New Zealand: Discover the northern island

Waitomo is a district in the North Island of New Zealand whose main feature is its limestone caves and their glowworm inhabitants, a major tourist attraction.

The town of Taupo is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s largest lake. The size of Singapore and the starting point for the Waikato River, Lake Taupo is backed by the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park and is located in a geothermally active zone. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, boasting itself as being the rainbow-trout capital of the world, and is also popular with adrenaline-junkies, being home to activities from skydiving and bungee-jumping to white water rafting and waterskiing.

Surrounded by hills and a quaint harbour and with steep, winding streets and Victorian era architecture, New Zealand’s buzzing capital has something to offer for everyone. Home to a unique craft beer and coffee culture, as well as a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, the city hosts various festivals in addition to its many theatres, galleries and museums. Be sure to visit the renowned Te Papa museum and admire the city’s colourful rooftops from Mount Victoria before sampling one of Wellington’s excellent restaurants and bars.

Much of Napier’s centre was destroyed in the tragic 1931 earthquake, but nowadays the city pays homage to its past and visitors can admire the streets rebuilt with the popular architecture of the time. With one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world, Napier even holds an annual Art Deco Festival each February. A vibrant and sunny seaside city with a laid-back and relaxed vibe, visitors can take a stroll through its charming streets and enjoy excellent restaurants and surrounding wineries.

The odour of Rotorua’s sulphur-rich air certainly hasn’t stopped the city from becoming popular with tourists, having welcomed visitors for over 100 years. Set on a lake of the same name, the geothermal activity in the area is one of the most concentrated in the world, and mineral deposits line its shores bright orange and green. The naturally hot water lured the Maori to settle here, and the area still holds a large Maori population today making it an excellent spot to experience New Zealand’s culture and tradition.

White sandy beaches, an interior filled with lush rainforest, and a marine reserve make up some of New Zealand’s most unspoiled nature. Known as being one of the spots with the earliest Polynesian settlements and later for its gold-mining trade, Coromandel offers history as well as scenic views. A year-round holiday destination, Coromandel Town is a charming base to enjoy activities in the surrounding Peninsula such as hiking or kayaking, or to simply relax on some of the idyllic beaches.

Long Bay is a beachside suburb on the North Shore of Auckland in New Zealand, whose Long Bay Regional Park is a popular recreational attraction.

A small coastal town and the gateway to the Bay of Islands and its beautiful coastal scenery, Paihia also holds an interesting place in the country’s history. Known as the birthplace of New Zealand, the adjacent town is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840. Join one of the dolphin watching cruises leaving from the harbour and explore the clear blue waters of the Bay of Islands.

Set between two natural harbours and within a one hour drive from rugged beaches, rainforest and wildlife reserves, Auckland is perfect for those looking to relax yet enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of a big city. Rated as one of the world’s top cities for quality of life, Auckland is a modern hub and offers a warm climate. Visit the the impressive Art Gallery and Auckland Museum to learn about New Zealand’s culture and Maori heritage, before meandering in the city’s multicultural market of Otara or taking a hike up impressive volcanic Mount Eden.