on a raging river.

Turangi

Turangi was settled by the Europeans in the late 19th century and established as a small fishing community, a reputation that lives on today with the plentiful trout in the Tongariro River. The town is an ideal place to base yourself when doing the Tongariro Crossing, a magnificent day walk which gives you a closer look at the stunning volcanic landscape in the area. In the winter Turangi also allows easy access to Whakapapa and Turoa, the best ski fields in the North Island.

WHAT TO DO?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is about 7 hours trekking. Llava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an enjoyable and memorable trip.

Napier

Napier is a neat city, popular with vacationing New Zealanders because of the pleasant climate and the wonderful beaches. Mostly levelled by an earthquake in the early 1930’s, the town was rebuilt in the style of the time – and now is known as "The Art Deco capital of the world" due to all of the fantastic and unique buildings that feature along the main streets of the city. Other tourist attractions include Marineland, the Hawkes Bay Aquarium and a Kiwi House (where you can actually touch a kiwi!).

WHAT TO DO?

Napier is also famous for the wide variety of water sports including water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking and parasailing. Walk to the top of Te Mata peak in Hastings.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It is also the cultural, administrative and political centre of the country. At night, Wellington offers up a spectacular, shimmering cityscape that is unlike almost anywhere else in the world. Even after seeing it for the hundredth time, it takes one's breath away. Wellington is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and diverse. It has the some of the best museums, art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries, and coffee houses in the country. The city is also known as the windy city (even has a radio station known as Radio Windy) due to the high winds flowing across Cook Strait.

WHAT TO DO?

Visiting Te Papa Museum; Parliament tour to get to know a bit about the city’s politic; Visiting Botanical Gardens.