NORTH TO SOUTH

NORTHLAND/TE TAI TOKERAU

Stretching upwards from Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau to the very top of the country, NORTHLAND/TE TAI TOKERAU is a subtropical paradise known for its contrasting coastlines, kauri forests and rich cultural experiences. This surprisingly large North Island/ Te Ika-a-Māui region is a place of natural beauty, unique experiences and authentic, friendly people. Walking tracks, the coast-to-coast TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL and off-the-beaten-path NORTHLAND JOURNEYS have been mapped out for you to make exploring the region easy. The sun-swept east coast is home to pristine bays and beaches including those found in the iconic BAY OF ISLANDS , as well as the thriving city of WHANGAREI , with its quayside cafes and vibrant arts community. The west coast contrasts with rugged coastlines and peaceful green spaces such as WAIPOUA FOREST , home to TANE MAHUTA , the country’s largest kauri tree, as well as the HOKIANGA HARBOUR with its fascinating Māori and European history. Enjoy the region’s aquatic playground by taking a boat cruise or dive trip (the POOR KNIGHTS ISLANDS are considered one of the world’s top diving sites), or immerse yourself in culture and history at historic sites such as the WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in 1840. On top of this, sample local produce and wine or indulge in fine-dining experiences in stunning locations. Or simply slip into the relaxed pace of Northland life, and treat yourself to world-class luxury options such as DONKEY BAY INN in the historic town of RUSSELL .

AUCKLAND/TĀMAKI MAKAURAU

The city of AUCKLAND/TAMAKI MAKAURAU is necklaced on the Tāmaki isthmus between the MANUKAU and the WAITEMATA harbours in the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui. And, with its revitalised waterfront precinct, five-star hotels, vibrant shopping strips, hip and happening restaurants and bars, and lively arts and cultural community, the city with two harbours has become a very sophisticated destination for a city break. New Zealand’s most populous city is also blessed with diverse landscapes that provide countless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. The multicultural city sprawls over 50 dormant volcanic hills and strikes the right balance between breathtaking natural wonders and inner-urban adventures. While thrill-seekers will enjoy bungy jumping off AUCKLAND BRIDGE or the iconic SKY TOWER , more sedate options include hiking to HUNUA FALLS or to the top of MT EDEN/MAUNGAWHAU , padding barefoot along PIHA BEACH , or visiting the city’s WAIHEKE ISLAND , where the landscape is embroidered with vineyards and olive groves. More urban adventures include fossicking for retro wares and vintage finds along quirky K ROAD , kicking back at a cocktail bar in pretty PONSONBY , seeing the best of the designer boutiques around BRITOMART , visiting the VIADUCT and SILO PARK or mooching around AUCKLAND ART GALLERY TOI O TAMAKI and the MATAKANA VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET . You can also trek across the city and technically the width of the country in one day by embarking on the 16-kilometre COAST TO COAST WALK , which starts on the shores of Waitematā Harbour and winds up at Manukau Harbour.

THE COROMANDEL

Just an hour from the country’s main gateway of Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau yet a world away from the thrum of the city, THE COROMANDEL represents the perfect New Zealand getaway. With 400 kilometres of coastline, mist-infused rainforest, beaches and charming seaside towns to stop awhile in, this is the place where Kiwis escape to on holidays. Investigating just some of the natural wonders here is enough to convince you to put the region at the top of your itinerary: the quiet beauty of CATHEDRAL COVE at the edge of MERCURY BAY and best approached by water by boat or kayak; WHENUAKURA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY , also known endearingly as DONUT ISLAND , a private island off the coast from WHANGAMATA which was largely a secret to all but locals until relatively recently; and the compelling HOT WATER BEACH , where hot water bubbles up through the sand two hours either side of low tide to create curious spa pools and natural springs. Add to this: the pristine KAUAERANGA VALLEY , dominated by THE PINNACLES which can be reached by an overnight walk via the original steps constructed for packhorses in the early 1900s, an overnight stay in the largest DOC hut