North Island

The North Island is the smaller of New Zealand’s two principal islands. As its’ name indicates, its northern location means it enjoys a warmer, more temperate climate than much of the South Island, and is much more vastly populated. The two islands are separated by the Cook Strait.

The island is 113,729 square kilometers (43,911 sq.mi) in area, making it the world’s 14th-largest island.

The northern areas of the North Island enjoy a sub-tropical climate. The center 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.

According to Māori mythology, the North and South Islands of New Zealand arose through the actions of the demigod Māui. He and his brothers were fishing from their canoe (the South Island) when he caught a great fish and pulled it from the sea. While he was not looking his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. This great fish became the North Island and thus a Māori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Māui (The Fish of Māui). The mountains and valleys are said to have been formed as a result of Māui’s brothers’ hacking at the fish. Until the early 20th Century, an alternative Māori name for the North Island was Aotearoa. In present Māori usage, Aotearoa is a collective name for New Zealand as a whole.

The North Island is home to the largest city in New Zealand – Auckland, also known as the ‘City of Sails’, and the Capital City of New Zealand – Wellington. Noteworthy other cities are: New Plymouth, Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Hamilton, Hastings, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Wanganui and Whangarei. Approximately 76% of New Zealand’s population lives in the North Island.

Auckland is New Zealand’s most populated and cosmopolitan city. It also serves as the principal international gateway to the country. Situated on the coast, the area offers everything from surfing and yacht charters, to museums and galleries. For a further taste of culture, Wellington is also home to many national programs such as the symphony, ballet and opera. The region surrounding Martinborough produces superb wines including a renowned Pinot Noir.

Many consider Rotorua to be the adrenaline capital of the Island with rafting, caving, rock climbing, bungy jumping, zorbing and more. Along with many adventure attractions, the North Island, rich in history, is also known for many Maori cultural attractions such as the Maori Treasure Complex and Te Papa National Museum in Wellington and Te Puia and Tamaki Maori villages in Rotorua.

Situated in the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier Island has unspoiled beaches, native bushland and is home to several unique plant and bird species. The kind of rugged untouched beauty that you’ll see here is dramatically disappearing from the planet. The native bush is laced with walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and historic Kauri (tree) dams.

White Island, a still active volcano, is one of the most amazing natural experiences in New Zealand. The vent is below sea level but shielded from the sea by high crater walls. Although surrounded by sea water, the vent is chemically sealed from it. This sealed zone traps an acid hot water system, which is derived from rainwater. As the island is also very accessible, it is internationally important for scientists and vulcanologists.

Rotorua is a place that provides an entirely different experience. Threads of steam issue from parks, pathways and streets and the occasional scent of sulphur wafts through the air—a hint of the geothermal activity found just minutes from the city center.

Geysers of steaming water roar from the ground. Pools of bubbling mud gurgle and belch. In geothermal fields around Rotorua, steam rises from placid lakes and flowing streams. Dazzling silica terraces display a kaleidoscope of colour. Towering volcanoes, now sleeping giants, are unmistakable reminders of the landscape’s turbulent past. Extinct volcanic craters provide the vessels for Rotorua’s crystal lakes.

New Zealand’s national parks preserve the country’s distinctive heritage – a mix of diverse, untamed landscapes, unique flora and fauna, a history shaped by native Maori and European settlers, and the magic of Maori legend. From restless volcanos to lush native forests, delicate wetlands to harsh plateaus and deep alpine lakes to secluded coastal bays, the North Island’s four national parks protect and showcase each area’s varied geographical wonders. And New Zealanders and foreign visitors alike just can’t get enough.

For Kiwis (New Zealanders), tramping (hiking) through these stunning wildernesses is part of their culture and identity. Tramping usually refers to overnight or multi-day hiking through the natural environment, roughing-it in basic huts or tents, and most importantly, escaping modern life to reconnect with the land and its beauty.