northern culture and cuisine

There’s more to Auckland than you might think – the region offers access to world-class luxury accommodation, award winning wineries, vibrant culture and unique experiences making it a hot spot for kiwis. The City of Sails sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures.

It is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and with over 180 different ethnic groups, Auckland has blossomed into a multi-cultural hub of culture and art making it a bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant city.

Set on the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula’s Mercury Bay, alluring Whitianga is a charming seaside destination best known for Buffalo Beach, a five-kilometer-long stretch of white sand perfect for swimming, fishing, and collecting seashells. There are plenty of other activities on offer, including hiking through the Coromandel Ranges and kayaking or snorkelling among bright schools of fish in the secluded Cathedral Cove, where a cathedral-like tunnel separates two tranquil, pristine beaches lapped by calm, turquoise waters. Those seeking an unusual and relaxing experience can dig themselves a private spa bath on Hot Water Beach.

Nestled in the heart of the Waikato Region, Cambridge is a charming town known for its leafy streets, beautiful gardens and relaxed country atmosphere. Affectionately known as the ‘Town of Trees and Champions’, Cambridge is celebrated for its equestrian heritage, boutique shopping and welcoming cafés. Nearby Lake Karāpiro and the Waikato River offer opportunities for kayaking, cycling and scenic walks, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with picturesque farmland and gardens. Ideally positioned for exploring the wider region, Cambridge is within easy reach of the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, making it a wonderful base for discovering some of the North Island’s most iconic attractions.

Discover the wild beauty of Te Urewera, a breathtaking landscape of ancient forests, rugged mountain ranges and pristine lakes spanning the northern Hawke’s Bay and eastern Bay of Plenty regions. Rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, Te Urewera is the ancestral homeland of Tūhoe, known as the ‘Children of the Mist’, whose deep connection to the land is woven into its stories and traditions. Explore the region’s fascinating history, including Te Totara Hut, a reminder of the area’s early deer-culling days. For nature lovers, Te Urewera offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, kayaking, boating and fishing, surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most remote and unspoilt wilderness.

Step into a unique landscape of utter beauty; a region offering authentic Maori cultural encounters, thrilling adventure, and bubbling mud pools.

Rotorua is known for showcasing our fascinating Maori culture, mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs as the seething power of inner earth comes to the surface. Boasting 18 incredible lakes, three major rivers, and the mighty Mount Tarawera; these treasured natural assets are all part of Rotorua’s allure.

The region is host to some incredible fishing locations with trophy trout to be had year round on the lakes, rivers and streams. Adventure is right around the corner on the Kaituna River, with White Water Rafting on the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall; or perhaps you are tempted by the soothing powers of the regions many natural hot springs. Whatever your inclination, you’ll be wishing you had more time!

Set in the heart of the North Island, Taupō offers incredible beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxation – a classic holiday destination no matter the season. Where Northland has its beaches and Auckland its great waterfront restaurants, Lake Taupō is the centrepiece of a region of spectacular volcanic cones and boasts the largest fresh water lake in Australasia (roughly the size of Singapore), making it the perfect spot for water lovers to enjoy sailing, water skiing, or kayaking.

But it is not just about the great lake; Taupō is also the gateway to the Tongariro National Park where you can take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often said to be one of the best one-day walks in the world, and a must for adventurous travellers.

The popular tourist city of Napier on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island is one of the country’s most likeable regional centres. The inner-city streets are lined with palm trees and the sculpted Marine Parade is sprinkled with numerous lush parks, landscaped gardens and grand memorials, giving the water’s edge its unique character. Arriving in Napier gives the distinct feeling of stepping back in time, owing to its unique concentration of remarkably well preserved 1930s art-deco buildings, built after much of the city was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1931. The city is also known for its gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers and its abundance of world-class wineries on the surrounding plains. This is the place to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, an excellent variety of restaurants and cafes and the air of an affluent English seaside resort.

Discover the charm of Greytown, a picturesque heritage town in the heart of the Wairarapa, just over an hour’s drive from Wellington. Renowned for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, boutique shopping and inviting cafés, Greytown offers a delightful blend of history and country charm. Wander along the historic Main Street, explore the town’s pioneering past at Cobblestones Museum or browse its collection of independent boutiques and antique stores. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the scenic Woodside Rail Trail and nearby Tararua Forest Park offer wonderful opportunities for cycling and walking amidst the region’s natural beauty.

Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lonely Planet names Wellington as “the coolest little capital in the world”.

As well as being a ‘cool little capital’ and the seat of government, Wellington is compact and easy to get around, locals often say you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. On most visitors list of places to visit is the National Museum, also known as Te Papa, meaning ‘our place’; one of the world’s best interactive museums. A ride on the city’s cable car takes you up the hill to Kelburn and the city’s botanical gardens, from here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the city and across the sea.

Wellington is well known as the country’s culinary capital, home to some of the New Zealand’s best award-winning restaurants, great bars and some wonderfully quirky cafes, great food trucks, day and night markets. Almost everything about Wellington, the mix of history, culture and creative energy epitomise the diversity, colour and inclusiveness of this city surrounded by water and hills.

There’s more to Auckland than you might think – the region offers access to world-class luxury accommodation, award winning wineries, vibrant culture and unique experiences making it a hot spot for kiwis. The City of Sails sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures.

It is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and with over 180 different ethnic groups, Auckland has blossomed into a multi-cultural hub of culture and art making it a bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant city.