Interesting North Island Facts
The Maori name of New Zealand is Aotearoa which means "The Land of the Long White Cloud."
The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland, although its capital city is Wellington - both on the North Island.
New Zealanders are called Kiwis but kiwi is not a fruit - it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird!
New Zealand is one of the world’s least populated countries with just over 4.8 million people here.
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. Māori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island.
Where to go in North Island
Bay of Islands
Imagine an archipelago of over 140 islands, basking under bright blue skies; golden beaches and secluded coves lapped by azure blue seas. Sailing boats heading through warm water for tranquil harbours chased by playful dolphins; a laid back almost tropical way of life and a Maori culture and traditions going back centuries. That’s the Bay of Islands.
Auckland
The hundreds of sailing boats in Auckland harbour are an amazing sight and have gained New Zealand’s largest city the nickname “City of Sails”. But there’s much more to Auckland than its fantastic harbourfront; you’ll find shopping galore, restaurants that serve food to die for and a thriving night-scene too. Across the harbour is Waiheke Island, home to some of the best vineyards and wineries around.
Coromandel
Rustic, unspoilt and relaxed, the Coromandel peninsula and Bay of Plenty are cloaked in native rainforest and blessed with dazzling white beaches they are home to a plethora of local and international artists and artisans. Visit Hot Water beach and experience the warm water bubbling pools, swim with dolphins at Tauranga or walk to the top of Mount Maunganui and enjoy the stunning views.
Rotorua
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, rising clouds of steam and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all.
Taupo
Taupo was created almost two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption that was so big, it darkened the skies in Europe and China. Take a visit to the Craters of the Moon and you'll see evidence of the lake's fiery birth in the geysers, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. At some of Taupo's beaches, swimmers and paddlers can enjoy warm, geothermal water currents.
Bay of Plenty
Around Tauranga are hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados. Add to this bounty the local wines and the plentiful fresh seafood and you just know that this is a place where you will dine well.
Napier & Hawke's Bay
From Napier’s collection of Art Deco architecture to world class vineyards and wineries; magnificent coastlines to the mysterious Urewara National Park, the Hawkes Bay area overflows with nature’s bounty giving the region a world class reputation for fine wines. Add a rich cultural heritage with each region proud to tell its own stories of Maori legend and culture and you have a perfect holiday destination.
Wellington
New Zealand’s sophisticated capital sits between rolling hills and a stunning coastline. Friendly and compact, with a relaxed café culture and some wonderful cuisine, it is easily explored on foot. Visit the National Museum of New Zealand, or enjoy a cable car ride from Lambton Quay. And an hour’s drive out of the city will take you to the Wairarapa and Martinborough famous for its Pinot Noir.
