North Island, New Zealand

A scenic 4-hour drive north of Auckland, or an easy 50-minute flight to the region’s airport in Kerikeri, the Bay of Islands is a region filled with hidden beaches, watersports galore and remote retreats.  It’s also the home of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, signed in 1840. A visit to the Treaty Grounds is an essential part of any trip to this region. 

With 144 subtropical islands dotted around this northern tip of the North Island, getting on the water is all part of the fun!  From sailing adventures and kayaking to fishing and diving, there is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline fix or a more sedate activity.  

At the very top of Northland, watch the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean from Cape Reinga lighthouse, and travel there or back along 90 Mile Beach, or opt to travel by light aircraft for a dramatic bird’s eye view of the stunning coastline. Further south, come face to face with Tane Māhuta, an ancient kauri tree dating back over 2000 years, and learn about the powerful significance of this forest giant with a local Māori guide.

Known as the ‘City of Sails’ owing to the number of boats and yachts dotted across the picturesque harbour, Auckland is the main international gateway to New Zealand, and a great city to begin your road trip. After a long journey to reach Aotearoa, take a night or two to relax into Kiwi life and stretch your legs exploring this vibrant harbourside city. 

Head straight for the impressive SkyCity tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city below, the surrounding neighbourhoods and the nearby islands scattered in the ocean, including Waiheke and Rangitoto.  If you’re feeling brave, you can leap off the edge at the SkyJump or walk around the outside platform 192m above the street below at the SkyWalk. For a more sedate experience, stroll around the Viaduct area and enjoy the many bars and restaurants, head to pretty Devonport across the harbour, hike up the dormant volcano at Mount Eden, or discover the underwater world at Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

A scenic 30-minute ferry ride from the city’s waterfront, Waiheke Island is a stunningly serene escape from city life, a place where olive groves and vineyards flourish under the temperate climate and hidden beaches and bays allow for relaxed island discovery.  It’s easy to visit Waiheke for a day from Auckland by ferry to enjoy a fabulous lunch at one of the many wineries, but we highly recommend spending 2 or 3 nights here to really experience the array of activities, fabulous vineyards and scenic walks on offer.

This rainforest-clad peninsula, just two hours from Auckland, is blessed with over 400km of glorious coastline, golden beaches and rugged landscapes. Once a hotspot for the kauri timber and gold mining industries, the Coromandel now attracts New Zealanders and visitors alike who embrace the laid-back lifestyle, a slower pace of life and glorious scenery.

Hike through ancient rainforests, kayak to sublime Cathedral Cove, discover hidden bays and head to Hot Water Beach, spade in hand, to dig a hole in the sand then wait for the warm waters to bubble through…a home-made spa bath takes some beating!  As night falls, the lack of light pollution makes stargazing a treat and, come morning time, the sun rising over the calm water is a spectacle to behold.

Dotted along the coastline, the Coromandel’s small towns and beachside communities offer relaxed bases from which to explore the peninsula’s highlights.  The west coast is home to Thames and Coromandel Town, with views across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland on a clear day. On the east coast, a passenger ferry links pretty Cooks Beach with Whitianga, a town with deep roots in Māori history as one of the places discovered by ancient Polynesian explorer, Kupe, around 950AD, followed by Captain James Cook in 1769.

The geothermal heart of New Zealand, Rotorua is, quite literally, a hotspot of activity.  From bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, steaming craters and redwood forests to ziplining, luging, zorbing and mountain-biking, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant, sulphur-scented town. Rotorua is also one of the best regions in the country to experience Māori history and culture, with an array of immersive and fascinating tours in and around Rotorua. Set along the shore of Lake Rotorua, with another 17 lakes in the region, there are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and water sports.

Just an hour’s drive south of Rotorua, Taupo sits beside a vast lake large enough to fit Singapore within its shores. An ancient volcanic caldera, Lake Taupo is surrounded by pristine landscapes with the mountains of Tongariro National Park on the horizon.  A short drive from town, the Waikato River – the country’s longest river – feeds the mighty Huka Falls where the river suddenly narrows forcing the water into a plunging cascade powerful enough to fill an Olympic size pool in under 15 seconds.

Hugging the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hawkes Bay is the country’s oldest and second largest wine region (after Marlborough in the South Island) known for world-class reds and full-bodied Chardonnays. Sample a glass alongside local produce from one of the many farmer’s markets and enjoy sweeping views across the ocean. Or head to the enticing array of wineries and cellar doors for a fascinating insight into the world of wine production.

Beyond the vines, the main towns of Napier and Hastings offer a unique charm of their own; Napier has vibrant Art Deco architecture and is fun to explore on foot or by bike, whilst nearby Hastings is surrounded by orchards and proudly known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand.

Nature lovers can hike up Te Mata Peak for panoramic views or cycle along coastal trails past vineyards and olive groves.  Wildlife thrives in this region from native birds in lush forests to the famed gannet colonies perched along the rugged coast at Cape Kidnappers.

At the southern tip of the North Island, New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has been referred to as the ‘Coolest Capital in the World’ for good reason. It’s a bite-size city best explored on foot, with a vibrant culture, natural beauty, and political significance.  Nestled between a stunning harbour and rolling green hills with breathtaking views, the city is rich in history and cultural, with numerous art galleries, theatres and the wonderful Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand. 

The iconic Beehive building stands as a symbol of the nation’s political life, and the city is known for its lively coffee culture, harbour-side restaurants, and a strong creative sector, particularly in film and digital arts.  Kiwi humour can be seen near the airport with their very own Wellywood sign, designed to appear to be blowing away in the wind – a nod to the strong coastal winds the city is famous for. 

An hour’s drive away, Martinborough is a charming town in the Wairarapa wine region renowned for its boutique wineries, relaxed atmosphere and picturesque countryside.  With over 20 vineyards located within walking or cycling distance from the centre, this is the perfect destination for wine enthusiasts, as well as lovers of artisan products such as cheese, olive oil and chocolate.