Travel to North Island

North Island North Island North Island North Island
North Island

The majority of the population lives on New Zealand’s North Island with the largest city of Auckland and the capital city of Wellington located here. Known as the ‘city of sails’ Auckland offers visitor a spectacular harbour paradise with beaches, coves and islands to explore complimented with a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.  In Wellington discover New Zealand’s history, its art and culture at Te Papa Museum, explore boutique stores, taste test at the local wineries and take in the nearby National Parks.

Rotorua offers visitors the opportunity to witness firsthand the hot springs, bubbling mud pools and soaring geyser of this geothermal center as well as discovering the unique Maori heritage of this region.
In the east at Hawke’s Bay sandy beaches, vineyards, fine artisan food and unique art deco architecture in Napier await your discovery. The Coromandel Peninsula features a beautiful, rocky coastline with beaches and the opportunity to dig your own natural spa bath in the sands of Hot Water Beach.

Explore the famous Waitomo Caves in the caving capital of New Zealand then see New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions ever seen on earth. Here you can enjoy a number of activities including hiking, fishing, water sports and skydiving.

People

New Zealanders, or Kiwis, as they call themselves, are among the friendliest people on earth.

Language

English is the most common language in New Zealand; however Maori is also an official language.

History

Maori, who are Polynesians, were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, who are thought to have arrived more than 1,000 years ago in double-hulled waka (canoe), from islands in Eastern Polynesia (Hawaiki). Maori settled on both main islands of New Zealand and named the country Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud).

Dutch Navigator Abel Tasman, the first European discoverer, arrived in 1642 and named the islands New Zealand. He didn’t stay, and it wasn’t until Captain James Cook arrived over a century later that the area was colonized.

From the late 1790’s on, whalers, traders and missionaries arrive, establishing settlements mainly along the far northern coast of New Zealand. From 1839 to 1841 New Zealand was administered as part of Australia’s New South Wales colony.

In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, an agreement between the British Crown and Maori. It established British law in New Zealand, while at the same time guaranteeing Maori authority over their land and culture. The Treaty is considered New Zealand’s founding document. The grounds and the building where the treaty was signed have been preserved and, today, the Waitangi Historic Reserve is a popular tourist attraction. The original Treaty itself can be seen at the New Zealand Archives in Wellington.

Gold was discovered in the mid-19th century in the South Island and many more European settlers arrived – many staying to establish farms in the South Island. In the early 1880’s new refrigerated ships made it possible for New Zealand to begin to export dairy products and meat to the United Kingdom and the economy became heavily agriculturally based.

New Zealand was the first sovereign state to give voting rights to women in 1893. In 1907 New Zealand gained dominion status within the British Empire and was granted autonomy in 1931 by the Statute of Westminster which was formally accepted in 1947.
New Zealand today is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. The British Monarch, although constitutional head of state, plays no active role in the administration of New Zealand’s government.

The capital city is Wellington, although the largest city is Auckland, both situated in the North Island.

Currency

The official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$).

Weather

New Zealand’s climate is mainly mild. The far north is subtropical in the summer (November to March) and the far south can get below freezing in the winter (May to August). Nevertheless most of New Zealand has lots of sun, moderate temperatures and modest rainfall.

The average rainfall in New Zealand is between 25 and 60 inches. This provides the country with excellent farming and lush rainforest but it also means that a rain protection is necessary.

Health Requirements

Must be in acceptable standard of health to enter New Zealand

Visa Requirements

From October 1, 2019, anyone entering NZ now requires a Visa by completing an ETA - Electronic Travel Authority. The ETA’s must be completed online via NZ immigration’s website platform. The only exceptions to this requirement are passengers travelling on a New Zealand or Australian passport, as well as travelers who hold a valid NZ visa.  Visit:  https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/ to apply for your New Zealand ETA.  In addition, anyone entering New Zealand from October 1, 2019 will need to pay the IVL (International Visitor Levy). The levy cost is NS$35 and can be paid a the same time as the ETA.

Tipping & Porterage

Tipping is not as entrenched a custom as it is in the US, however, generous donations by American visitors have changed the expectations of many who work in the tourism industry. Generally, a 10% tip at finer restaurants is sufficient, and taxi drivers only expect a tip if they helped with luggage.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.

Money

Currency is New Zealand dollar denominations:
Coins: 5c,10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2
Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100

Electrical Appliances

230/240 volts, 50 hertz.
Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Water

The urban water supply in New Zealand is safe to drink.


