North Island New Zealand Vacations

Geysers, bubbling mud pools and genuine Maori hospitality are some of the many experiences you will encounter in Rotorua. It is the oldest and best-known resort in New Zealand, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marveled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Polynesian culture.

Wellington, New Zealand's capital, is set along the shores of a deep harbor and surrounded by a natural amphitheater of wooded hills. The city boasts a vibrant entertainment district, where you can find some of the best bars, cafes, restaurants and theatres. And with its eclectic mix of shops, Wellington also offers some of New Zealand's best shopping opportunities.

North Island Attractions

New Zealand National Maritime Museum
Discover how New Zealand's immigrant people crossed the oceans, first in Pacific canoes, then in small sailing ships, and now modern passenger lines. See a living exhibition of historic craft and the galleries which tell the story of peoples whose lives were forever linked to the sea.

Maori Arts & Crafts Institute
Learn the history of the migration of the Maori. Visit with Maori carvers, weavers and sculptors at work. Enjoy performances of Maori song and dance including weaponry, haka, poi and traditional song and dance. The only geysers in the Southern Hemisphere reside here.

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World
See real live Penguins, explore the Antarctic and play in real snow and ice. Take a journey beneath the ocean and come face to face with ferocious sharks In heated Snow Cats take a journey across the frozen landscape of Antarctica. Plus much more.

Howick Historical Village
The village is a living museum recreating the early settlement of Auckland in the 1850's. you will see an extensive collection of early colonial buildings including raupo wares, courthouse, schools, general store, fencible soldiers cottages, church and forge.

Auckland Zoological Park
See native New Zealand animals, including the national bird, the flightless kiwi, and the tuatara, a primitive lizard that dates from the time of the dinosaurs. You will also see a collection of animals from around the world. Bring a picnic or have lunch at the café.

North Island Activities

Montgomerie Farm Tours
This half day tour takes you south to the area of Clevedon to visit an actual working farm. Farm demonstrations include sheep shearing, cow milking, lamb feeding and watching sheep dogs at work. A delicious BBQ lunch is included.

Pride of Auckland Sailing Cruise
Take an afternoon sailing cruise on board one of the Pride's large sail boats or catamarans. Sail the inner harbor and enjoy coffee or tea and a fresh baked muffin. Included is entry to the wonderful Maritime Museum on Auckland's waterfront adjacent to the America's Cup Village.

Waitomo & Rotorua Tours
Enjoy a guided tour through the famous cave formation, drifting by boat through the glow-worm cavern, lit by thousands of tiny glow-worm lights. Visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rainbow Springs, and the Farm Show. Lunch is included.

Wellington City Tour
Your tour introduces you to the history-rich capital city of Wellington. You will visit the Parliament Buildings, and the Cable Car, a long-time favorite tourist attraction, offering spectacular views of the harbor and city. The tour also stops atop Mt. Victoria.

Wet & Wild Rafting Tour
Raft on one of the five rivers, from adventurously challenging and stimulating grades 3-4 white water to adrenalin pumping and exhilarating action packed grade 5 white water, through breathtakingly spectacular rural New Zealand.