Glide above snow-capped peaks. Sail between tropical islands. Dip into natural hot springs. Hike through forests to alpine lakes. Tour top-tier wineries and taste unique cuisine. Experience storied culture. Scale volcanoes and dive deep under the sea, is all achievable in one holiday to New Zealand. Book your New Zealand holiday accommodation on Search and Stay, choose a couple of different holiday houses or just park yourself in a bach on NZ's North Island and experience all that it has to offer.
New Zealand’s North Island offers island sanctuaries and lively cities with a large helping of culture and history for a truly diverse holiday experience.
At the heart of the North Island, you’ll find Taupō, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest lake, the thundering Huka Falls and an all-seasons holiday hot spot for trout fishing, watersports and numerous outdoor pursuits. Book your Taupō holiday house on Search and Stay.
Across the lake in the Ruapehu region, yet more excitement awaits in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park – defined by three volcanoes towering over a vast, tussock-covered plateau. Hit New Zealand’s largest ski field, go for a hike, or take to the mystical Whanganui River by jet boat, kayak or canoe.
Halfway between Auckland and Wellington, due west, you’ll find Taranaki. Taranaki’s compact but cool capital, New Plymouth, is the launching pad for adventures in Egmont National Park, with the near-perfect cone of Mount Taranaki at its heart.
Further south, Whanganui exhibits a similarly arty side and serves as the gateway to Whanganui National Park.
With landscapes sweeping from the rugged Ruahine and Tararua Ranges and out to the Tasman Sea, Manawatū offers a diverse natural playground waiting to be explored.
Hawke’s Bay’s famed food and wine culture fuels almost every kind of activity there. Whether it's exploring artisan farmers’ markets, cycling from cellar door to beachside café, or enjoying a degustation menu among the vines.
A scenic drive south along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Wairarapa stuns with its spectacular coastlines, big skies and colonial towns – surrounded by fertile soils producing excellent wines and delicious fresh produce.
Surrounded by hills and a sparkling harbour, Wellington is a little city with a big heart. A compelling mix of culture, nature and cuisine, it’s compact enough to spend the day wandering through hidden laneways, sampling foodie treats, and discovering Aotearoa’s stories in museums and galleries.
In the far north, where two oceans collide and New Zealand’s modern history began, you will find Northland. It’s a story of two coastlines – the rugged west coast is home to ancient forests and unspoiled beaches, whereas the east offers sparkling harbours and sheltered bays where you can dive, fish or just relax in the sun. Book your Wellington holiday accommodation or a place to stay in Hawke's Bay on Search and Stay.
Auckland is New Zealand’s major international gateway. It is also a lively, cosmopolitan city with a buzzing arts scene, exciting restaurants and nightlife. All this is never far from beautiful islands, native bush and black sand beaches. Search Search and Stay for your Auckland holiday accommodation.
A place where Kiwis holiday, the Coromandel’s coastline reveals hundreds of natural hideaways. It’s also home to the famous Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, where beachgoers can be found digging their own private hot pools at low tide. As well as holiday rentals in Auckland, Search and Stay offers holiday houses along the Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty.
The Bay of Plenty lives up to its name – an abundant coastal area known for its long stretches of white-sand beaches, plentiful produce and fresh seafood, and a laid-back vibe.
Continue southeast and you will reach Tairāwhiti, the first place in the world to see the dawn and the first landing site for Māori and Europeans. It’s also home to high sunshine hours, rolling surf breaks and excellent chardonnay.
Both above and below ground, the Waikato is a magical place. The lush rolling hills of the shire beckon visitors to Hobbiton, twinkling galaxies of glow worms can be explored at Waitomo Caves, and the award-winning Hamilton Gardens are well worth getting lost in for the afternoon.
Rotorua is alive – not just with adrenaline activities but with geothermal energy that creates an otherworldly wonderland of steaming vents, shooting geysers and colourful mineral pools. The wairua (spirit) of this place is alive in the passionate heart of its people. Find a place to stay in Rotorua on Search and Stay, and spend time really absorbing the rich insight into the indigenous culture offered through intricately carved buildings, arts, crafts, concerts and hāngī feasts.
Select your holiday accommodation on Search and Stay to enjoy all that New Zealand’s North Island has to offer for an incomparable holiday experience.
Credit: Tourism New Zealand
Image credit: Matt Crawford. Miles Holden. Graeme Murray. Camilla Rutherford. Max Stussi.