Related Destinations

Auckland
Bay of Islands
Bay of Plenty
{markers} Hamilton & Waikato
{/markers} Hawkes Bay
North Island
Rotorua
{markers} Ruapehu
{/markers} Taupo
The Coromandel
Wellington/Martinborough

Build your own custom brochure

Finally, information the way you want it, when you want. Create your own customized information brochure from anything on our site with this magical tool called a brochure builder. Add destination information, hotels, resort and lodges and even vacations that you are interested in. Simply find a product you are interested in, and click to add to your brochure.

Once you have finalized your selection, press select and your own customized brochure will be created, filled with all sorts of hints and tips to get you started. What a great way to get your friends and family interested in a trip, or perhaps to surprise your husband or wife with, or even to just have a memory of your own vacation?

The selection on this website is just a small showcase of the offerings available, ask the travel experts for more details. We're here to inspire!

    

This Destination

North Island

Related Destinations

Abel Tasman National Park
Auckland
Bay of Islands
Bay of Plenty
Christchurch
Dunedin
Glaciers and West Coast
Hamilton & Waikato
Hawkes Bay
Kaikoura
Mount Cook
Nelson and Marlborough
New Zealand
North Island
Queenstown and Wanaka
Rotorua
Ruapehu
South Island
Stewart Island
Taupo
Te Anau
The Coromandel
Wellington/Martinborough
West Coast

Related Hotels

970 Lonely Bay
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay
Cordis Auckland
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Related Vacations

A Little Bit of Luxury
Auckland and Queenstown
Auckland Uncovered
Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown
Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington & Queenstown

Related Tours

A Taste of Auckland
A Taste of Auckland
Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour
Auckland City Revealed
Auckland Maori Luxury Tour


Featured Hotels

Spicers Potts Point,…
Wilderness Lodge Lake…
Crystalbrook Bailey
Le Bora Bora by Pearl…
Thala Beach Nature…

Popular Vacations

Abel Tasman National…
Melbourne, Scenic…
Top End Wild Bush Luxury
Australia’s Icons…
Classic New Zealand

Hotels

970 Lonely Bay

970 Lonely Bay

970 Lonely Bay Lodge is luxury boutique accommodation in Cooks Beach,…

Learn More

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Copthorne Hotel…

Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands is a superb waterfront…

Learn More

Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay

Copthorne Hotel…

If location is everything, then the Copthorne Hotel Wellington,…

Learn More

Cordis Auckland

Cordis Auckland

Driven to inspire and innovate, Cordis Auckland offers you a warm…

Learn More

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Grand Mercure Puka…

The secluded hideaway of Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is situated…

Learn More

Heritage Hotel Auckland

Heritage Hotel…

Iconic landmark hotel centrally located with magnificent views…

Learn More

Ibis Rotorua

Ibis Rotorua

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, Ibis Rotorua…

Learn More

Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo

Millennium Hotel…

The Resort provides stunning views overlooking the famous Lake Taupo…

Learn More

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel…

Centrally located in the heart of Rotorua Millennium Rotorua is just…

Learn More

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Novotel Rotorua…

Stunning natural scenery, geothermal wonders and a vast array of…

Learn More

Old Post Office Lodge - Vacation Home

Old Post Office…

Stay in the stunning Tongariro National Park ward, the perfect…

Learn More

Onepu Moana Retreat

Onepu Moana Retreat

Onepu Moana Retreat is located in the Southern Hokianga, and offers…

Learn More

Powderhorn Chateau

Powderhorn Chateau

The Powderhorn Chateau, is an iconic building bordering the southern…

Learn More

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Scenic Hotel Bay of…

Expansive sub-tropical gardens & extensive guest facilities…

Learn More

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Scenic Hotel Te…

Scenic Hotel Te Pania invites you to enjoy quality four star Napier…

Learn More

SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland

SKYCITY Grand Hotel…

Centrally located in the heart of Auckland City, the 5-star SKYCITY…

Learn More

SKYCITY Hotel Auckland

SKYCITY Hotel…

Experience New Zealand’s premier entertainment destination when…

Learn More

Solitaire Lodge

Solitaire Lodge

Solitaire Lodge Rotorua, one of the first New Zealand luxury lodges,…

Learn More

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Sudima Hotel Lake…

Conveniently near the airport in the heart of Rotorua, Sudima Hotel…

Learn More

The Crown Hotel

The Crown Hotel

Set in the picturesque seaside village of Ahuriri, offering 4 star…

Learn More


See More Hotels »

