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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.
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.
Lakeside Villas
Taupo, North Island, New ZealandOn the shores of picturesque Lake Taupo, Lakeside Villas Apartments is just a ten-minute stroll from Taupo's town centre. Supremely comfortable units offer a wide range of configurations to suit all needs and feature fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and patios with fabulous scenic views. There are enjoyable organised activities onsite, including tennis and mini-golf tournaments, and heaps of other activities for kids. Talk to the folks at our helpful Tour Desk. We'll be happy to organise trout-fishing trips, arrange discounted golf green fees, advise you about the best things to do around Lake Taupo - even make dinner bookings. You'll never run out of fantastic things to see and do. Take in a Maori Cultural performance. Experience some of the best trout fishing in the world. Try your hand at water-skiing or parasailing. Scuba dive, sky dive or try bungy jumping. Go white water rafting. Soak away your worries in thermal pools. Go tramping (that's Kiwi for hiking). There's great skiing nearby in winter. Visit Deerworld. Organise a hunting trip or charter a flight for an eagle's-eye view of the spectacular terrain. You'll be within short driving distance to many of New Zealand's top tourist locations like Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Tongariro National Park. Taupo epitomises clean, green New Zealand at it's very best. Come to Lakeside Villas and find yourself perfectly positioned between clear lake waters and jaw-dropping scenery. Welcome to New Zealand's natural holiday paradise.
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.