Come and Explore New Zealand - north island


Most people are drawn to New Zealand for its scenery and fabulous skiing on the south island. However the north island has so much to offer too. Auckland, The City of Sails is an ideal place to start. Great shopping, lots of restaurants and easy to explore. Most places of interest are within walking distance, such as the Museum in the Domain and the Winter Gardens.

Click on the small images to enlarge the picture

Auckland Sky Tower   Auckland Sky Tower

Aucklands broadcasting and telecommuications Sky Tower is 328 meters high. It has four observation decks with a cafe and dining area and you can have the ultimate adrenaline rush, with the Sky Jump. Fascinating to watch and I am sure, a jump to remember!

auckland westhaven marina   auckland westhaven marina   auckland westhaven marina

Westhaven Marina, reflects Aucklands passion for yachting. A picturesque place with many resting spots ideal for a picnic.

auckland harbour bridge   auckland harbour bridge

Aucklands Habour Bridge extends over the harbour connecting the center of Auckland City to the North Shore. Climb or bungy jump from the bridge or take a more relaxing cruise round the harbour.

Auckland Rose Garden   Auckland Rose Garden   Auckland Rose Garden

One thing not to miss when you visit Auckland in the autumn, is the Rose Garden. Not far from the wonderful village of Parnell a truely pretty collection of roses. Huge in size and delicate in colour. Truely exquisite.

parnell   parnell

Parnell village is a unique place, one of the oldest suburbs in New Zealand. There are galleries, cafes and restaurants with lovely boutique type stores.

auckland museum   auckland museum   auckland museum

Set in The Domain, popular with walkers and picnickers, Auckland Museum houses many Maori and Europrean artifacts.

auckland winter gardens   auckland winter gardens   auckland winter gardens

A legacy of the 1913 Exhibition, the Winter Gardens consists of two glasshouses, housing a variety of plants, joined by a courthouse with a large pool.

auckland zoo   auckland zoo

Due to the lack of predators in New Zealand, they have many flightless birds. See the largest collection of animals, over 119 varied and unusual species at the Auckland Zoo.

whangarei falls   whangarei falls

Tradiationally an eeling spot for the local Maori, the picturesque Whangarei Falls are 26.3 meters high. It is a popular place for walkers. It has two viewing platforms and slopes down either side to reach the lower bridge to the falls.

coast road to coromandel   coast road to coromandel

The stunning scenery along the Coromandel coast is very exhilarating. Crystal waters lap the unspoiled beaches. The blue sky just frames the picture of this tranquil place.

driving creek railway   view from eyeful tower, driving creek railway

3km north of Coromandel Driving Creek Range is a narrow 2.6km gauge mountain railway. An hour trip takes you through native kauri forests to the Eyefull Tower, where there are panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Waiau Kauri Grove   Waiau Kauri Grove   Waiau Kauri Grove

The huge Waiau Kauri Grove are what are left from the loggers and government of post WWII. The huge trees were a great source of good timber, but luckily the locals got together and managed to have a preservation order agreed with Wellington government powers, to be placed on the grove. The small broadwalk takes you around the grove where some are said to be over 600 years old. Most of the trees are 6 meters round and would take you, 16 meters to reach the first branch. There is even a 'siamese' kauri which forks out just above the ground. An impressive sight.

sunset coromandel   sunset coromandel

Take in the fabulous sunsets across the Coromandel peninsula. Winding roads hug the clear water coastline with the large mountain back drop. One of the most pretty destinations within New Zealand and one not to be missed.

view from mt.maunganui, tauranga   view from mt. maunganui, tauranga

The largest city in the western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is both an important commercial centre and port. It is a very popular destination for all year round activities such as boating, water skiing and parasailing. Mt Maunganui is built on a narrow peninsula. 90 minutes to the top will reward you with unobstructed views of the coast.

Kiwi 360   Kiwi 360   Kiwi 360

Kiwi 360 based at Te Peak, is known to be the capital of the Kiwi fruit. Originally a 'Chinese Gooseberry', the first seeds were planted in 1904 and soon became very popular. The tour takes you around the grounds in 'KiwiKarts' to explore and learn how the orchards grow and how the fruit is processed for export. An informative and enjoyable visit.