New Zealand the trip of a lifetime for so many people. You need months, even years to explore everything that this stunning country has to offer. From mountain tops to glorious sandy beaches, from the Keas (mountain parrots) to the Little Blue Penguins and of course the iconic Kiwi and Tuatara. There is a richness about the islands of New Zealand that are hard to describe.
If your visit is to be a short one you may only have time to visit either the North or South Island. While there are similarities between the two islands there are distinctive differences to experience.
Taking a quick look at the North Island of New Zealand what would be some of the highlights?
The cities of Auckland and Wellington are rich in culture, history and tourist attractions. Visit Auckland for the SkyTower’s spectacular views, to experience the marine wildlife at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater world and learn about life in the Antarctic. Take a boat trip out into one of the harbours. Auckland is not called the City of Sails because of a lack of yachts!
The Bay of Islands can be reached if you head north from Auckland. Here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds and learn more about Maori history and culture. Russell is just a short ferry ride from Paihia and home to an interesting whaling history.
Waitomo Caves are a must see for the natural wonder of the glow worms on a leisurely underground boat tour or join an abseil adventure in to the realm of the Lost World. Rotoura is the Thermal City, you will remember the smell of the geothermal reserves for a long time. The boiling mudpools and roaring geysers have to be seen to be believed.
The capita, Wellington is home to the iconic Beehive (part of the parliament complex) and the fabulous Te Papa National Museum. Take a ride on the cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Gardens and enjoy the views before visiting the Carter Observatory for a tour of the night sky. Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary and covers 225 hectares.
New Zealand is no stranger to the power of Mother Nature with earthquakes, volcanoes and extensive geothermal activity there is much to learn, experience and explore.
Whether you are interested in nature or museums, walks or adrenaline activities you will find them all in New Zealand. You could be skiing the slopes and enjoying an evening sunset cruise on the same day. Make time to get out on the water whether by boat trip or kayak and experience the stunning coastline and scenery from the water.
You can travel around some of the North Island by train and some by coach but perhaps one of the best ways is on an organised tour. NZ self drive tours where you have a hire car and accommodation arranged with a fixed itinerary. Don’t fancy driving the New Zealand roads yourself then a coach tour is probably a good idea. Comfortable travelling with a New Zealand package tour so you know where you’re going and when.
If you have particular sights you want to see on the North Island of New Zealand check out the New Zealand coach tours offered by TT Tours. Our website www.tttours.co.nz has details of the ultimate New Zealand package tour from 4 nights to 10 nights. Explore your way with customised NZ tours North Island wide choosing your own destinations and sights to see. View packages and prices on the website or ask for a quote on a fully customised experience.
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