About Author:
Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Auckland Vacation
New Zealand's North Island may be the smaller of the two main islands, but that certainly does not make it lesser. The diminutive North Island is home to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. The island's more northern location contributes to a warmer, more congenial climate and translates to a larger, more diverse population than the colder southern island.
A Maori myth tells the tale of Ma-ui, the demi-god responsible for the creation of the North and South Islands. According to the myth, the South Island was the Ma-ui's canoe. One day, Ma-ui and his brothers were fishing when he pulled an enormous fish from the sea. His brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. When Ma-ui saw what they had done, he flung it back into the sea and it became the North Island, and their hack marks became the mountains and valleys. The Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Ma-ui, or, The Fish of Ma-ui.
The mountains and valleys are only part of the lush locales you will encounter on North Island. From the rolling farmlands of Waikato to the rugged mountain ranges of Coromandel, from the lush, sub-tropical forests and picturesque lakes of the island's center to the beautiful, fruitful vineyards of the east coast, North Island offers something for everyone.
Regional Highlights
There are many different regions on the North Island, ranging from the busy cities of Auckland and Wellington to the untamed and unspoiled beauty of Ruapehu's national parks. Each region has highlights that make it worth visiting, and make it difficult to choose only one or two places to visit on a trip through the beautiful island.
1. Northland
Northland is a subtropical paradise of unspoiled beaches. Native culture is alive and thriving in the northern reaches of the island, where you will find stunning beaches, beautiful bays and islands. Northland is a favorite destination for those who love extreme water sports, surfing, sailing, game fishing, boating and diving are all favored pastimes in the northern island. One of the main centers for tourism in the Northland is the Bay of Islands.
2. Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands, in the Northland, is a stunning vista of sand and rock coastline that encircles a bay set with 150 islands. Islands, beaches, boats and the ocean are ever-present and offer a mind-boggling array of activities to keep any visitor entertained and busy. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the many inlets, or board a chartered ferry or yacht for a trip to swim with dolphins. When you tire of the sea, there are historical and romantic sites aplenty to explore and enjoy.
3. Auckland
Auckland, with a population of 1.2 million, is home to nearly one-third the island's population. It's a fascinating blend of cosmopolitan city and marine harbor. Enjoy fine dining, sparkling nightlife and all the pleasures of being in one of the Southern Hemisphere's most popular and active cities.
4. Coromandel
Located just east of Auckland, Coromandel is one of New Zealand's favorite holiday destinations. The land is rustic and unspoiled, with stunning vistas of volcanic peaks and valleys. The rugged volcanic hills are carpeted with lush, subtropical forests while the stunning beaches are dusted with glistening sand and sparkling water. Both bush and ocean are within the boundaries of Coromandel.
5. Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty has long been a tourist destination famed for its long white beaches and easy-going lifestyle. These days, visitors also have discovered the cosmopolitan flavor of its major city, Tauranga, where they can enjoy fine dining and the best wines of the East Coast vineyards in the many cafes and restaurants.
6. Waikato
Waikato features two stunning landscapes, one above ground and one below. On the surface, the rolling farmlands offer any visitor the serenity of a bucolic land. Beneath, you will find a veritable labyrinth of caves and cave formations to explore and enjoy.
7. Rotorua
Some of the highlights of the Rotorua district include trout fishing in the volcanic lakes and relaxing in the healing waters of the seething hot springs. Volcanoes and geysers make this district a marvelous wonderland of natural beauty.
8. Eastland
Be the first on Earth to greet the new day in Eastland, the first mainland place to be touched by the rising sun. Enjoy national parks with hiking and nature trails, and relax with the sophistication of the world's first cultivated black truffles, fine cheeses and the finest Chardonnay.
9. Taupo
Visit beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, or hike through the island's oldest national park. Stunning scenery, volcanoes, trout fishing and unusual and rare wild life all combine to make Taupo a must-visit site.
