The Gateway to New Zealand is Auckland, home to a third of New Zealand's 3.6 million population.  It is affectionately known as the "City of Sails" as it has the most boats per capita in the world.  The sixty volcanic cones that Auckland is built upon give an indication of New Zealand's geologic past, and today, many of them provide great views.  Travelers can enjoy a wide variety of fine restaurants, theaters, concerts, art galleries, and shopping.   Be sure to see Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World where you will be mesmerized by the many species of fish swimming overhead.

        Traveling to Northland, you will reach Cape Reinga ( located 280 miles or 450 kms from Auckland), where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean converge.  On the west coast enjoy a bus ride or a horse trek along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach.  On the east coast visit the historical township of Paihia where a treaty was signed between the Maori people and the European settlers in 1840.  With one hundred and fifty islands offshore, it is easy to see why Captain Cook christened the area the "Bay of Islands" in 1769.   This breathtaking region is a fisherman's and sailors' paradise.  The native Kauri trees of the Waipoua Forest are a sight not to be missed, with some trees over 2,000 years old and towering up to 170 feet.  Around Christmas time travelers can see the rich red blossoms of the Pohutukawas, fondly referred to as the "New Zealand Christmas Tree".

        Heading south from Auckland is the region known as the Waikato.  The rich pastoral lands and mild climate support many dairy herds, sheep, cattle, and thoroughbred race horses.  The heart of the Waikato is the city of Hamilton, the fourth largest city in New Zealand.  A popular tourist attraction is the Waitomo Limestone Caves, the highlight of which is a unique boat ride through the glowworm grottoes.  Perhaps the most prominent feature of the North Island's west coast is majestic, cone shaped Mount Taranaki, named after the region it overlooks.  With 190 miles of bush walks and winter skiing, the beautiful views from this mountain's summit are accessible all year around. 

        Rotorua's premier attraction is the Whakarewarea Geothermal reserve, featuring mineral rich lakes, bubbling mud pools, and vigorous geysers.  Travelers can learn more about the Maori culture by visiting the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.  Here you will see the Maoris skillfully working on intricate art forms such as jade (New Zealand Greenstone) and bone carvings, and creative weaving.   Visit the  excavated site of a Maori village which was buried by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.  Take an aerial tour over the crater and see Roturua's picturesque Blue and Green Lakes.  While in Roturua partake in a memorable Hangi, a traditional Maori feast cooked underground.  Those wishing to experience one of New Zealand's primary exports first hand should visit the Agrodome.  Here you will see 19 breeds of sheep on stage, a shearing demonstration, and sheep dogs being put through their paces.

     Taupo, largest of New Zealand's lakes, was formed by the earth's biggest eruption, and is renowned as having some of the world's best trout fishing.  There are plenty of guides available in the city of Taupo and neighboring towns to assist you in catching your trophy rainbow or brown trout.  The Waikato River, Lake Taupo's only outlet, tumbles over the spectacular Huka Falls.  The nearby Huka Lodge was recently named the world's second best resort with 50 rooms or less.  The central North Island is also noted for it's deer hunting and snow skiing.

        Captain Cook was inspired to call the region located on the east coast of New Zealand the Bay of Plenty.  This apt name still applies today due to the region's soil and climatic conditions, making it a large producer of fruit and vegetables.  A favorite nearby tourist attraction, Kiwifruit Country, is recommended for travelers wanting to learn more about this unique fuzzy fruit.  The port city of Tauranga is the commercial center for the Bay of Plenty.  One of the most prominent sites here is Mount Manganui, a dormant volcano at the entrance of the city's sheltered harbor.  Stretching down the coast are white sandy beaches, great surf, and the warm waters of the Pacific.  The surrounding ocean is noted for its many species of fish.   Whether you are land based, chartering a boat, or even heli-fishing, you'll be amazed by the many species and huge trophy fish you can catch.

        Located on the southeastern coast is the Hawkes Bay region, noted for many fine wineries.  The city of Napier is renowned for its art deco architecture which sprung up after the city was rebuilt following the devastating 1931 earthquake.  Nearby Hastings is known as "the Fruit Bowl" of New Zealand, producing a horticultural bounty.  Well worth the half hours drive from either city is Cape Kidnappers, the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.

        The southern most city on the North Island is Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.  Here the modern architecture contrasts with the historical buildings and quaint colorful homes.  A major feature of Wellington is the circular Cabinet building known as "The Beehive".  A must-see is the recently opened Museum of New Zealand.  From Lambton Quay take the cable-car to the magnificent Botanical gardens.