North Island Travelers Recommend

At the northernmost tip of New Zealand is one of the country's best kept secrets: the picturesque Bay of Islands. This is where the locals come for holidays - there is something for whatever strikes your fancy: sailing, fishing, snorkeling, horse-riding, hiking, kayaking, Excitor boat riding, swimming with dolphins, discovering history or just laying in the sunshine under one of the world's bluest skies. You'll want to get your bearings and maybe have a closer look at all those beckoning islands. Since the 1920s a small boat has made its ways around the islands to collect milk and cream from the dairy farms and deliver mail; you can take this 'Cream Trip,' although on a more luxurious vessel than the original small boat. Or you can gaze at the islands from afar, walking along the pristine, sandy beaches of the mainland.

The first things you need to do on arriving anywhere is get your bearings. In Wellington, take to the air in a helicopter and really see how the city nestles into that legendary New Zealand landscape. If you’re slightly more earthbound, catch the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, or head to the Mt Victoria Lookout for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Then head down to the waterfront, the hub of Wellington, and visit the innovative Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. New Zealand is famous for fashion. All that wool from all those sheep combined with a creative streak and you have labels valued worldwide. Explore the area around Lambton Quay, College Street, and Cuba Street. Also the weekend markets, especially Frank Kitts Market of emerging designer stalls. Wellington is renowned for its good food – restaurants in the city have won the national Best Restaurant Award four years out of the last five.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbors of staggering beauty. Whether your passion is America's Cup sailing or relaxed harbor cruises, exploring the wilderness or shopping, dining and culture, Auckland offers an amazing range of things to see and do. Day 1: Auckland OrientationDiscover the vibrant city of Auckland on the hop-on-hop-off bus, or get to know this lovely city on the Auckland Great Day Out. Day 2: Auckland Outdoors and AdrenalineGo straight to the top with the Auckland Harbour bridge climb - the 360-degree views of the city are magnificent. If you need more of a thrill, take the plunge on a breathtaking harbor bridge bungy jump, or join the crew on an actual America's Cup yacht, trying your hand at America's Cup style match racing. Day 3: Auckland Day TripsGorgeous islands, hot bubbling mud, glow-worm caves, historic sites and fresh snowfields - there's plenty to enjoy on a day trip from Auckland.