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5 REASONS TO VISIT THE NORTH ISLAND
Stretching from the sparse, coastal Northlands to the lush pastural land in the south, New Zealand’s North Island is home to more places and experiences than anyone can fit into a single vacation. Why do you need to go? Here are our top 5 reasons (but seriously, there are sooo many more).
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1. You’ll find scenic beauty EVERYWHERE
If beautiful beaches and jaw-dropping coastlines are on your check list for visiting a destination, the North Island does not disappoint. How about deep blue inland lakes, thermal pools, rivers and waterfalls? You can check those off too! A spectacular subtropical micro-region of the North Island, The Bay of Islands is a must-see, filled with sheltered beaches and coves perfect for kayaking, sailing tours, biking and hiking. It’s more than enough reason to stay in Paihia and explore the surrounding historic towns of Russell and Kerikeri while you are there. Keep your camera charged, you are going to need it.
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2. There is a giant inland lake
Lake Taupo is another natural icon not to miss. Stretching 46km long (that’s 28 miles), fishing, boating and watersport enthusiasts flock to this inland paradise for year-round fun. You’ll also find plenty to do around the water’s edge with great golf courses, bars, restaurants and a lively calendar of events making Taupo one of the North Island’s top destinations to visit. On the southern shore of the lake, Turangi offers a more relaxed pace. With streams, rivers and gorges to explore, it’s the perfect outdoor playground for nature lovers.
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3. Experience Maori culture
Maori culture runs deep in many aspects of daily life in New Zealand. At the tip of the North Island at Cape Reinga, you can witness the meeting point of two oceans. Dubbed the ‘Place of Leaping’, Maori culture believes deceased spirits leap from the 800 year old Pohutukawa tree that stands here and into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. If you’re in the Bay of Islands, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is one of the most historically significant locations in the country. Step back in time in the museum, watch traditional Maori performances or test your skills paddling in a Maori canoe.
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4. Natural hot pools
Need we say more? It’s like a spa in the ground, and you’ll find them all over the North Island. The geothermal areas are arguably one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions. These natural wonders are a result of heat produced from the Earth’s mantle, warming the deep underground springs. Perhaps the most well-known is the North Island town of Rotorua, but if you are staying in Turangi, don’t miss the chance to visit the Tokaanu Thermal area for a soak to remember.
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5. The Hobbits live here
Guys, in case you didn’t already have enough reasons to visit the North Island – this is the homeland of the Hobbits! If you’re looking for the ideal day trip anywhere from your accommodation, it doesn’t get much better than a tour of Hobbiton (especially great if you find yourself in Tauranga or Mount Maunganui, as it is less than an hour’s drive inland from the coast). Soak in the picturesque views of the New Zealand countryside and imagine yourself in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world as you explore The Shire on the Lord of the Rings movie set.
Featured Resorts
The Bishop Selwyn
Bay Of Islands, North Island, New ZealandThe Bay of Islands is the finest maritime park in New Zealand, with 144 spectacular islands, and secluded bays. The region is home to an abundance of marine life, including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins and sea birds. It is world famous for deep sea fishing and underwater scenery, the Hole in the Rock Cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse, and the Cream Trip to Otehei Bay. Enjoy the picturesque town of Paihia, and the historic township of Russell; or travel south to see the magnificent kauri forests, Cape Reinga the top of New Zealand, Ninety Mile Beach and the orchards, historic homesteads and craft shops of Kerikeri.
Busby Manor
Bay Of Islands, North Island, New ZealandBusby Manor offers accommodation for families as well as couples wanting a quiet getaway. Relax at the outdoor swimming pool and spa, and you can enjoy a barbeque from the poolside deck with a scenic view of the ocean. Located on the beachfront, Busby Manor offers rental of kayaks and fishing rods as well as mountain bikes, and through the resort you may book trips and tours including kayaking, swimming with the dolphins, fishing trips, golf and more. On less than sunny days, enjoy the Guest Lounge with games and reading, along with wireless Internet access throughout the resort. Busby Manor is in the heart of the Bay of Islands, with more than 150 sandy-beached islands of unspoiled beauty. The whole region is steeped in a culture and history that includes boating and fishing. Discover ancient kauri forests, miles of stunning coastline, pleasure cruises, fishing and diving activities. This region enjoys a subtropical climate with typical summers having long spells of sunshine and warm balmy evenings. Here you can enjoy fine Bay of Islands food and wine, arts and crafts and internationally renowned fishing, diving and boating.
Fairway Lodge
Mt Maunganui/Tauranga, North Island, New ZealandIn the beautiful seaside town of Mount Maunganui on New Zealand's beautiful North Island, Fairway Lodge is surrounded by lush unspoilt rainforest and sub-tropical farmland, bound by the clear blue waters of the Bay of Plenty. With the Bay's temperate climate and abundance of sunshine, it feels like the fun never stops, regardless of the season.<br /><br />The resort is a comfortable oasis where you can relax by the pool with your favourite book one minute and the next head off to Ocean Beach and feel the sand between your toes. The swimming, surfing, and diving are excellent, while the fishing is exceptional. No wonder it's called the 'Bay of Plenty'.<br /><br />One of the area's most popular walks winds up and around the sentinel-like Mount Maunganui and offers spectacular views at almost every turn of the track. Let's face it; you don't get to walk in the shadow of an extinct volcano very often. Truly awesome! At low tide, the locals gather on the beach to dig for Tua Tua, a succulent shellfish - it's heaps of fun and a great way to make new friends. Tua Tua fritters with fresh wasabi and basil mayo are simply mouth-watering. Alternatively, you can hop on a boat to Moturiki Island to see the blowholes in all their spuming glory. Spectacular! You can't stay in Mount Maunganui without experiencing the only naturally heated seawater hot pools in New Zealand. It is seriously one of the most relaxing experiences ever. Having a bath will never be the same again. <br /><br />Fairway Lodge. It's an old favourite for many.
