Things to see and do North Island

Piha Beach offers such risky waves that it was even the setting for the reality show Piha Rescue, which chronicles the day-to-day life of lifeguards on this coastline. It's one of New Zealand's premier surfing spots and, if you follow the safety rules, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying it. As for the swimmers, it is more than widely advised to swim between the flags and in the slots of presence of the lifeguards. A little further on, you can access the Kitakita Falls, where a natural swimming pool awaits fresh water lovers.

Located halfway between Auckland and Raglan, the Nikau Caves (named after the palm tree) are well worth a visit, and surpass the famous Waitomo Caves further south, which are often very crowded. For over 30 years, Philip and Anne have been running their family business as well as their farm. They offer a fascinating guided tour of a kilometer-long cave full of glowworms. Fitness and appropriate clothing are recommended. You'll be required to crawl through the water. At the café, everything is homemade.

In cities overflowing with tourist opportunities, it's always good to stop by the Visitor Center to pick up some brochures and get advice on what to do with the time you have. The Rotorua i-Site is very comprehensive and will give you a great overview of what the area has to offer. The staff can even help you with reservations.

The fairly nice building is easy to spot with its bell tower, a good landmark to orient yourself in town.

A central axis of the city centre, Queen Street runs from the port and goes north to Karangahape Road, raindrops on its boutiques of souvenirs and beautiful facades of buildings. Explore the heart of Auckland and then concentrate on the streets and cross-lanes of the centre.

South of Auckland, the Botanic Gardens of the city of Auckland stretch over sixty-four hectares and are home to over 10,000 plants. This public garden, opened in 1982, contains a number of species that are endemic to the city, but there are also camellias, conifers, magnolias, edible species, palms, an African garden and many others. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the focus is on garden and landscape design. Sustainable horticulture is a daily focus here.

Iconic of Wellington, the cable car is a small funicular railway linking Lambton Quay to one of the entrances to the Botanic Gardens on Upland Road. It's part of the city's public transport fleet, and undeniably its most charming vehicle! It's also the quickest way to the top of the hill (5 minutes) and is used daily by many Wellingtonians. The view of the city from the terminus is unmissable, and the small museum dedicated to its history is well worth a visit!

Between Wairakei and Taupo, these falls attract visitors. They are crossed by a footbridge from where the view is fantastic, with the Waikato River below which plunges into a narrow hole of 24 m deep! A little further, a lookout allows you to see Huka Falls from another angle. There is a hiking path from the centre of Taupo, taking 45 minutes. 

The New Zealand National Parliament is one of the first monuments to see in Wellington. It is composed of several buildings: Parliament House, destroyed by fire in 1907 and rebuilt in 1918, Parliament Library, spared from the 1907 fire but not from the 1992 fire, and finally, The Executive Wing, more commonly known as The Beehive, completed in 1982. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. It is an interesting and enjoyable tour that lasts 60 minutes. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Located below the Sky Tower, this tourist office is a must if you're planning to stay in Auckland for a few days, but also if you're planning a trip around the country. Its staff can provide you with local, regional and national information. This I-Site is one of the country's largest tour operators, and you'll be able to book almost any activity you can think of. Access to the I-Site is via the building next to the tower.

To help visitors get to know Napier, the Art Deco Trust has put together a range of guided tours on foot, by bus or in a vintage car. You can opt for a general tour presenting the city and its architecture, or tours focusing on a specific theme (architecture, the 1931 earthquake, building interiors - booking essential for the latter). You can also choose to do without a guide and buy a small descriptive brochure, then take your own tour.

This i-Site is very complete and well provided. Very good reception.

Napier's former prison is one of the few institutions to have survived the 1931 earthquake. An audioguide is available on site. To delve into the city's prison past, you can choose between two types of visit: historical, based on the facts, or "haunted", focusing on what people saw or felt within these walls... the stories are sometimes spine-chilling... And if you want to spend 60 minutes on the other side of the bars, you can try your hand at one of the 4 escape games on site! Thrills and adrenalin guaranteed.

The Department of Conservation - New Plymouth Office is an administrative office located in New Plymouth.

