Shore of Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo

North Island Holidays

An Island rich in Māori Heritage

New Zealand's North Island has everything from explosive geothermal wonders to relaxed rolling vineyards and quiet coastal bays.

The North Island of New Zealand is a land of remarkable contrasts, shaped by volcanic forces and rich Māori history. From steaming geothermal valleys and pristine beaches to rolling vineyards and vibrant cities, this island blends natural beauty with cultural depth.

The Island home to the nation’s capital, Wellington, and largest city, Auckland, yet much of its soul lies in small coastal towns, fertile farmlands, and places where Māori traditions remain at the forefront. Travelling here is about uncovering both the dramatic landscapes and the living history that make the North Island so compelling.

Below are some of our favourite destinations on New Zealand's North Island:

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest city offers a cosmopolitan introduction, framed by twin harbours and volcanic cones. Climb Mount Eden for sweeping views of the city, explore the bustling waterfront, or ferry out to Waiheke Island for wineries and sandy coves.

Rotorua

At the heart of Māori culture, Rotorua offers geothermal wonders with geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming hot springs. It’s also the place to experience a traditional Māori welcome and performance. A must for movie fans, the Hobbiton Movie Set near Rotorua brings Tolkien’s Shire to life with charming hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, surrounded by lush Waikato countryside.

Bay of Islands

A subtropical paradise scattered with over 140 islands, The Bay of Islands is known for its sheltered coves, marine life, and historic significance as the site of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Sailing, dolphin-spotting, and beach-hopping are the key highlights in this region.

Hawke’s Bay

Renowned for its sunshine, vineyards, and Art Deco architecture in Napier, Hawke’s Bay is perfect for food and wine lovers and caters for families and honeymooners alike. Choose to cycle through vineyard trails or sample local produce at farmers’ markets. Alternatively, head up to Cape Kidnappers to see the region's famous Gannet Colony.

Trips in North Island

North Island Trip Inspiration

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Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025

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Alistair

New Zealand Expert

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