North Island holidays

Spend the morning learning about the city’s fascinating history and discover unique visitor attractions. In the afternoon, come face to face with sharks, massive stingrays and other incredible deep sea creatures at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. See New Zealand’s unique wildlife at Auckland Zoo, venture out on the water with a Pride of Auckland Sailing Cruise (extra cost), then finish your tour taking in breathtaking views of Auckland city at the top of Auckland Sky Tower, the southern hemisphere’s tallest building.

Historical highlights and stunning scenery combined – perfect! Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and drive to Kaiwaka for refreshments. At beautiful Paihia, embark on a spectacular cruise in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, searching for dolphins andmaybe whales. Pass many secluded islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock.

This wonderful day tour is all about flora and fauna, with guided walks through rainforest and parks to breathtaking panoramic sea views. You will visit Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, absorb the area’s history and admire magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Explore the rugged west coast and rainforest to learn about the giant tree ferns growing in the area. Your journey then takes you to an area of untouched original rainforest with mature 1000-year-old kauri trees.

Cruise the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway around the Coromandel Peninsula on the back of Harley Davidson. Leave Auckland behind on this full day tour, riding as a passenger up the west coast where the road hugs the coastline with stunning views across the Firth of Thames. Explore the idyllic Coromandel Township before continuing the journey around the top, dropping into Waitianga and then heading down the east coast. Visit Hot Water Beach on the way back and stop at coastal towns before reaching Auckland.

Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations, with a scent of sulphur in the air, bubbling mud pools and mighty geysers at geothermal hotspots. Te Puia is at the heart of Maori culture and you’ll learn more about the native people at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park with its native flora and fauna, including the iconic Kiwi, and enjoy a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome.

When Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, it created a five-mile rift along its summit. Only when viewed from the air can the magnitude of the event be fully appreciated. You’ll take off from Lake Rotorua to fly over this awe-inspiring gouge in the earth and continue south past steaming cliffs and Waimangu Volcanic Valley’s hot lakes. Fly back over the Blue and Green Lakes, the geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, and Rotorua City. A great experience for photography enthusiasts.

Fly over sparkling waters to Great Barrier Island. After breakfast, walk past giant Nikau palms to Kaitoke thermal springs. Enjoy a kiwi-style picnic lunch at the secluded natural harbour at Port Fitzroy, then visit the island’s only working cattle and sheep farm. Coo at some nearly extinct Brown Teal ducks or dare to hand-feed monster eels that come when called. Finally, climb Windy Canyon, around rocky outcrops and past sheer cliffs for breathtaking views of the island.

This day trip to the mystical glowworm caves starts from either Auckland or Rotorua, so the routes to and from the caves differ. But the glowworm experience is identical – and wonderful. You’ll see thousands of luminescent pinpricks radiating from the unique Waitomo glowworms, as expert guides explain the caves’ historical and geological significance. You’ll be enchanted by the limestone shafts and the stunning Cathedral cavern, then take a unique boat ride through the glowworm grotto.

This day trip to the mystical glowworm caves starts from either Auckland or Rotorua, so the routes to and from the caves differ. But the glowworm experience is identical – and wonderful. You’ll see thousands of luminescent pinpricks radiating from the unique Waitomo glowworms, as expert guides explain the caves’ historical and geological significance. You’ll be enchanted by the limestone shafts and the stunning Cathedral cavern, then take a unique boat ride through the glowworm grotto.