Auckland New Zealand Vacations

The Auckland metropolitan area or Greater Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand. Is the largest and most populous urban area in the country, with around 1.3 million residents, and over a quarter of the country's population. Demographic trends indicate that it will continue to grow faster than the rest of the country. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world

New Zealand's North Island is known for its subtropical climate, unspoiled beaches and worldrenowned thermal areas.

North Island New Zealand Vacations

New Zealand's North Island is known for its subtropical climate, unspoiled beaches and worldrenowned thermal areas. Here you will find fertile farmland, virgin coastline and soothing hot springs. for a more cosmopolitan adventure, the North Island offers Wellington, New Zealand's capital, and Auckland, the "City of Sails," both waterfront cities brimming with history and culture.

Far more than a base camp for New Zealand exploration, the "City of 100 Lovers," as it is in the Maori language, offers top-notch museums, scenic islands and a richly diverse cultural mix. Free City Circuit buses circle city center locations. Experience Maori influences at Auckland Museum, find Polynesian handicrafts at Otara Market or people-watch in bustling Ponsonby and Parnell. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a mélange of adventure, from kayaking and sailing to high-octane bungee jumping

Bed & Breakfast Accomodation Auckland New Zealand - Friendly b&b hotel in Auckland City. All rooms with ensuites.

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Auckland Central Hotels
Conveniently located in the heart of Auckland's business district, above the Atrium on Elliott shopping complex and just a few minutes walk from The Edge Entertainment Centre, Sky City and Queen Street's golden mile, Crowne Plaza Auckland is the ideal base when visiting the city of sails

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Auckland Hotels

Peace and Plenty Inn
Westin Auckland Lighter Quay
Stafford Villa
Ventura Inn & Suites Airport
Crowne Plaza Auckland
SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland
The Spencer on Byron Hotel
Quay West Suites Auckland
Oaks Smartstay Apartments on Hobson
Mollies Boutique Hotel
CityLife Auckland
Hastings Hall
Hilton Auckland
Ascott Auckland Metropolis
The Langham, Auckland
Jet Park Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
Esplanade Hotel
Dukes Midway Lodge
Hyatt Regency Auckland
Sebel Suites Auckland
Braemar on Parliament Street
Bankside Waldorf Serviced Apartments
BK's Pioneer Motor Lodge
Rydges Auckland
Heritage Auckland
Rendezvous Hotel Auckland
Copthorne Hotel Anzac Avenue
SKYCITY Auckland
Duxton Hotel Auckland
Base Auckland Backpackers
Quest On Nelson Serviced Apartments
Quality Inn West End
Mercure Hotel Auckland
Auckland Central Backpackers
Centr@l Precinct Apartment Hotel
Elliott St Apartments Hotel
ParkLane Motor Inn
City Lodge
Airport Gold Star Motel
Quest on Queen
Quest Auckland
Oaks Residences
Centra Auckland Airport
Quest Newmarket Apartments
City Central Hotel Auckland
Quest Parnell
The Quadrant
Quest on Cintra Lane
Comfort Inn Alpers Lodge
Grand Chancellor Auckland Hotel

Details About New Zealand's Beautiful North Island

New Zealand's North Island may be the smaller of the two main islands, but that certainly does not make it lesser. The diminutive North Island is home to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, and Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. The island's more northern location contributes to a warmer, more congenial climate and translates to a larger, more diverse population than the colder southern island.

A Maori myth tells the tale of Ma-ui, the demi-god responsible for the creation of the North and South Islands. According to the myth, the South Island was the Ma-ui's canoe. One day, Ma-ui and his brothers were fishing when he pulled an enormous fish from the sea. His brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. When Ma-ui saw what they had done, he flung it back into the sea and it became the North Island, and their hack marks became the mountains and valleys. The Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Ma-ui, or, The Fish of Ma-ui.

The mountains and valleys are only part of the lush locales you will encounter on North Island. From the rolling farmlands of Waikato to the rugged mountain ranges of Coromandel, from the lush, sub-tropical forests and picturesque lakes of the island's center to the beautiful, fruitful vineyards of the east coast, North Island offers something for everyone.

Regional Highlights

There are many different regions on the North Island, ranging from the busy cities of Auckland and Wellington to the untamed and unspoiled beauty of Ruapehu's national parks. Each region has highlights that make it worth visiting, and make it difficult to choose only one or two places to visit on a trip through the beautiful island.

1. Northland

Northland is a subtropical paradise of unspoiled beaches. Native culture is alive and thriving in the northern reaches of the island, where you will find stunning beaches, beautiful bays and islands. Northland is a favorite destination for those who love extreme water sports, surfing, sailing, game fishing, boating and diving are all favored pastimes in the northern island. One of the main centers for tourism in the Northland is the Bay of Islands.

2. Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, in the Northland, is a stunning vista of sand and rock coastline that encircles a bay set with 150 islands. Islands, beaches, boats and the ocean are ever-present and offer a mind-boggling array of activities to keep any visitor entertained and busy. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the many inlets, or board a chartered ferry or yacht for a trip to swim with dolphins. When you tire of the sea, there are historical and romantic sites aplenty to explore and enjoy.

3. Auckland

Auckland, with a population of 1.2 million, is home to nearly one-third the island's population. It's a fascinating blend of cosmopolitan city and marine harbor. Enjoy fine dining, sparkling nightlife and all the pleasures of being in one of the Southern Hemisphere's most popular and active cities.

4. Coromandel

Located just east of Auckland, Coromandel is one of New Zealand's favorite holiday destinations. The land is rustic and unspoiled, with stunning vistas of volcanic peaks and valleys. The rugged volcanic hills are carpeted with lush, subtropical forests while the stunning beaches are dusted with glistening sand and sparkling water. Both bush and ocean are within the boundaries of Coromandel.

5. Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty has long been a tourist destination famed for its long white beaches and easy-going lifestyle. These days, visitors also have discovered the cosmopolitan flavor of its major city, Tauranga, where they can enjoy fine dining and the best wines of the East Coast vineyards in the many cafes and restaurants.

6. Waikato

Waikato features two stunning landscapes, one above ground and one below. On the surface, the rolling farmlands offer any visitor the serenity of a bucolic land. Beneath, you will find a veritable labyrinth of caves and cave formations to explore and enjoy.

7. Rotorua

Some of the highlights of the Rotorua district include trout fishing in the volcanic lakes and relaxing in the healing waters of the seething hot springs. Volcanoes and geysers make this district a marvelous wonderland of natural beauty.

8. Eastland

Be the first on Earth to greet the new day in Eastland, the first mainland place to be touched by the rising sun. Enjoy national parks with hiking and nature trails, and relax with the sophistication of the world's first cultivated black truffles, fine cheeses and the finest Chardonnay.

9. Taupo

Visit beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, or hike through the island's oldest national park. Stunning scenery, volcanoes, trout fishing and unusual and rare wild life all combine to make Taupo a must-visit site.

10. Wellington

Beautiful Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Located between a picturesque harbor and majestic hills, the city offers vibrant night life and fascinating cultural experiences alongside gourmet dining and a distinctly unique urban experience unlike any other in the entire world.

About Author

Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Auckland Vacation

Source: ArticleTrader.com