North Island :

Regional Information

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Click the links below for more information on a specific region.

Northland / Bay of Islands
Auckland
Coromandel
Bay of Plenty
Waikato
Rotorua
Taupo
Eastland
Hawkes Bay
Taranaki
Wanganui / Manawatu
Wairarapa
Wellington

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From Auckland to:		Kilometres		Hours
Bay of Islands		325		4:15
Rotorua		234		3:35
Taupo		280		4:05
Hawkes Bay		423		6:35
Wellington		660		8:45

For more comprehensive information on travelling distances, please click the link below.

New Zealand Distance Calculator

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Northland and the Bay of Islands is the region to the north of Greater Auckland.

Northland is reknowned as an aquatic playground with 144 islands including the famous Bay of Islands.

This sub-tropical region incorporates rolling and rugged countryside, tidal estuaries, sparkling bays and long beaches. The sub-tropical forest is a home to the giant kauris, which are among the largest trees in the world.

It is a region of historical significance, and is the place where the Maori and Europeans signed the Treaty of Waitangi, that joined them as one nation.

Highlights

• Twin coast touring route
• Birthplace of New Zealand
• Maori Culture
• Water sports
• Boating, big game fishing
• 1,200 yr old Kauri trees
• Cape Reigna
• 90 Mile Beach
• Bay of Islands

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Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours - the Waitemata and the Manukau - at the southern end of the Auckland Peninsula.

Auckland is the main centre of commerce and industry. With a population over one million, it is New Zealand's largest urban area. Auckland offers something for everyone - great beaches, a beautiful harbour, excellent shopping, and the nightlife and culture of a metropolitan city.

Right on Auckland's doorstep is the magnificent Hauraki Gulf stretching in a great 250km sweep of coastline north and south of the city. It has been nicknamed the City of Sails.

Highlights

• Harbour Cruises
• Sky Tower & Sky City Casino
• Domain and Auckland Museum
• Kelly Tarltons Underwater World
• Hauraki Gulf
• Rose Gardens, Parnell
• Rainbow's End Adventure Park
• Victoria Park Market
• One Tree Hill
• Vineyard tours - West Auckland or Waiheke Island

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The Coromandel Peninsula lies on the Hauraki Gulf about 90 mins east of Auckland.

The volcanic hills of the Coromandel Peninsula still retain much of their original rainforests, including giant kauri trees. Visitors enjoy its spectacular coastline of sandy beaches, coves and harbours. There's even a beach with warm water bubbling up through the sand that allows bathers to dig out their own spa pools.

The Coromandel's history is reflected in charming colonial architecture and historic buildings, which are found all around this region.

Highlights

• Miranda Hot Spring
• Hot Water Beach
• Ngatea Water Gardens
• Goldfield Steam Train
• Waihi Gold Mine
• Boat charters, sport fishing
• White water rafting
• Driving Creek Railway
• Karangahake Gorge - hiking trails

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Coastal Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of The Coromandel.

This region has a mild climate, some of the country's most popular beaches and an abundance of orchards, especially kiwifruit. The main centre, Tauranga, has all the amenities of a major city. Mt Maunganui - a beach resort, also has popular walking trails to the volcanic cone. It's also a very popular family holiday spot having a choice of both ocean and gentle harbour waters.

Boat charters are available from Tauranga for big game fishing, snorkelling and dolphin watching. Out on the horizon is White Island, an active volcano usually identified by its trailing plume of steam.

Highlights

• Boat charters, sport fishing
• Rafting the Wairoa River
• Kiwifruit Country
• Bungee Rocket Ride
• Surfing
• Tandem Parachute Jumping
• White Island - Volcanic Tour

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Travelling south from Auckland, the Waikato is the first region south of Auckland.

The Waikato region is a lush farming district. The main centre is Hamilton. Beneath the rolling green hills in the south are the Waitomo Caves, whose cathedral-like caverns attract sightseers and thrill seekers.

Centred on the Waikato River, the Waikato is home to some of the worlds most productive farmlands and rolling green fields.

Highlights

• Waikato River cruises
• Waikato Museum, Hamilton
• Waitomo glow worm caves
• Black-water rafting, Waitomo Caves
• The Lost World, Waitomo Caves
• Raglan Beach, NZ's legendary surf spot
• Rose Gardens, Te Awamutu

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This region is centred on the famous thermal resort of Rotorua.

Geysers, bubbling mud pools and the Maori culture are some of the many experiences you will enjoy whilst visiting Rotorua. It is the best-known resort town in New Zealand, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its thermal waters, marvelled at its geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Maori history and culture.

From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by a pervasive smell of sulphur.

Highlights

• Maori Arts and Crafts
• Maori Concert and Hangi
• Polynesian Spa
• Government Gardens
• Rainbow Springs
• Mt Tarawera Trip
• Agrodome
• Skyline Gondola and Luge
• Geo-thermal attractions
• Waiotapu Thermal Reserve
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley
• Trout fishing
• Sledding White Water Rapids
• Jetboating
• Giant Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest

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South of Rotorua, this region is centred on Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and the township of Taupo in the scenic heart of the North lsland.

