North Island Highlights

New Zealand’s North Island is hypnotic in its beauty. The harbour-side city of Auckland boasts virulent landscapes, with roughly 50 dormant and extinct volcanoes that make for spellbinding views and walking trails. Close to the main city and accessible by ferry is also Waiheke island, where you can amble through vineyards and sample some top-class wines. At Rotorua, landscapes unravel into natural hot springs, sparkling mud pools and rolling streams. The city is also at the heart of Maori culture, so it is here that you can catch a traditional Maori dance or dig into an authentic meal. Next stop—Taupo, which offers the best of the wild outdoors. Raft on the Tongariro River, take a jet boat ride along Huka Falls and marvel at the silica terraces of Tongariro National Park. And when you’ve had your fill of adventure, stroll through the streets of Napier over at Hawke’s Bay, lined with bold and beautiful art-deco buildings. The capital city of Wellington is also a cultural hub, with no dearth of theatres, museums, galleries and cafés.