What are the New Zealand North Island Highlights?

The North South debate will probably always continue in circles of New Zealand travelers. Ideally, it’s great to make a visit to both during your travel to New Zealand. But for visitors with serious time or budget constraints, a trip to the North Island New Zealand may be ideal.

Looking at a North Island New Zealand map, it’s easy to see why. The north is more compact, and since there is a much greater population density, it also means better transportation options. You can also get an experience that is pure New Zealand, without having to sacrifice any of the beautiful sights or great cultural or culinary opportunities the country has to offer.

There are many highlights in the North Island New Zealand that are worth seeing. If you like city life, you will love Auckland, the largest city in the Pacific Islands. It has beaches, great food and shopping opportunities galore. If it’s New Zealand adventure travel you’re looking for, try hiking through the island’s backcountry regions, or through the eerie volcanic landscape of Rotorua. Or, try scuba diving in the beautiful Coromandel peninsula.

There are many New Zealand vacation packages that focus entirely on the north, or you can plan one yourself. Here is a sample itinerary of a New Zealand North Island highlights tour…

• Fly into Auckland and spend a few days visiting the museums or exploring the harbor.
• From there, find one of the many reasonably priced New Zealand car rental agencies, pick a car and head to sunny Coromandel for great beaches.
• Then head down to the great parks around Rotorua and Lake Taupo for some sightseeing.
• Finish up with the famous coast around Napier and Hawkes Bay.

Since this area is popular both with New Zealanders and visitors, there is a wide range of places to stay. All of the typical kinds of New Zealand accommodations can be found: backpackers, hostels, campgrounds, back country tramping huts, motels, hotels, luxury resorts and B & Bs. During the high season, during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, the best places tend to have higher rates and the fill up quickly. Many people choose to stay in camper vans, but if you prefer the community aspect of a B & B or backpackers, it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The North Island New Zealand is a great New Zealand vacation destination, and the possibilities are endless. Why not pick up a travel guide like Lonely Planet New Zealand and see what else interests you. From the quiet Northland to the green hills of Wellington, North Island New Zealand offers a wealth of great travel opportunities.