Kaimanawa Lodge
Turangi, North Island, New ZealandAn ideal getaway for families or just the two of you, here you will find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Splash in the swimming pool, soak in the hot tub, or get up a game of volleyball. The Recreation Room features ping pong and BBQ facilities, and the Members' Lounge boasts a roaring fire in the winter, where you can meet other guests and share tales of the day's fishing or other outdoor adventures. You may even hop on one of the resort bikes to explore along the riverbank and in the forest. Situated on the banks of the Tongariro River, this resort is an ideal base for excursions into the Tongariro National Park and Kaimanawa Forest Park, and convenient to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Lake Taupo and nearby inflowing streams have an international reputation for rainbow trout fishing. Here you can also enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, rock and mountain climbing, horse trekking over bush trails, water skiing on a crystal-clear lake, and bungy jumping. Or tee up in style at the Wairakei International Golf Course (55 km), one of the country's premier fairways.
Lake Edge Resort - Taupo
Taupo, North Island, New ZealandActive volcanoes, island sanctuaries and exploring history are all on the 'to do' list when you stay at Lake Edge Resort. New Zealand's North Island is home to Lake Taupo, world famous for its spectacular scenery and magnificent rainbow trout.<br /><br />Sitting on the edge of this beautiful body of water, Lake Edge Resort boasts breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains across the water. Accommodations are modern, comfortable, and with the resort's whitewashed walls, can feels more Mediterranean than Alpine. Best of all, its location is perfect for taking full advantage of the plethora of water sports. There's everything from trout fishing and kayaking to water-skiing and windsurfing. And, of course, during the winter, there are those gorgeous mountain slopes for skiing. The resort's spa, sauna and heated swimming pool are ideal for relaxing in at the end of the day, when your mind turns to whether you'll sky dive from 12,000 feet or experience the thrill of a jet boat ride next. <br /><br />If you like bush walking or mountain biking, then you're in the right place as there are spectacular views to enjoy at every few metres. Blankets of lush vegetation give way to windswept rocks; a beautiful quilt of Mother Nature's finest design. Lake Taupo's geothermal pools, too, are simply magnificent.<br /><br />Lake Edge Resort - it's a great way to experience the very best of Taupo.
Club Paihia
Bay Of Islands, North Island, New ZealandClub Paihia is poised upon a leafy and scenic hillside on six-and-a-half acres of native North Island bushland. This is the ideal location for making the most of the awe-inspiring beauty of the magnificent Bay of Islands. Even at the busiest of times, the wealth of secluded coves and quiet island walks will have you feeling like you're the only ones enjoying the serenity of this seemingly endless maritime playground.<br /><br />After a day of exploration, make the most of excellent resort amenities that include three swimming pools, spa pools, barbeques, a gymnasium, tennis court, petanque, outdoor chess and bicycles. The Club even has its own private bushwalk, incorporating a magnificent orchid house. In the building housing the owners lounge, you will find the library, pool table and table tennis. Here, the booking kiosk will organise tours and help you make the very most of this aquatic wonderland.<br /><br />In the town of Paihia, you'll find everything from fine art to fine wine and a selection of world-class restaurants. Enjoy a little recreational boating and then, having got your sea legs, tackle up for an unforgettable deep-sea charter in the game-fish-rich waters of the Bay. Visit fascinating historic sites. Revitalise and recharge on one of the many unspoiled beaches. Play a round of golf on world-class local courses. Have a tramp along the Northland's most spectacular bushwalks. Watch the whales. Swim with the dolphins. Dive the Rainbow Warrior. Discover a holiday you'll treasure for years - at Club Paihia.
Sun Pacific Villas
Mt Maunganui/Tauranga, North Island, New ZealandSun Pacific Villas is located in Mount Maunganui, a beautiful coastal town on New Zealand's spectacular Bay of Plenty. The area's gorgeous temperate climate makes the town a popular destination for both fun- and sun-seekers year 'round. Lush rainforest and sub-tropical farmland blend seamlessly with golden sand beaches and the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful!<br /><br /> The modern, fully-equipped accommodations sit on one of New Zealand's most popular surf beaches and have amazing ocean views. Relax by the heated swimming pool or get into the 'zone' on the tennis court. Mount Maunganui is also the name of the extinct volcano that dominants the town and surrounding landscape. A climb to the summit offers breathtaking views. It's well worth the effort, especially if you're planning on sampling the delicious local cuisine.<br /><br /> You can enjoy a spot of deep-sea fishing, diving and all the water sports you can shake a paddle at. The nearby rivers play host to white-water rafting and adrenaline-pumping heart-in-mouth jet boat rides. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities, great restaurants and exquisite cafes to tempt you to stop and stay a while; and stay a while you must as the local seafood is sensational. Or try digging for Tua Tua, the local shellfish! It's an easy drive to the geothermal wonderland at Rotorua where the hot pools are magnificent.<br /><br /> Whatever you're into, Sun Pacific Villas is the place for a naturally relaxing holiday.