NORTH ISLAND OVERVIEW
 
The North Island is the smallest of the two main islands of New Zealand, and as its name indicates, is the northern-most of the two islands. Its northern location means it enjoys a warmer, more temperate climate than much of the South Island, and is much more vastly populated. The northern areas of the North Island enjoy a sub-tropical climate. The centre of the island is primarily a volcanic landscape with vast forests, volcanic peaks, and picturesque lakes. The eastern side of the island is covered with vineyards. 

The North Island is home to the largest city in New Zealand—Auckland, also known as the 'City of Sails', and the Capital City of New Zealand—Wellington. As of the 2006 census, the North Island held a resident population of approximately 3,059,420, or approximately three quarters of the entire population of New Zealand.

MAIN REGIONS OF THE NORTH ISLAND

Northland
 
The region of Northland and the Bay of Islands stretches north from Auckland, towards the warm waters of Polynesia, the ancestral home of New Zealand's first inhabitants.  The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Northland springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the coastline.  The people of the North have a passion for water sport—surfing, boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation of the region's fascinating Maori and European history.  Much of Northlands' extensive coastline remains unspoilt—an aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation. Whangarei and Opua are renowned throughout the Pacific as attractive havens for yachts.  You'll find that Maori culture is still very much alive in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori), and you'll also enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities that stem from the distinctive local culture—which embraces art, creativity, organic farming and alternative thinking.

Main Centres in Northland:

Kaitaia - the most northern major town in New Zealand
Kerikeri - producers of art and fruit
Paihia - gateway to the Bay of Islands
Whangarei - New Zealand's northernmost city
Dargaville - heart of the Kauri Coast
Bay of Islands - tourism hub including Kerikeri, Paihia, Waitangi and Russell

Bay of Islands 

The Bay of Islands is a stunningly beautiful length of sand and rock coastline that circles a sea pierced by 150 islands.  Located 60 kilometres north-west of Whangarei, the bay is a natural harbour with an irregular 16 kilometre wide inlet. Several sections of the bay extend into the land, notably Waikare Inlet in the south and Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets in the north-west.  The small town of Russell is located at the end of a short peninsula that extends into the bay from the south-east.  Several islands lie to the north of the Bay of Islands peninsula, including Urupukapuka Island to the east and Moturoa Island to the north. The Purerua Peninsula extends to the west of the bay, and Cape Brett Peninsula extends 10 kilometres into the Pacific Ocean at the eastern end of the bay.

Main Centres of the Bay of Islands:

Kerikeri
Paihia
Russell

Auckland

Try not to think of Auckland as a city, even though it is New Zealand's largest city. Think of it as half urban, half marine—a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that's dotted with over 50 islands.  Auckland has a population of over 1.2 million, which is approaching one third of New Zealand's entire population.  Auckland City lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the south-east, the Manukau Harbour to the south-west, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and north-west.  Auckland is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate bodies of water. The central part of the urban area of Auckland covers a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea, and the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.

Auckland's amazing geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle that's regularly ranked in the world's top ten. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere: sailing to an island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach. Auckland's layout makes it easy to jump quickly from one theme to another.

Main Centres in Auckland:

Auckland City - largest urban area in New Zealand
Great Barrier Island - a large island with a small population
Pukekohe - major attractions include motor racing, horse racing and garden fresh vegetables
Rangitoto - volcanic island erupted from the seabed around 600 years ago
Waiheke Island - pleasure-loving island famous for its many vineyards

Coromandel 

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf, and has an estimated population of just under 27,000 people in the combined Thames and Coromandel Districts.  Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand's best-loved holiday destinations.  The rugged volcanic hills are cloaked in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline promises you can find the beach of your dreams. The Coromandel is a place where bush and beach are both easily accessible. In the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.  On the west coast, there's a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native of New Zealand).  The eastern side of the Coromandel is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches, and an impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of the peninsula.

Coromandel Main Centres:

Thames - gateway to the Coromandel
Whitianga - a holiday resort
Coromandel Town - known for its relaxed lifestyle and arts community
Whangamata - another holiday resort
Paeroa - the home of a famous New Zealand beverage
Waihi - centre of gold - past and present

Bay of Plenty
 
The Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel peninsula. It's a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here—sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.  The Pacific Coast Highway touring route brings travellers into the bay, and the city of Tauranga is often their first port of call. Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping with a nautical theme.  Two large marinas in Tauranga hold over a thousand yachts and launches, and there are numerous charter boat operators ready to take you out to the marlin waters offshore.