Hot springs appear in several places around the lake, which is actually a volcanic crater. Just north of Taupo, near the Wairakei International Golf Course, an underground steam has been harnessed for electricity generation.

Highlights

• Wairakei Park
• Cruise on Lake Taupo
• Mt Tarawera, Mt Ngauruhoe
• Mt Ruapehu (active volcano)
• Skiing, snow boarding
• Whakapapa Ski Field
• White water rafting
• Huka Falls
• Huka Jetboat
• Trout fishing
• Rafting on the Tongariro River
• Tongariro National Park (World Heritage Area)
• Waiuru Army Museum

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This North Island region is the most easterly in New Zealand.

The east coast is best known for its sunshine, stunning coastal scenery and glorious country gardens. An area of high Maori population, it is one of the best places in the country to discover Maori heritage. The region is also one of New Zealand's prime grape-growing regions, renowned for its Chardonnay wine. The main city, Gisborne, is the centre of the regional wine industry and was also the site of Captain Cook's first landfall in New Zealand.

Highlights

• Captain Cook's (first landfall) Memorial, Gisborne
• Gisborne Region Maori Culture
• Te Poho o Rawiri Marae
• Winery Tours
• Mahia Beach
• Surf beaches
• The Urewera National Park
• Eastwood Hill Arboretum
• Lake Waikaremoana
• Morere Hot Springs
• Tologa Bay Wharf

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The Hawke's Bay region is on the east coast of the North Island.

This region is known for its sunny climate and established vineyards. Napier, the main city of the region was razed by an earthquake and subsequent fire in 1931, and then rebuilt in the art deco style fashionable at the time. What makes Napier special is that it has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world.

Highlights

• Cape Kidnappers Gannet Sanctury
• Art Deco Napier
• Visit to winery, Hastings/Napier
• Cafe culture
• Splash Planet Fun Park
• Te Mata Peak
• Marine Parade Napier
• Surf beaches

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Taranaki, on the North Island's west coast, is on a peninsula that juts into the Tasman Sea and is half way between Auckland and Wellington.

The most striking feature of Taranaki is the near-perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki that dominates the whole region and features Egmont National Park. New Plymouth and surrounding districts are known for their glorious parks, gardens and lush green dairy pastureland.

Highlights

• Golf courses
• Taranaki's gardens
• Rugged back country
• Egmont National Park
• Lake Mangamahoe
• Mt Taranaki
• Heritage walks, hiking
• Surf Highway 45
• Dairyland, Hawera

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The Wanganui region is on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo/Ruapehu regions, based around the Whanganui River.

Except for the rolling coastal lowlands around Wanganui, the hinterland is very rugged. A large part of the region is included in the Whanganui National Park, through which flows the Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway.

Manawatu is fast gaining a well-earned reputation as an exciting recreational/activity centre.

Highlights

• Wanganui Museum and Art Gallery
• Wanganui Heritage Walk
• Lake Whanganui
• Whanganui Riverboat Museum - restored old paddle steamer, Waimarie
• Whanganui National Park
• Whanganui River trips
• Durie Hill
• Heritage walks, hiking
• Trout Fishery
• White Water Rafting
• Tararua Wind Farm
• Kimbolton Gardens

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The Wairarapa area is some 60 km's north from Wellington. It is a rich sheep farming area. The Wairarapa, especially Martinborough, is fast gaining a reputation for premium wines.

Greytown features wooden Victorian style buildings and has thriving cafes and great specialty shopping.

Escape the pressures of urban life with a Capital Country Escape. Wairarapa has it all - rivers, lakes, mountains, bush and sea. Uncrowded roads and excellent scenery unfold as you enjoy the simple pleasures of a country drive.

Highlights

• Rimutaka - Tararua Forest Parks
• Cape Palliser Seal Colony
• Martinborough Wine Village
• Food Festivals
• Farmers Markets
• Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre
• Balloon Cruises
• Queen Elizabeth Park
• Fishing and Diving
• Mountain Biking
• Surfing
• Eco Tours

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Wellington Region includes Wellington City and the south-western portion of the North Island.

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, is set on the shores of a deep harbour and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of rolling hills. It is New Zealand's weekend destination and has vibrant entertainment, where you can find some of the best bars, cafes, restaurants and theatres.

Much of New Zealand's rich heritage can be found in the area, including Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum.

Just 45 minutes by car or rail from Wellington, Kapiti Coast is the recreational playground for the lower North Island, with both beaches and mountains readily accessible.

Highlights

• Arts and culture
• Historic buildings, Bee Hive etc
• Old St Paul's Cathedral
• Parliament Buildings
• Te Papa National Museum
• Courtney Place nightlife
• Cable Car
• Mt Victoria lookout
• Botanic Gardens
• Katherine Mansfield's birthplace
• Otari Native Botanic Garden
• Staglands Wildlife Park
• The Fly by Wire ride, Kapiti Coast
• The Lindale Agriculture Centre, Kapiti Coast
• Swimming, Boating
• Hiking
• Golf

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