Vacations

A Little Bit of Luxury

A Little Bit of…

Combine luxury hotels with some of New Zealand’s best luxury…

Learn More

Auckland Uncovered

Auckland Uncovered

Discover Auckland and surrounding region by basing yourself in…

Learn More

Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown

Auckland, Rotorua…

Discover some of the best New Zealand has to offer with a…

Learn More

Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington & Queenstown

Auckland, Rotorua,…

Experience New Zealand’s best spots! Your journey will take you…

Learn More

Australia and New Zealand Panorama

Australia and New…

Just how many legendary Antipodean attractions can you tick off in…

Learn More

Best of the North Island

Best of the North…

Experience the diversity and grandeur of New Zealand’s North…

Learn More

Classic New Zealand

Classic New Zealand

Experience the highlights of New Zealand that takes in the sights of…

Learn More

Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand

Contrasts of…

Discover Australia’s and New Zealand’s highlights on a…

Learn More

Contrasts of New Zealand

Contrasts of New…

Experience the contrasts of New Zealand’s two distinct islands.…

Learn More

Distinctly New Zealand

Distinctly New…

Your New Zealand Vacation starts when with a journey on award-winning…

Learn More

Essential New Zealand Lux

Essential New…

A wonderful introduction to New Zealand that includes luxury stays in…

Learn More

Explore New Zealand

Explore New Zealand

Discover the highlights of New Zealand without having to drive…

Learn More

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Highlights of…

A perfect mix of modern cities and ancient landscapes characterizes…

Learn More

Highlights of New Zealand

Highlights of New…

One of our most popular tours! Experience all the iconic attractions…

Learn More

In Love with Nature - New Zealand Romance

In Love with Nature…

Fall in love with New Zealand and the great outdoors! Take in the…

Learn More

Inspiring New Zealand

Inspiring New…

A tale of two great islands, of epic natural beauty and ancient…

Learn More

Journey to Middle-earth

Journey to…

Appealing to those Frodo and Gandalf fans, this vacation encompasses…

Learn More


See More Vacations »

Tours

A Taste of Auckland

A Taste of Auckland

Spend the morning exploring Auckland city on a small group tour then…

Learn More

A Taste of Auckland

A Taste of Auckland

Get a taste of Auckland, spending the morning exploring the city on a…

Learn More

Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour

Auckland City &…

Experience the very best of Auckland city and thw Waitakere Ranges on…

Learn More

Auckland City Revealed

Auckland City…

This Auckland city half-day tour showcases the highlights of the city…

Learn More

Auckland Maori  Luxury Tour

Auckland Maori …

Duration: 8 Hours. See the very best sights of Tamaki Makaurau…

Learn More

Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves Tours

Auckland to Rotorua…

Duration: 6 hours Enjoy a tour from Auckland to Rotorua including a…

Learn More

Bush and Beach Coromandel Day Tour

Bush and Beach…

Duration: 12 hours Experience Coromandel Peninsula, a favorite…

Learn More

Bush and Beach Hobbiton Express Tour

Bush and Beach…

Duration: 8 hours Let Bush and Beach take you on a magical journey…

Learn More

Discover the Bay of Islands

Discover the Bay of…

Duration: 12 hours Starting in Auckland, travel north on one of…

Learn More

Footprints Waipoua Twilight Encounter

Footprints Waipoua…

Duration: 4 Hours. This 4-hour night experience visits the oldest…

Learn More

Great Tastes of Matakana

Great Tastes of…

This day trip to Matakana is a great escape from Auckland City and…

Learn More

Hobbiton Express Tour - Auckland to Rotorua - One Way

Hobbiton Express…

This day tour from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton…

Learn More

Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set…

Duration: 2 Hours. Discover the real Middle-earth on the most…

Learn More

Northern Explorer

Northern Explorer

Duration: Approx 11 hours. Journey through the heart of the North…

Learn More

Rotorua City Sights

Rotorua City Sights

Duration: 48 Hours. Enjoy a “hop on hop off” tour of…

Learn More

Tamaki Maori Village Hangi and Concert

Tamaki Maori…

Duration: 4.5 Hours. Share in the Powhiri; the ancient ceremony of…

Learn More

Wilderness Experience Nature Tour

Wilderness…

Departing every afternoon, the Wilderness Experience Nature Toour…

Learn More


See More Day Tours »