Details About New Zealand's Beautiful North Island   by Grant Eckert

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 the 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
 

Important Historical Landmarks Of New Zealand   by Grant Eckert

New Zealand is considered to be one of the youngest countries in the world, as it was the last major land mass to be discovered by Europeans. For a young country, New Zealand boasts many fascinating and important historical sites, a legacy of its original inhabitants, the Maori and also its years as a British colony.

The most important historical site in the country is at Waitangi on North Island, where a treaty was signed in 1840 between the Maori and the British, the site is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a nation. The grounds cover 1000 acres and were a gift to the people of New Zealand by the governor at the time, Lord Bledisloe.

There are several highlights of any visit to Waitangi. Not to be missed are the Treaty House, the country's oldest home, and built for New Zealand's first resident. Te Whare Runanga is an elaborately carved Maori meeting house; and you can also marvel at one of the world's largest ceremonial war canoes. Many visitors simply enjoy strolling around the beautiful grounds. If that inspires you, you can even get married at Waitangi.

Two of the oldest towns in New Zealand are situated in the area of the country known as the Bay of Islands, Russell and Kerikeri. Russell boasts an excellent small museum offering an overview of contact between the Maori and Europeans; as well as Christ Church, the oldest wooden church in New Zealand. Russell is also the site of one of the most infamous incidents in the country's history, the chopping down of the ceremonial British flagpole by the Maori chief Hone Heke.

Kerikeri has the distinction of being the oldest European settlement in New Zealand. A stroll through the quaint streets of the town will show you both the oldest wooden building and the oldest stone building in the country. A couple of nearby historical sites give an insight into New Zealand's history. Kororipo Pa is a well-preserved Maori fort; Rewa Village is a full scale reconstruction of a Maori fishing village.

Throughout New Zealand, there are many other reminders of the Maori, such as burial grounds, sacred sites and tribal meeting places. The area around Taranaki on the North Island is a particularly good place to visit if you want to learn about the Maori culture, the small settlement at Parihaka was the largest Maori village in the region during the 19th century. There is also a monument to the Maori leader Maui Pomare, as well as the remains of several Maori forts, known as pa.

Wellington has been New Zealand's capital since 1865 and boasts several historic buildings and sites, many dating from its days as an early European settlement. You can take one of several walking tours of Wellington which take in such historic sites as the birthplace of Katherine Mansfield, the country's most famous author; and the Dominion Observatory, which once kept the time for the entire country.

Much of the country's more recent history has been shaped at the Parliament buildings complex. Not to be missed if you are in Wellington are the Old Government building, the second largest wooden building in the world, and the National Library of New Zealand, with its books, maps and other documents. Also, not too far away, you can see one of the country's most important and famous documents, the actual Treaty of Waitangi, on display at the National Archives building.

Nearly all visitors traveling to New Zealand by air arrive in Auckland, the country's largest city. Although Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, it is worth taking the time to seek out some of the area's historic sites. One of Auckland's most beautiful buildings is Alberton, an ornate Victorian mansion dating from 1863, which offers a glimpse into how the wealthy lived 150 years ago.

Another historic home in the Auckland area is Highwic; a wooden house built in the Gothic style and filled with antiques. In order to gain some insight into the important role the sea has played in the lives of New Zealanders, visit the National Maritime Museum. Not only can you look at exhibits spanning 1,000 years, you can sail on them. The historic ship Ted Ashby offers rides several times a week.

Admittedly, many people visit New Zealand for the spectacular and dramatic scenery, and the chance to experience the great outdoors at its very best. However, if you are lucky enough to visit New Zealand, do not overlook the country's proud and fascinating history.

About the 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