North Island
New Zealand is a geological dynamic country. On the northern island this is reflected in the volcanic landscape. This landscape includes active volcanos, geysers, mud pools, hot springs etc. These characteristics of the landscape attract many tourists. (See Waikato & Tongariro) Furthermore the island is blessed with many nice Beaches, islands, rocky coastlines, forests and rolling hills.
Of course this island offers much more. To start with: Auckland “The City of Sails”. This is often referred to as the most Polynesian city in the world. In Auckland you will have many Culture and Entertainment and in particular Outdoor activities at your doorstep. (See Northland & Auckland)
Heading north from Auckland you will come across many nice forests, bays, islands and rocky- and dune characterized coastlines. After having traveled a couple of hundred kilometers Cape Reinga is reached. This is the most northern tip of New Zealand. Here the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea converge; beautiful. (See Northland & Auckland)
New Zealand’s wine industry is flourishing. On the northern island you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy this specialty. Especially in the area of Wellington and Napier you will be spoiled with many nice wines. (See Wanganui & Wellington and Bay of Plenty & East Coast)Talking about “Windy Welly” … this is a very nice, vibrant and cultural city; a real Capital. Wellington is in particular famous for its abundance of cultural activities; a visit to a theater or a museums etc. “has” to be done when being there. (See Wanganui & Wellington)
When you like to climb the most climbed mountain in New Zealand, Mount Taraniki or Egmont, you should travel to Wanganui & Wellington. Other nice activities around this volcanic mountain are enjoying the rolling hills with many sheep grazing on it and wandering on the Beaches this area is blessed with.
If you are longing for the unbeaten track the east part of the island is perfect; Bay of Plenty & East Coast. You will come across dense and rough forests, unspoiled Beaches and nice villages.To finish with: the northern island, with in particular the center of it, has a prevalent Maori Culture. This makes a visit to it even more interesting! A visit to one of the Maori Marae’s (Maori meeting house) is highly recommended.
This was the northern island in a nutshell. If you feel like this place on the globe suits you: use the menu on your left to browse further “into” this beautiful island.