Main Centres in Bay of Plenty:

Tauranga - the major centre of the area
Mount Maunganui - a popular holiday spot renowned for its surf and swimming beaches
Te Puke - The Kiwifruit Capital of New Zealand
Katikati - New Zealand's Mural Town
Whakatane - the main town of Eastern Bay of Plenty, and base for boat trips to White Island, an active offshore volcano

Waikato
 
The Waikato is the first region south of Greater Auckland. It has two spectacular landscapes—one above ground, the other below. Above ground the view is dominated by the serenity of the Waikato River and the rich rolling green of productive farmland. The main centre is Hamilton—a city that serves the thriving farming and university community.  The mighty Waikato river is best experienced from the deck of a classic paddle steamer. While the world passes by, an interesting commentary will tell you about local landmarks, the history of the region and riverbank life.

Main centres in the Waikato:

Hamilton - New Zealand's fourth largest city
Cambridge - antiques, arts and crafts
Waitomo Caves Village - home of thrilling caving and adventure activities
Matamata - thoroughbred horse racing centre of New Zealand
Te Aroha - relaxing hot mineral pools

Rotorua
 
The Rotorua district is located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. It has a population of approximately 53,000 and about half are Maori.  The district is located 60 kilometres south of Tauranga, 105 kilometres south-east of Hamilton and 82 kilometres north-east of Taupo.  Rotorua is one of the original tourist destinations in New Zealand—it has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different.  The scent of sulphur in the air is characteristic of Rotorua. At nearby geothermal hotspots, there are spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal springs. Silica terraces are naturally decorated with a kaleidoscope of colours.  Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand Maori culture, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Maori.

Main Centres in Rotorua:

Rotorua - the country's oldest resort and centre of geothermal activity

Eastland

Eastland reaches out to the Pacific Ocean, and is the first mainland place in the world to see the sun each day. There's a wonderfully fresh quality to the scenery of Eastland. Bush fringed misty mountain lakes, beaches that have hardly changed for hundreds of years, farmland and vineyards that breathe the spirit of nature.  The further you go, the more nature's bounty tempts—camping, diving, fishing, hunting, swimming and surfing opportunities abound.  There are many interesting and beautiful walks within the region, but one of the most stunning areas for hiking and trekking is in the Te Urewera National Park, the third largest national park and the largest untouched native forest in New Zealand. Soft adventure, such as horse trekking is another way to experience the magic of Eastland.  In contrast with the splendid seclusion of the forested hinterland, Gisborne is a city where you can indulge in gourmet dining and wine tasting.  You'll find the Southern Hemisphere's first commercially grown black truffles, the finest cheeses and Chardonnay to die for.  Gisborne's white sand surf beaches attract surfers from all over the world—Captain Cook was the first, his ship Endeavour surfed into Kaiti Beach in 1769.

Main Centres in Eastland:

Gisborne - one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand
Opotiki - gateway to a natural wonderland
Wairoa - gateway to the Urewera National Park
Mahia - a coastal getaway

Taupo

The focus of this region is Lake Taupo—New Zealand's largest lake (619 square kilometres) and the heart of the North Island.
Lake Taupo was created by a volcanic eruption. Almost everywhere you look there's a volcano. Just a few minutes north of the Lake at Wairakei you'll find geothermal fields, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers.  In Taupo itself, and at the little village of Tokaanu near Turangi, there are hot mineral springs that have been soothing weary souls for centuries. And the prawn burgers at the world's only geothermally heated prawn farm will blow you away.

Main Centres in the Taupo Region and Ruapehu District:

Taupo - main centre in the Lake Taupo region
Turangi - the North Island's trout fishing capital

Ruapehu
 
The Ruapehu district is located in the central North Island, midway between Auckland and Wellington. The Desert Road section of Highway 1 is the eastern boundary and scenic Highway 4 provides access to the centre of the region.  Ruapehu's main settlements are the ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, the army town of Waiouru and the rural service centre of Taumarunui, nestled on the banks of the Whanganui and Ongarue rivers. Local knowledge and expert guides make it easy to discover the region's famous hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding and mountain biking experiences.  The Ruapehu region is home to the Tongariro National Park, the Whanganui National Park and the Whanganui River. It is a four hour drive from Auckland or Wellington and close to Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Taupo.
 
Main Centres in the Ruapehu Region:

Ohakune - apres-ski centre for region
Taumarunui - largest town and the region's main service centre

Taranaki
 
Taranaki, on the North Island's west coast, juts into the Tasman Sea and is half way between Auckland and Wellington.  Mount Taranaki is ever-present in this region—a huge, dramatic volcanic cone with a snowy top. The mount is a spiritual and physical force in this region. It is the source of over 50 rivers and streams, the home of many botanically unique plants, and the subject of many stories and legends. On sighting the mountain in 1642, explorer Abel Tasman said it was "the noblest hill I've ever seen".