10. Wellington
Beautiful Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Located between a picturesque harbor and majestic hills, the city offers vibrant night life and fascinating cultural experiences alongside gourmet dining and a distinctly unique urban experience unlike any other in the entire world.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A
- How A Unique Gift Baskets Purchase Can Get You A Cheap Vacation Hotels Certificate
- Vacation Hotel in Malaysia
- An Upbeat Vacation Hotel Story
- Tips to Help You Save Money on Your Vacation Hotel
- Mauritius For a Great Family Vacation Hotel
- Vacation Hotels In Odessa Ukraine
- A Great Belize Beach Vacation Hotel on Ambergris Caye
- Thinking of taking a vacation - Do you choose a hotel or a villa ?




Rainbow River Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals Florida, Florida Vacation Condos, Rainbow River Attractions
By: BookFloridaRentals | 14/11/2009Rainbow River Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals Florida, Florida Vacation Condos, Rainbow River Attractions
Orlando Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals Florida, Florida Vacation Condos, Naples Attractions
By: BookFloridaRentals | 14/11/2009Orlando Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals Florida, Florida Vacation Condos, Naples Attractions
Miami Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals Florida, Florida Vacation Condos, Naples Attractions
By: BookFloridaRentals | 14/11/2009Miami Vacation Rentals, Vacation Home Rentals Florida, Florida Vacation Condos, Naples Attractions
Looking for a Vacation Rental Home in Florida’s Keys
By: John Peterson | 14/11/2009Keep your wits about you when looking for vacation rentals. Your key destination could be Florida Keys vacation rentals home.
ROUND THE CLOCK SERVICE
By: grucebond | 14/11/2009ROUND THE CLOCK SERVICE
Santorini Car Rental
By: Z Fazal | 14/11/2009Renting a car in Santorini can give you that extra ease and freedom that will make your holiday to Santorini from being good to becoming excellent.
St. Augustine vacation home rentals, Florida rentals, Florida Vacation Rentals, Florida Vacation Home rentals
By: BookFloridaRentals | 14/11/2009St. Augustine vacation home rentals, Florida rentals, Florida Vacation Rentals, Florida Vacation Home rentals
Pensacola vacation rentals
By: BookFloridaRentals | 14/11/2009Pensacola vacation rentals, Florida Vacation Rentals, Rent Pensacola apartment
New Zealand's Climate and Weather Patterns
By: Grant Eckert | 04/03/2008 | Vacation RentalsThe weather in New Zealand is often like the country's landscape: dramatic, wild and unpredictable. For such a small country, New Zealand has an incredibly varied climate, and there can be major differences in the weather. New Zealand's climate creates some diverse landscapes as well, ranging from almost tropical conditions in the north to snowy glaciers in the south.
Important Historical Landmarks of New Zealand
By: Grant Eckert | 04/03/2008 | Vacation RentalsNew Zealand is considered to be one of the youngest countries in the world, as it was the last major land mass to be discovered by Europeans. For a young country, New Zealand boasts many fascinating and important historical sites, a legacy of its original inhabitants, the Maori and also its years as a British colony.
Details About New Zealand's Beautiful North Island
By: Grant Eckert | 04/03/2008 | Vacation RentalsNew Zealand's North Island may be the smaller of the two main islands, but that certainly does not make it lesser. The diminutive North Island is home to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. The island's more northern location contributes to a warmer, more congenial climate and translates to a larger, more diverse population than the colder southern island.
Auckland's Most Luxurious Hotels
By: Grant Eckert | 04/03/2008 | Vacation Rentals"Five Star Rating", "Luxury Hotels", "Superior Deluxe" are all terms that allow hotel guests and visitors to set expectations about the quality and variety of the services provided. Although at present, there are no global standards for rating hotel accommodations; one can still gain some insight into the quality of the service by the number of stars or diamonds displayed in travel guides. Several of the major factors that play a part in these hotel ratings center on the room itself.
Exotic Animals of Australia - the Land Down Under
By: Grant Eckert | 30/01/2008 | Exotic LocationsPeople visit Australia for different reasons - the country has lively cities, spectacular scenery and a fascinating Aborigine culture. And many people go there to experience the country's unique wildlife, animals that cannot be seen anywhere else, such as the koala bear, kangaroo, dingo and wallaby.