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The North Island has something for everyone
From Cape Reinga to Wellington, New Zealand’s North Island has numerous attractions to keep visitors happily sightseeing for a long time.
It’s a bit of a stretch to get to Cape Reinga at the northernmost tip of New Zealand but worth the effort. There’s not too many places on earth where you can watch two mighty oceans (Pacific and Tasman) crash against each other.
At the southern tip of the North Island is Wellington, the country’s capital where you can tour Parliament, the Wellington Zoo to watch the animals being fed, and the National Art Gallery or catch a ferry to the South Island.
In-between the two places, there’s the Bay of Islands where you can take a cruise to the Hole-in-the-Rock or a water taxi to the quaint village of Russell.
At Auckland, the country’s largest city, you can walk from shore to shore in a couple of miles or see stunning sea life as you walk through an underwater tunnel at Underwater World. Auckland also has some great museums such as the Auckland City Art Gallery which has a comprehensive collection of fine art by New Zealand artists and the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a lesson in Maori culture. Winter Gardens is located on the museum grounds, and boasts an impressive display of tropical and subtropical plants.
Visit Rotorua to the east for its hot springs and geysers at Whaka Thermal Reserve and take in a Maori cultural performance – the Maoris were the first tourists to visit New Zealand. Take a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves and its famous Glowworm Grotto. The Virginia Lake Reserve at Wanganui makes a good stop to get out of the car and stretch those legs; walking around the lake will especially appeal to bird lovers who may see black swans feeding their young.
The North Island has some great golfing. As you drive the highways (hot tip for Aussies: Car Hire Australia has some supercheap car hire deals), keep a look-out for New Zealand “lawn movers” (sheep) hard at work. Sun seekers can hang out on the beaches of the Coromundel Peninsula or any number of beaches found around the island. The North Island is filled with quaint villages, all worth a stop for tea and stroll through the streets, nipping into small shops here and there.
Each year, the Jewellers & Watchmakers of New Zealand Inc holds their trade fair (similar to the international sihh 2012). It is a spectacular event and a great opportunity to check out the watchmaking expertise that exists in New Zealand.
Whatever your interest, the North Island has something for you.