It's always a good idea to pop into the Visitor Center when you arrive in an area, not least to get the freshest and most reliable weather information possible if you've planned any weather-dependent activities. The visitor center in Taupō is well-stocked for the whole region, as well as for Tongariro Park. Handy if you're planning a trip there straight afterwards. The lovetaupo.com website is also very comprehensive.

It's also the bus stop.

The i-Site of Hamilton is very well provided and the reception is nice.

Despite its name, this beach is not more than 56 miles away, about 90 km from Ahipara to Cape Reinga on the west coast. It is therefore an error of measurement that was made, since it would have been more accurate to call it «90 km Beach». This correction, however, remains one of the most incredible and beautiful parts of the country, especially since no construction has been detrimental to its immense beauty. It is technically accessible to traffic and vehicles, which can drive on its sand as on a normal road, but it is very strongly discouraged to do so, especially if it is a rental. Only tours of the towers for Cape Reinga are able to venture there, as well as those with their 4 x 4. There are several small routes that can be transported there, before you can explore it on foot by having discovered the tides. At its north end, the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes are famous for offering beautiful slips to people with a beach board. It is sometimes possible to rent them on site but the information centre in Kaitaia offers the same service for much cheaper. Only concern, they are difficult to access by car and, once again, the bus buses are the most likely to go there.

If you want to go for a walk, the Rainbow Falls are very pleasant for swimming (it takes about three quarters of an hour to walk from the center of Kerikeri). From the parking lot (access by car from Waipapa Road), Rainbow Falls is a few minutes away and Whakapore Falls a good ten minutes. On the way, you can stop at three observation platforms. For swimming, the Fairy Pools are natural pools filled with fresh water.

Whanganui-A-Hei Marine reserve has recently been established and encompasses the area from Cathedral Cove to Cook Bluff. From Hahei beach, 5 minutes from the parking lot, the Gemstone Bay submarine trail makes it possible to familiarize itself with the environment through a four-buoys route with information panels. Beware, in winter there is only one buoy, others are in maintenance and shelter from storms. In the underwater reserve, life is abundant and many snappers come in curious, lobsters are planquent under the rocks and it is even possible to cross impressive eagles!

An ideal address if you don't know where to start exploring the vineyards. This merchant represents most of the region's producers and offers tastings and sales of their products. There's a café, a boutique and every Saturday morning (10am-1pm), a market is held in an adjacent hall. If you're looking for fresh local produce, why not drop in before your picnic? The local producers' market takes place on Sundays. Wine walks and bike rentals are also available to explore the vineyards.

In addition to being a pleasant green promenade, Marine Parade Garden houses the statue of Pania of the Reef, Floral Clock (floral clock) and Tom Parker Fountain.

The offer «Waitomo Glowworm Cellars and Ruakuri Cave» makes it possible to observe thousands of verses in the dark. The cave of Waitomo with the appearance of an underground cathedral formed by erosion is a highlight of the excursion. Take 2 hours for the visit. For the most adventurous, don't hesitate to try the various formulas of Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, an underground rafting experience with a guide!

Toi Au Tamaki has the largest collection in the country of both national and international artists. There are works from all over the world and the movements cover many periods and styles of history. The oldest piece even dates back to 1376. There is also a Mojo café and a store on site. If you'd like an expert to tell you all about the place, there are free guided tours every day. A very interesting visit to learn about New Zealand, Maori and European culture.

Te Puia is one of the region's Māori cultural centers, and undoubtedly the best option for the traveler in a hurry who wants to get a taste of all Rotorua has to offer: a walk through a geothermal valley, observation of the famous Pōhutu geyser, traditional cuisine, discovery of the Māori way of life, dance and haka performances, and presentation of traditional crafts at the Māori Arts and Crafts Centre.

The icing on the cake: Te Puia is also a conservation center for kiwis, so you can observe some of these birds in a specially adapted enclosure.

A national aquarium, here you can not only observe sharks, turtles, endemic species and crocodiles, but also get up close and personal with the animals! For an extra fee, you can get up close to (and feed!) kororā (pygmy penguins), or terrapins (turtles). It's a bit fishy, but what cute little creatures they are! Guided tours on the theme of "native icons" are also available. We zoom in on the kiwi, the tuatara and the kororā.

