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North Island Holidays

Overview

experiences

tours

Cities & Regions

North Island holidays in New Zealand

Though smaller than neighbouring South Island, the North Island packs in a full spectrum of sights and experiences. From cosmopolitan cities and authentic opportunities to engage in Maori culture to amazing geothermal activity and a sublime combination of forests, mountains and beaches. North Island is totally captivating.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland nestles between two harbours, the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean. Aside from the urban side of life, which Auckland does very well, it’s just half an hour from beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands.

Quirky Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is a compact city with a...

Enthralling cites
Relaxed pace of Northland
Beautiful Coromandel Peninsula
Culture of Rotorua
Lord of the Rings film locations
Hawke’s Bay wine region
Activities galore

North Island Travel Guide

Best time to go

North Island is the warmer of the two islands as it is closer to the equator and enjoys a subtropical climate with winter temperatures of around 6ºC and summers, a comfortable average of 23ºC. While very much a year round destination, either October and November or March and April are considered the best months to visit.

Travel Information

Auckland is approximately 24½ hours from the UK (including a stopover). Key areas on the island have domestic airports or are within an easy drive.

Local currency

New Zealand dollar

Cities & Regions in North Island

Our recommendations for the best places to visit in North Island.

Rotorua

Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland known for its bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, shooting geysers and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in.

Wellington

Located on the south western tip of North Island, the national capital has firmly established itself as a destination for visitors thanks to an abundance of arts and cultural events and an increasingly innovative culinary scene.

Bay of Islands

This aquatic playground is lavishly scattered with 144 islands, clear blue waters, a myriad of secluded beaches and a handful of towns.

Rest of North Island

The diverse attractions continue throughout the rest of North Island and include the beautiful beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, the largest lake in New Zealand – Taupo, the scenic splendours of Tongariro National Park, the glorious Hawke's Bay wine region and the beautifully preserved 1930s art deco architecture of Napier.

Auckland

Nicknamed the City of Sails, New Zealand’s largest city is where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication.

Unmissable Experiences

Showing 8 experiences in North Island

Geothermal Wonderland

This morning tour from Rotorua gives you close up views of the spectacular geothermal activity. See NZ’s largest boiling mud lake, Lady Knox Geyser, colourful volcanic craters, hot streams, boiling hot springs, hissing fumeroles, vividly coloured silica terraces, steaming cliffs and more.

from

£116

Weta Workshop Experience

Dive head-first into a world of movie magic in Wellington on a guided 90 minute tour. Explore real props, costumes and creatures from films including Lord of the Rings, Avatar and The Hobbit.

from

£29

Northern Explorer Train

The Northern Explorer, which connects multi-cultural Auckland with the bustling capital Wellington, rumbles through the rural heart of the North Island on an epic journey that allows you to experience the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery. See the scenic wonders of Middle Earth, soar over towering viaducts, across the high plains of the volcanic plateau, and beneath three mighty volcanoes. If time doesn’t allow you to take the full day trip, opt for the shorter journey available to National Park. Carriages have spacious reclining seats with generous leg room and panoramic windows The train also has an open-air carriage for uninterrupted views and a licensed café. All journeys are available in reverse. Auckland to Wellington takes about 10½ hours; or Auckland to National Park takes 5½ hours. Departs Monday, Thursday & Saturday from Auckland or Friday, Sunday & Wednesday from Wellington.

from

£39

(Auckland to National Park one way) or £67 (Auckland to Wellington one way)

Hobbiton Movie Set

This 2 hour tour from Waikato includes a fully guided walking tour at the original location where Hobbiton was created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

from

£63

Interislander Ferry

The Interislander ferry is one of New Zealand's unmissable great journeys, sailing between Wellington and Picton. It’s a truly iconic experience. There is the option to travel as a foot passenger, with upgrades available to the Plus Lounge for a more refined journey or, travel with your car (some car rental companies require you to drop your vehicle off and pick up another on arrival). Each vessel has stacks to keep you busy with a family lounge, a cafe and bar. Journey is available in reverse. Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island) takes around 3½ hours. Three ferries depart daily from both Wellington and Picton with departures throughout the day.

from

£49

(Wellington to Picton one way). Upgrades for Interislander Plus Lounge from £59 per person. Prices to take your own car start from £138 per person.

Gannet Safari

Depart Te Awanga by 4x4 for a three hour trip to New Zealand’s largest privately-owned nature reserve. Come face to face with over 20,000 gannets in their natural habitat and enjoy breathtaking views. Available Sep-Apr. Also available with transfers from Napier/Hastings.

from

£52

Te Pa Tu Evening Cultural Experience

During this four hour evening extravaganza, feast on Māori song, tradition and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pa village with its towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires and forest-formed amphitheatre.

from

£142

Waitomo Cave Tour & Theatre Entrance

Meet your guide at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave for a tour through the limestone chambers and passages to see stunning features and enjoy a silent boat trip through the glowworm grotto. Picture Credit: Corin Walker Bain New Zealand Tourism

from

£39

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