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.

Cambridge is a picturesque town in New Zealand's Waikato Region of the North Island. Fondly known as 'The Town of Trees and Champions' due to its lush green parks and tree-lined avenues, the town has an undeniable air of English gentility. Cambridge is known for its abundance of excellent antique shops and the equine industry, with local stud farms producing some of the world's best thoroughbreds. Regarding activities and attractions, visitors to Cambridge are spoiled for choice. Travellers can sample the local cuisine, ride a horse through the stunning countryside, explore the splendid parks and gardens, and visit the fascinating Cambridge Museum. The scenic waterways Waikato River and Lake Karapiro are perfect for swimming, rowing, kayaking, jet boating, skiing, cruising and fishing within minutes of the town centre.

Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery at the foot of the majestic volcano, Mount Tarawera, lies the largest of the 18 magnificent lakes of the Rotorua region, Lake Tarawera. Spend your days mountain biking or horse riding amidst the lush, native and exotic trees of the gorgeous Whakarewarewa Forest, exploring the fascinating living Māori village of Ohinemutu, taking scenic boat cruises to discover ancient Maori cave drawings or relaxing at the secluded Hot Water beach, where geothermal springs warm the lake’s glistening waters. For an adventurous outdoor getaway in a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful natural environment, look no further than lovely Lake Tarawera,

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.

Greytown is located in the southern region of New Zealand’s North Island, about 80 kilometres from the capital of Wellington. This charming town makes a popular weekend or day trip destination, but will also reward visitors who choose to stay longer and explore the many natural attractions of the surrounding area. Pick up a Historic Greytown map from the Tourist Information Office, then head to the centre of activity: Main Street, which boasts an extensive collection of Victorian-era buildings, many of which now function as boutiques or antique stores. Be sure to stop in at the Cobblestones Museum, which gives some insight into Greytown’s pioneering past, while active travellers will relish the Woodside Rail Trail (a five-kilometre cycling track), or the wonderful walking trails of the nearby Tararua Forest Park.

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.