North Island New Zealand
Explore New Zealand's North Island
From golden coastlines to steaming geothermal valleys and cool creative cities, the North Island is bursting with natural wonders, culture, and adventure. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, tasting world-class wine, or soaking in hot springs under the stars — we’ll help you craft unforgettable experiences across every corner of Aotearoa’s northern half.
Upper North Island
The Upper North Island is a subtropical playground known for its laid-back beach towns, ancient kauri forests, and Māori heritage. Home to iconic destinations like the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel, this region offers everything from dolphin cruises to forest hikes, surf breaks, and island escapes.
Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city, built on 53 volcanoes and two harbours. Experience world-class dining, local markets, and iconic views from Mt Eden or Rangitoto. Ferries connect you to island adventures like Waiheke and Tiritiri Matangi, while Māori heritage weaves through the city’s heart.
A subtropical haven of over 140 islands, this region is rich in Māori and colonial history. Cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, swim with dolphins, kayak sheltered bays, or visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the founding of modern New Zealand. With warm waters and golden light, it's a dreamy escape year-round.
Bay of Islands & Northland
Central North Island
This region blends rugged terrain with rich Māori traditions and outdoor adventure. Discover bubbling mud pools in Rotorua, skydive over Lake Taupō, explore glowworm caves in Waitomo, or hike across the volcanic Tongariro Crossing. Central North is your gateway to geothermal wonders and thrill-seeking.
Known for its rugged beauty, hidden bays, and native forests, the Coromandel is a nature lover’s dream. Hike to Cathedral Cove, dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach, or explore lush kauri groves and waterfalls. It’s a peaceful retreat with coastal charm and a touch of wild.
The Coromandel
Waikato is a region of rolling green hills, ancient limestone caves, and deep cultural roots. From surfing the black-sand beaches of Raglan (Whāingaroa) to exploring glowworm-lit caves in Waitomo (Wai-tomo), this area is full of hidden wonders. Visit the magical movie set of Hobbiton in Matamata, wander the riverside city of Hamilton (Kirikiriroa), and discover landscapes rich in both nature and legend.
Waikato
Rotorua is alive with geothermal energy and rich Māori culture. Geysers erupt, mud pools bubble, and natural hot springs invite you to relax. From immersive cultural experiences to redwood forest adventures, Rotorua is a place where the earth speaks — and visitors leave deeply moved.
Rotorua
Set on the shores of Lake Taupō — a giant volcanic crater lake — this adventure hub offers something for everyone. Go bungy jumping, paddle to ancient Māori rock carvings, fish for trout, or unwind in thermal spas. It’s also the gateway to Tongariro National Park and some of the country’s best hiking.
Taupo
Known for its sunshine, golden beaches, and abundant orchards, the Bay of Plenty is a coastal paradise. Climb Mauao in Mt Maunganui, explore vibrant seaside towns like Tauranga, and enjoy fresh local produce straight from the land and sea. This region offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm.
Bay of Plenty
Lower North Island
The Lower North Island brings together artsy cities, windswept coastlines, and vineyard-draped hills. Explore the creative capital Wellington, sample wine in Hawke’s Bay, walk black sand beaches in Taranaki, or uncover culture and heritage in Whanganui and beyond. It’s a region full of contrast and character.
Dominated by the perfectly shaped Mt Taranaki, this region blends wild coastline with alpine beauty. New Plymouth (Ngāmotu) offers art, surf, and lush gardens, while the mountain calls hikers and nature lovers year-round. It’s dramatic, peaceful, and full of surprises.
Taranaki
Home to Tongariro National Park, this central plateau region is a dramatic land of volcanic peaks, alpine crossings, and snowy adventures. Mt Ruapehu is perfect for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with sacred landscapes woven through the heart of the region.
Ruapehu
Famous for its sunshine, vineyards, and Art Deco charm, Hawke’s Bay is a feast for the senses. Enjoy coastal cycling trails, world-class wine, and views from Te Mata Peak. Napier (Ahuriri) and Hastings offer a perfect mix of heritage, style, and flavour.
Hawkes Bay
Compact, creative, and windswept — Wellington is New Zealand’s capital with big personality. Ride the iconic cable car, explore Te Papa museum, and dive into a thriving food, film, and arts scene. Nestled between hills and harbour, it's a city full of heart and soul.
Wellington
Top Destinations
& What to know
From volcanic peaks to hidden beaches, ancient forests to buzzing creative cities — New Zealand is full of places that take your breath away. Each destination offers its own rhythm, rooted in natural beauty and rich cultural stories. Whether you’re chasing adventure, looking to slow down, or craving authentic local experiences, there’s a corner of Aotearoa waiting to spark your curiosity. Click through the map to uncover the best spots across the country — and stay tuned for in-depth guides, tips, and stories from each location.
Check out our latest blogs to see what you can get up to in these beautiful areas!