A journey around the North Island of New Zealand is a journey through landscape, history and time. Visit the Bay of Islands in the far north and you are at the cradle of New Zealand’s history. This idyllic harbour of islands is where wars were fought, where our founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed and where the first Parliament was formed.
In Auckland, you’ll find the cosmopolitan vibrancy of New Zealand's largest city where, on one hand, you have sophisticated shopping, restaurants and entertainment and, on the other, a harbour full of islands and spectacular beauty.
In Rotorua you can witness first hand the country’s turbulent geological history in the hot springs, bubbling mud pools and soaring geysers. It’s that same history that has created the trio of mountains, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruahoe, that stand sentinel over the Tongariro National Park. It's here that you'll find the North Island's ski fields for excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Head east to the Hawke’s Bay and you’re in a different world again. A landscape of rugged ranges, undulating plains and long sandy beaches, Hawke’s Bay is wine country; a place to savour world-class red wines and dine on fine artisan food.
By Jucy Lucy
By Callum McNair