North Island: 5 Un-miss-able New Zealand Attractions
The North Island of New Zealand is the most built-up area of the country, featuring our two largest cities: Auckland (1.5 million) and Wellington (400,000). It’s a great place to visit with lots of interesting places to see. Here are five of my favourite spots to visit.
Wellington
A vibrant city with an artistic soul, Wellington will capture your heart like no other city. Filled to the brim with theatre, street performance and live music, Wellington is a city for urbanites and adventurous souls. Spend your days enjoying shows, visiting art galleries and indulging in some of New Zealand’s finest restaurants and cafes. Top of my list are Te Papa (NZ’s national museum), The Museum of Wellington City and Sea, The Artrium Gallery and shows at the Michael Fowler Centre, Shed 6 or the St. James Theatre.
Auckland
Nicknamed The City of Sails because of its water-loving population, Auckland seems a world away from the rest of the country. Aucklanders are a different breed, and even have their own nickname – JAFA (Just Another Fabulous Aucklander). The city is a great place to spend a few days – shop up a storm in Newmarket, enjoy the café lifestyle in Ponsonby, and visit the famous Matakana markets. Don’t forget to spend a day out on the water.
Hawke’s Bay
Dubbed “Hawke’s Bay Wine Country” this eastern bay is one of the often-overlooked gems of the country. An area of lush vineyards and productive farmland, you’ll find the Hawke’s Bay a food-lover’s paradise: restaurants and markets brimming with local produce, and local wines among the best in the world. The jewel of the Bay is Napier, the “art deco city” with its beautiful period architecture and laid-back style.
Rotorua
The perfect location for family fun and adventure, Rotorua boasts some of the most impressive attractions in New Zealand. Explore the natural geysers and areas of thermal activity.
The Coromandel
Relax by the beach and enjoy one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday destinations. The Coromandel area is famous for its fascinating mining history, pristine beaches and lush forests you can explore. Rent a house for a few days and relax in one of the North Island’s most beautiful areas.
Where will you go in the North Island of New Zealand?