northern panorama

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.

If you’re looking for a peaceful beachside getaway, you can’t do much better than Omapere, or its twin resort Opononi, where relaxed living is the order of the day. The closest town to the entrance of Hokianga Harbour, Omapere has spectacular views over the bay and headlands. It offers a multitude of leisure and adventure options, including great swimming, fishing, and hiking. Browse the Omapere museum for a glimpse into the area’s rich history; take a water taxi from Opononi Wharf to the northern side of the harbour, where 150-metre sand dunes provide opportunities for sand boarding; or explore Waipoa Forest, home to giant ancient kauri trees.

The Bay of Islands is part of New Zealand’s North Island mainland and includes a cluster of 144 subtropical islands which are centred around the main hub of Paihia, Opua and Waitangi, the nation’s birthplace. The area is renowned as an adventure playground for watersports and ocean enthusiasts. Spend time exploring the archipelago by kayak or boat or snorkelling and scuba diving while viewing the mesmerising array of underwater life.

Across the water from Paihia is Russell, the first capital of New Zealand which is surrounded by history. Inland are the towns of Kerikeri, Kawakawa and Kaikohe where there are heaps of natural features, historical sites and great food to experience, not to mention the array of award-winning wineries to indulge in.

A relaxed riverside settlement in the rural Makatana Coast area, Warkworth has a beguiling old-world charm. A wander through the centre of town will take you past many of its historical buildings – a throwback from its colonial past. Nature lovers should head to Parry Kauri Park, with its centuries-old kauri trees, or to Dome Forest, where you can hike to a hilltop with views that stretch as far as Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower. Nearby attractions include the beautiful wine country, with its excellent estates, quirky cafes, and craft studios, as well as Tawharanui Regional Park (known for its great swimming and surfing), and Goat Island Marine Reserve (for fantastic snorkelling off the beach).

Hahei is located on the Coromandel Peninsula on the northern shore of New Zealand’s North Island. This small village situated within Mercury Bay makes a fantastic holiday destination with its white sandy beaches, spectacular rock formations, geothermal springs and marine wildlife preserves to explore. There is much to see and do in Hahei, but key activities include the Cathedral Cove Walk (which passes beneath an enormous limestone arch), the Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail, with descriptions of sea life attached to floating buoys to enhance your experience and swimming at Hot Water Beach, where two hot springs warm the ocean water.

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!

They say Hawke’s Bay can be summed up in two words… wine country. But, on closer inspection, there is much more to enjoy here than an excellent Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc (although that might suffice for some).

The warm, dry climate is also conducive to a number of outdoor activities including cycling, walking the  trails of the Ruahine and Kaweka Forest Parks, getting up close and personal with the largest gannet colony in the world at the scenic sandstone headland of Cape Kidnappers, or heading up to Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of the entire area. For a wind down, stroll the streets of Napier – the town boasts phenomenal Art Deco architecture.

Resting in beautiful South Wairarapa, Martinborough is a small but charming village with a laid-back atmosphere and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Spend your days exploring the lush green town square, admiring the old heritage buildings and indulging in the gorgeous boutique retail shopping. Packed with colonial charm, what was once an obscure farming village, Martinborough, is now a thriving wine region home to more than 20 vineyards, most within walking or cycling distance of the town's quaint main square. Visitors can taste their way around the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, famous for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Don't forget to bring your appetite along, as many wineries are home to tempting cafes and restaurants that serve delectable cuisine made using fresh, local produce.

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.

Stretching across the stunning coastline of the south-west side of New Zealand’s North Island, the Kapiti Coast is internationally renowned  for its bird and wildlife sanctuary, Kapiti Island, located only 5kms from the coast of Paraparaumu. The area boasts the lush, mountainous Tararua Forest Park as well as some wonderfully spacious and uncrowded beaches, popular with holidaymakers and fishing enthusiasts from the nearby capital city of Wellington. The coastline was formerly known as The Golden Coast and is home to the charming little towns of Te Horo, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati Beach and Raumati South. The Kapiti Coast is an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful retreat in a spectacularly scenic environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, set at the heart of North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. It encompasses three active volcanoes – Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu (one of the most active volcanoes in the world) – that have great religious significance to the local Maori people. This fascinating, ancient cultural importance has awarded the area UNESCO status. The raw beauty of the environment also draws a high number of visitors and is the reason much of the famous Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed here. There are numerous activities to look forward to, from scenic cruises to whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in winter. Families will enjoy the shorter treks on offer, such as the three-hour walk to spectacular Taranaki Falls.

Sandwiched between the magnificent Mt Egmont and some impressive black sand surfing beaches, New Plymouth’s favourable geographical setting provides a diverse range of outdoor adventure sports allowing residents and visitors the chance to snowboard, cycle, canoe and surf all in the same day! The city’s lovely little centre is strewn with stately colonial buildings, lovely boutiques, fascinating museums and quaint cafes. Aside from its world-class surf beaches, what really sets this city apart is the abundance of extensive parks and glorious gardens, the most established of which is Pukekura Park. This botanical wonder boasts two pretty lakes, a stunning waterfall and a remarkable fernery. 

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.