Auckland

The cultural city of Auckland is situated on New Zealand’s beautiful North Island. Set among volcanic islands and surrounded by glistening harbours, it’s no wonder that many refer to Auckland as the ‘City of Sails’, a playground for boat lovers.

Auckland lies on the peninsula between Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. Radiating a relaxed, waterside vibe, the city has just the right mix of coastal and urban environments. The surrounding hills are lush with rainforest plantations and several inactive volcanoes.

This vibrant cultural city is the largest city in New Zealand and the largest Polynesian city in the world. Formerly the capital city of New Zealand until 1865, Auckland beams with culture and history.

Boasting the best views of the city is the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, and a stroll down Queen Street is where you’ll find great boutiques and cafés. Taste the flavours of Auckland’s cultural diversity at Viaduct Harbour and enjoy views from Waitemata Harbour and 360 degree city views from Mt. Eden.

Auckland is also the gateway to many of New Zealand’s magnificent natural wonders. A three hour drive north will see you at the stunning Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise is home to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve, a historic piece of land signifying the union of Maori and European cultures. A scenic cruise will take you past the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the  ‘Hole in the Rock’. You can take part in dolphin watching, sea-kayaking or simply enjoy the sea and the sunshine.

South west of Auckland is Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand. East of Rotorua you’ll find Te Puia, home of the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. The spouting geysers, boiling mud pools and warm geothermal springs really lend to quite an experience.

Two hours outside of Rotorua, you can witness the spectacular Glow Worm Grotto at the Waitomo Caves. As you explore the depths of the limestone caves you’ll discover thousands of tiny glow worms that call the ancient caves home.