Main Centres in the Taranaki region:

New Plymouth - the major city of the province and a good base from which to explore the region
Hawera - a good base to explore South Taranaki
Stratford - an excellent spot to stay for those wanting to explore the mountain

Hawke's Bay
 
The Hawke's Bay region encompasses the area around Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of the North Island. It is 332 kilometres (about four hours) north-east Wellington City.  Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's warmest, driest regions.   The landscapes of Hawke's Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains, the land steps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean.  The twin cities of Napier and Hastings are the main population centres.

Main Centres in Hawke's Bay

Napier - the Art Deco city
Hastings - an ideal base to explore and enjoy the bay's wine country attractions
Wairoa - centre of the vast Northern Hawke's Bay
Waipukurau - scenic Southern Hawke's Bay countryside

Wanganui
 
The Wanganui region is on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo and Ruapehu regions.  This area is known for maori culture, heritage, Whanganui National Park and river adventures. The region takes its name from the city of Wanganui, which rests on the banks of the spectacular Whanganui River.  To the east of Wanganui lie the city of Palmerston North, the towns of Feilding, Ashhurst and many rural villages. You'll also find the southern hemisphere's largest wind farm. The dramatic, diverse landscape of the area offers a range of unique experiences. As well as excellent brown trout fly-fishing in the Rangatikei River, there's the chance to see rare and migrating birds at the Manawatu river estuary.

Main Centres in the River Region of Wanganui:

Taihape - gumboot capital of New Zealand (Gumboots are rain boots in NZ slang)
Wanganui - main centre for the Wanganui district
Palmerston North - a university city
Levin - main centre for the Horowhenua District

Manawatu
 
This area is based around State Highway 1 where it descends from the volcanic plateau to Wellington, west of the main ranges.
In the Rangitikei river valley and surrounding hill country, Bed and Breakfasts and farmstays are a specialty—many of the old homesteads have magnificent gardens and fascinating tales to tell. This could be the place to try your hand at sheep shearing or horse riding.  The largest of the villages and towns along the road to Mount Ruapehu and the central plateau is Taihape. It is renowned as the 'gumboot capital' of New Zealand. Every year a festival is held to celebrate this essential item of rural kiwi footwear. Competitive gumboot throwing is a special highlight—and it's not as easy as it looks!

Main Centres in Manawatu:

Palmerston North - a major university city with many country gardens to visit in the countryside

Wairarapa
 
Leave the city and enter a contemporary style of country life that fully embraces the pleasures of fine wine and good food. Take in the heritage while you indulge your hedonistic urges.  Wairarapa is about one and half hours drive north from the capital city of Wellington. The region is bordered by the rugged Tararua Mountains to the west and the wild Pacific Ocean to the east.  Known for its hot, languid summers, the Wairarapa provides a relaxing, refined country break away from the pressures of urban life.  In and around Martinborough wine village, famed for its award-winning Pinot Noir, you'll discover a host of welcoming vineyards. Continue the trail through Gladstone and Masterton.

Main Centres in the Wairarapa:

Masterton - the largest town in Wairarapa is home to Wairarapa's Art and History Museum and the centre of major annual events including the international Golden Shears competition and the international Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Carterton - daffodil capital of New Zealand, named after the popular spring festival where, since the 1920's, people have flocked to pick daffodils from a large flower packed field
Greytown - has retained its delightful colonial village character and has New Zealand's most complete main street of original wooden Victorian architecture
Featherston - the gateway to the Wairarapa from Wellington, features three unique museums. The Fell Engine Museum houses the only remaining fell engine in the world and the Featherston Heritage Museum and Mainly Military Museum contain impressive displays of wartime memorabilia
Martinborough - a unique wine village with over 25 boutique vineyards, most within walking distance of the charming town square

Wellington
 
The Wellington region is located at the centre of New Zealand and includes New Zealand's capital city—Wellington. The population is approximately 370,000.  The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is surrounded by hills and a rugged coastline, and boasts a stunning harbour. Wellington is also a cultural centre—home to Te Papa, the ground-breaking interactive Museum of New Zealand, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi and Katherine Mansfield's Birthplace.

Wellington Main Centres:

Wellington city - capital of New Zealand
Porirua - a major retail centre and home to Pataka, museum of Pacific art and culture
Hutt City - across the harbour from Wellington city
Upper Hutt - at the base of the Rimutaka hills
Kapiti Coast - with its warm, relaxed climate