Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Welcome to the
North Island
Packing in cosmopolitan cities, authentic experiences of
indigenous Maori culture, and the country's bubbling volcanic
heart, the North Island is an exceedingly versatile destination.
Volcanic Thrills
Welcome to one of the planet's youngest countries, at least in geological terms. Ascend the
volcanic cones surrounding Auckland for super city views, before heading south to Rotorua
for hot mud spa treatments and helicopter journeys to the jagged volcanic summit of Mt
Tarawera. Head due south to Lake Taupo, the legacy of one of the planet's biggest-ever
volcanic eruptions, and now gateway to Tongariro National Park. Ski or snowboard on Mt
Ruapehu's still-active slopes, or negotiate a steady path past Mt Ngauruhoe's brooding vol-
canic cone on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Outdoor Experiences
New Zealand's South Island usually gets the kudos, but the oft-overlooked North Island
also features a sublime combination of forests, mountains and beaches. Tackle one of the
North Island's 'Great Walks' - the Whanganui Journey even offers a river journey by canoe
or kayak - or spend a few hours wandering through the accessible wilderness of the Coro-
mandel Peninsula. Day trips from vibrant Auckland can include kayaking to dormant vol-
canoes or canyoning and abseiling down forested waterfalls.
Food, Wine & Beer
Kiwi food was once a bland echo of a British Sunday dinner, but these days NZ chefs dip
into New World culinary oceans for inspiration, especially Pacific flavours.
Try some Maori faves:
paua
(abalone),
kina
(sea urchin) and
kumara
(sweet potato).
Thirsty? NZ's cool-climate wineries have been collecting award trophies for decades now,
and the vineyard restaurants of the Hawke's Bay region are seriously good. The North Is-
land's booming craft-beer scene also deserves serious scrutiny - keep an eye out for brews
