« NEW ZEALAND • Discover New Zealand • North Island

Discover Magical North Island

According to Ma-ori mythology, the North and South Islands of New Zealand arose through the actions of the demigod Ma-ui. Ma-ui and his brothers were fishing from their canoe (the South Island) when he caught a great fish and pulled it from the sea. While he was not looking his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up.

Magical Journeys to North Island

Popular Destinations: Auckland • Bay of Islands • Rotorua • Taupo • Wellington

• Auckland

Auckland has a warm-temperate climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, damp winters, and is the sunniest and warmest of New Zealand's main centres. Auckland is home to many cultures. The majority of inhabitants claim European - predominantly British - descent, but substantial Maori, Pacific Islander and Asian …

• Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s. It is 60 km north-west of the city of Whangarei. Cape Reinga, at the northern tip of the country, is about 210 km by road further north-west …

• Rotorua

Rotorua is home to not only geothermal interests, but botanical gardens and some interesting historic architecture. Known as a spa town and major tourist resort for more than a century, many of the buildings hint at this history. The formal Government Gardens close to the lakeshore at the eastern end …

• Taupo

Taupo is located at the outlet of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, in the northeast part of the lake where it discharges to the Waikato River. The river flows over the spectacular Huka Falls, a short distance north of the town. Taupo is a centre of volcanic and geothermal activity and hot springs suitable for bathing …

• Wellington

Wellington showcases a variety of architectural styles from the past 150 years - nineteenth century wooden cottages, such as the Italianate Katherine Mansfield Birthplace in Thorndon, some streamlined Art Deco structures such as the old Wellington Free Ambulance headquarters, the City Gallery, and the Former Post and Telegraph Building …

… more destinations in magical North Island

» Waitomo Caves

There are a variety of activities to partake in and the fascinating cave system with its geological wonders and fantastic creatures to explore. Climb through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. The cave system itself is over two million years old. A highlight of the caves is the glowworm grotto; illuminated by thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling, it is a magical place. If you seek an adventure that plays with your senses and provides an unforgettable thrill …

» Whangaroa Harbour

Whangaroa Harbour is a coastal town that defines the beauty of the Northland. Quieter than Paihia in the Bay of Islands and set amidst rolling green hills, Whangaroa Harbour is a laidback retreat full of anglers, hikers, and divers. The fishing here in this protected harbor is some of the best in New Zealand, and famous dive sites like the Rainbow Warrior are located just offshore. For a land based adventure overlooking the water, the trail to the top of 'Duke's Nose' offers sweeping views of the harbor, and provides a way to summit the rocks that tower above the town …

» White Island

Imagine walking on one of the world's most accessible marine volcanoes, where the ground hisses beneath your feet and pools of thick, bubbling mud spring up from the sulfur-tinged Earth. This is the scene on White Island off the coast of Whakatane, where a lunar landscape full of geothermal vents rises up from the cobalt sea. There's no lava on White Island - since the vent is underwater - but the steam and sulfur are eerie enough for first time volcano visitors. The remains of an abandoned sulfur mine helps add to the scene of destruction, where ten workers lost their lives in a 1914 lahar …