Excursions from Auckland
For those who want to venture further afield, tour operators run day trips to highlights such as the Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves and Rotorua. Options include:
Bay Of Islands
This myriad of islands, sandy beaches and secluded coves forms a beautiful maritime park. The Bay of Islands is the cradle of European settlement in New Zealand and is rich in both European and Maori history. Paihia is the major resort town and an ideal base for marine activities including cruising, boating, yachting, swimming with the dolphins and diving excursions. The historic towns of Russell and Waitangi are within easy reach.
Far North
The Far North takes in the long finger of land at the tip of the North Island, separating the Pacific Ocean from the Tasman Sea. At its north-eastern tip, Cape Reinga looks out over the meeting point of the two oceans that surround New Zealand. The Cape is located at the eastern curve of Spirits Bay, so named because it is the traditional departing point for the spirits of Maori. Attractions include secluded bays and coves, the magnificent white sands of Ninety Mile Beach, historic villages, fishing and diving.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a unique area of geothermal activity and one of New Zealand's leading tourist destinations. Scenic lakes, Maori culture, thermal springs and a wide range of outdoor activities make it a year-round favourite with visitors. The city is located on the North Island's thermal belt at the edge of Lake Rotorua, with magnificent examples of bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and steaming fumaroles. It is famous for its outstanding trout fishing.
Coromandel Peninsula
This scenic stretch of land separates the Bay of Plenty from the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames. One of New Zealand's best-loved holiday destinations, it is famous for its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and rugged ranges cloaked with native rainforest. Many of the picturesque townships have a gold-mining and timber-milling history, and the region has developed a flourishing arts and crafts industry.
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves are the Waikato's best known attraction and famous for their vast caverns full of eerie stalactites and stalagmites. These natural sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the cave, or flowing over the exposed limestone walls, leaving behind a crystalline deposit. Guided tours take in some 250m of stunning underground scenery, including the Glow-worm Grotto, which is lit by thousands of lights belonging to these tiny insects.
For more information about Auckland contact:
Tourism Auckland
PO Box 5561, Auckland
Email Tourism Auckland