North Island Luxury Holidays

Aucklanders are passionate about getting out on the water and there are many ways to join them; ranging from a short ferry ride over to the quaint artists’ haunt of devonport to a day’s cruise on a fully crewed, luxurious motor launch. You can enjoy calm seas and white sand beaches on the islands of the Hauraki Gulf including idyllic Waiheke Island which is becoming increasingly famed for its excellent wines and cuisine as well as its stunning natural beauty. In addition for something a little more unusual, drive an hour west to discover thundering surf and black sand.

The Bay of Islands is famed for its gorgeous coastal scenery but it’s also home to some of the country’s most important history, so make time for the township of Russell and the Treaty House at Waitangi. If you’re a keen golfer, the challenging course at Kauri Cliffs has Pacific Ocean views good enough to make your round memorable, even if your golf game deserts you!
Rotorua can lay claim to being at both the thermal and Maori heart of the country, a fascinating combination of geysers, boiling mud pools and special cultural experiences, while nearby Lake Taupo has similar virtues and is also a mecca for those wishing to indulge in a spot of trout fishing.

The Hawke’s Bay region’s boutique vineyards and abundant fresh, local produce combine to create a gourmand’s delight, with many hidden gem cafes and restaurants at which to punctuate your days with long, lazy al fresco lunches.

At the foot of the North Island lies compact Wellington, political capital and in most eyes cultural and artistic capital too; certainly you’ll find an array of fascinating galleries and museums, while the dining experience here is also worthy of note.