Topographic maps of Mount Ruapehu, sale of Hut Passes for treks.

In a reserve of 364 ha crossed by several hiking trails, there are hot water, cold water and spa pools. Ideal for relaxing in nature.

This company will take you to the Manawatu Gorge.

A beautiful forest to explore on foot, mountain bike or horseback, for a picnic or simply for pleasure. Not to be missed is the Redwoods Treewalk, a 12 m-high walk on bridges suspended between majestic redwoods. It's a great way to see the forest from a different angle. There's also a "Nightlights" option, where the forest and ferns are illuminated by 30 suspended lanterns. An experience that adds to the magic of the place!

For further information or to make an appointment, please call +64 7 578 7677. The Department of Conservation is responsible for park management and nature conservation in New Zealand.

Small thermal water swimming pool; It's perfect when it's cold or raining.

On the hike, Pohangina Valley invites volontier to the Balade Reserve by following the Beehive Creek Walkway along the river (about 30 km north).

To relive at the time of the pioneers and make a small boat tour.

With its thermal and thermal pools, it is the major activity of the city.

For all matters related to the conservation of parks and the necessary administrative authorizations. 

Hot thermal water pools, perfect for relaxing. These sources are part of the Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and water is at 40 ° C, without adding chemicals.

Hot waters in hot pools are salted.

Visitors cannot go to Tauranga without taking the time to relax in hot water pools and private spas, with massages. On 2 hectares in bush.

It is possible to rent one of the two sources-fed private swimming pools from the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel.

90 minutes visit between limestone, stalactites, stalagmites and vers secretions over 1 km long. You can stop at coffee after the visit for a snack in a particularly pleasant decor in the beautiful season.

Cruise on Waikato River on a wheeled boat.

It's a small kiosk.

The location allows you to enjoy a relaxing bath in naturally warm thermal waters from 35 to 40 ° C depending on the bath.

The stadium of the Hawke's Bay region owes its name to the eponymous family who left part of its land to build the ground at the beginning of the th century. If this is the Den den, the enclosure also hosts cricket matches. She will also receive games from the Cricket World Cup in 2015.

The Maori name of Doubtless Bay is Opoe. The bay was probably named Doubtless by Captain James Cook in 1769. The latter, who could not enter, would have remained in uncertainty about his character. At the same time, a Frenchman, Jean-François Marie de Surville, anchored the bay. Much less tourist than Bay of Islands, it is just as beautiful, if not more. It is intact, wild and certainly much calmer.

Fifty kilometers north of Whangarei, divers from all over the world travel to the Poor Knights Islands(Tawhiti Rahi) to explore an extraordinary marine reserve. Ranked as one of the ten most beautiful dive sites in the world by Jean-Jacques Cousteau, this is an exceptional spot. Embark on a day of diving or snorkeling from the port of Tutukākā. You're guaranteed a great day out, combining the diving itself with the spectacle of Mother Nature (sea caves, natural arches, vegetation wall).

The surroundings of Whangarei offer superb scenery, including along the coast at Sandy Bay, stroll to Matapouri and Whale Bay) beautiful white sandy beaches await only a towel and a ball to offer the best of themselves.

A beautiful and preserved place. Beaches, cliffs, bush and greenery offer a place for hiking.

Hidden behind volcanic sand dunes, this almost deserted beach is a spot with many attractions. Its rollers are very popular with surfers and the stream coming from the lake ends up here, which makes it an ideal swimming spot for families. The beach is easily recognizable thanks to the first-aid post planted in the sand in the middle of the beach. Don't miss the cave on the right side of the beach (facing the sea). Te Henga hike (6h round trip).

It is here, about 30 kilometers from Auckland, that we find the famous beach of the 1993 movie The Piano Lesson, as well as a beautiful waterfall. Some scenes from Xena the Warrior were also filmed thereand there are several small romantic spots. If you look hard enough, you will find the commemorative plaque in memory of the lifeguards who left to fight in Europe during the Second World War. Beware of the currents, which are quite strong, and the waves, which are only for experienced surfers.