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About North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is a land of rugged volcanic landscapes and ancient Maori culture. Marvel at the thermal wonders of Rotorua, see whales and dolphins and hike the lunar landscape of the Tongariro Crossing.
My favourite experience
"Jumping in a campervan and every ten minutes coming across a deserted beach or lonely hilltop was insanely exhilarating. The freedom of it all, parking up and walking through bushland, pulling out a picnic and a beer whenever the heck we wanted was great. And it gave us the added comedy value of re-enacting all of our favourite ‘Lord of the Rings’ moments all over the island. Preciousssssssssss." Gareth, London
"Jumping in a campervan and every ten minutes coming across a deserted beach or lonely hilltop was insanely exhilarating. The freedom of it all, parking up and walking through bushland, pulling out a picnic and a beer whenever the heck we wanted was great. And it gave us the added comedy value of re-enacting all of our favourite ‘Lord of the Rings’ moments all over the island. Preciousssssssssss." Gareth, London
The weather
Due to its northern location, the North Island enjoys a warmer, more temperate climate than much of
the South Island. The northern areas of the North Island enjoy a sub-tropical climate. The centre of
the island is primarily a volcanic landscape with vast forests, volcanic peaks, and picturesque lakes. The eastern side of the island is covered with vineyards. Don’t forget that New Zealand has a maritime climate - so wherever you might be, the weather can change very quickly.
Perfect picture
Head out on the world’s best one day walk - the Tongariro crossing - and you won’t be short of a perfect photo opportunity or two with epic landscapes overlooking lakes and natural geysers. But will a photo ever be able to do justice to such outstanding natural beauty?
Useful info
According to Maori mythology, the demigod Maui and his brothers were fishing when he caught a great fish and pulled it from the sea. While he wasn’t looking his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. This great fish became the North Island and thus a Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Maui (The Fish of Maui)
Useless info
The Skytower is the highest tower in the southern hemisphere – 328m (1076ft). The highest postbox and café in the southern hemisphere are also in the Skytower.
Try before you fly...
Watch ‘Flight of the Conchords’ - a New Zealand comedy duo. Billing themselves as “Formerly New Zealand’s fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapellarap- funk-comedy folk duo”, heard on BBC radio and seen on TV.
Due to its northern location, the North Island enjoys a warmer, more temperate climate than much of
the South Island. The northern areas of the North Island enjoy a sub-tropical climate. The centre of
the island is primarily a volcanic landscape with vast forests, volcanic peaks, and picturesque lakes. The eastern side of the island is covered with vineyards. Don’t forget that New Zealand has a maritime climate - so wherever you might be, the weather can change very quickly.
Perfect picture
Head out on the world’s best one day walk - the Tongariro crossing - and you won’t be short of a perfect photo opportunity or two with epic landscapes overlooking lakes and natural geysers. But will a photo ever be able to do justice to such outstanding natural beauty?
Useful info
According to Maori mythology, the demigod Maui and his brothers were fishing when he caught a great fish and pulled it from the sea. While he wasn’t looking his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. This great fish became the North Island and thus a Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Maui (The Fish of Maui)
Useless info
The Skytower is the highest tower in the southern hemisphere – 328m (1076ft). The highest postbox and café in the southern hemisphere are also in the Skytower.
Try before you fly...
Watch ‘Flight of the Conchords’ - a New Zealand comedy duo. Billing themselves as “Formerly New Zealand’s fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapellarap- funk-comedy folk duo”, heard on BBC radio and seen on TV.
