North Island

The North Island of New Zealand is covered in beauty countryside that can be found nowhere else and what’s more: the nature’s Caprices in this stretch of land is formed in such a way that the contrasting and in parts spectacular landscape can grow and develop as well as provide

a place for adventure.  For those of you that are nature lovers, you can find a whole range of activities on offer in the surrounding area that can be easily reached in your car hire.  The country is everything but over populated with its approximately 4 million inhabitants on an area of 270,000 square kilometres (167.77 miles). Compared to Germany that has an area about a third larger than the North Island of New Zealand and has a population of 80 million- 20 times more inhabitants!

The activities on offer range form healthy thermal spas in the volcanic countryside, relaxing walks in the mountains of the New Zealand Alps to water sports on clear lakes and breath-taking beaches.  The Kiwis love adrenalin pumping sports such as bungee jumping or jet boat riding which will most certainly give you an “extra kick!”
 
For a more relaxing start to your holiday we recommend a visit to Rotorua, which is renowned for its warm thermal spas and relaxing mud plains.  The Geysers that shoot up into the air at regular intervals are a further attraction of this area as well as the many insights into the fascinating Maori culture.  Rotorua is situated approximately 3 hours drive away from the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland.

Not far from Rotorua you will find a further highlight of the country:  Lake Taupo, the largest inland lake in the country and a starting point for those of you that are water sports fans.  Whether it be water skiing, jet boating, swimming, relaxing in the spas- here there are no limits as to what you can find to do!  You can also find geysers here and healthy sulphurous hot water springs in which visitors can bathe in.  Lake Taupo is situated approximately 70 kilometres (45 miles) south of Rotorua and is easily reached in your car hire.       

Further jewels of New Zealand can be discovered at the furthest point of the North Island, the so-called North Country.  In Kerikeri for example, you will find the oldest building of the country- the Kemp House.  Not just for the Maori, the aborigines of New Zealand but also for the people from Europe that emigrated to New Zealand, the north was the landing point for the arriving ships.  In addition, in Waitangi in 1840, the “Contract of Waitangi” between the Brits and the Maori was signed which marked the beginning of what we know as today’s states of New Zealand.  Next to this important place there are also further scenically attractive areas.  On the west coast you will find rows of peaceful beaches next to each other of which the Ninety Mile Beach is the most famous- a seemingly endless beach with pure white sands.  However, the east coast also has paradise to offer with its Bay of Islands:  A collection of islands consisting of 144 pieces of land strewn out across the ocean.   

A further part of the east coast are characterised by steep cliffs and ragged coastlines on which the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash up against.  An exciting contrast with many viewing points that are well worthwhile visiting.  The most spectacular view can be found of the northern most point of New Zealand from Cape Reinga.  Surrounded by the deep blue of both of the oceans that come together here, visitors will find themselves at the end of their journey, but at the beginning of many possibilities.