Home to vibrant cities, rolling hills, native forests and rich Maori influences, holidays to the North Island of New Zealand boast a fascinating tapestry of landscape and culture, which begs to be explored. From the beaches and history of the Bay of Islands, to the mud pools, geysers and rich Maori heritage of Rotorua, North Island has something for everyone.
Explore Maori culture
North Island holidays provide great opportunities to discover New Zealand’s fascinating Maori culture. The many museums house hundreds of ancient artefacts, letting you explore the interesting history of the country. For a more immersive experience, book onto a Hangi feast, where you can see fascinating shows, full of traditional songs, dances and of course, the infamous Haka. You will also be served food cooked underground on hot stones – a traditional Maori way of cooking.
The landscape of North Island provides a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The numerous beautiful beaches are perfect for relaxing and swimming, while the rolling hills and ancient volcanoes offer various walking and hiking trails. At Lake Taupo, you can dive into a range of watersports; those seeking adventure can enjoy white water rafting or kayaking, although if you’d prefer something more relaxing, hop on a scenic cruise across the water.
Animal lovers will find plenty of things to do on a North Island holiday. Whale watching tours are available from several places around the island, and viewing these incredible marine creatures in their natural habitat is an experience which really shouldn’t be missed. For those who’d rather stay on dry land, take a quiet wander along the shores of Cape Pallister, where if you keep a watchful eye open, you’ll see New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks along the coast.
North Island's iconic cities
Cosmopolitan city culture can be found in Auckland. Shopping opportunities are available on every corner, from high-end boutiques to street markets full of unique bargains. The upbeat atmosphere doesn’t disappear when the evening comes either. A diverse range of cuisine fill the restaurants and fine wine is in abundance courtesy of the local vineyard region just north of the city.
Whether you want to discover the unknown or try something new, secluded beaches, bays and forests are just waiting to be experienced. Follow your taste buds around the world-class wines of Hawke's Bay, or enjoy the range of restaurants, bars and cafes in cities such as Wellington and Auckland. However you choose to spend it, Holidays to North Island, New Zealand won’t fail to impress.
