The Bay of Islands near the top of the North Island are famous for swimming, boating, fishing and diving. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and offers something for everyone, however it is renown for its marvellous harbour hence being called the City of Sails. Hamilton is a popular town in the Waikato. Waitomo is world famous for its Glow Worm and other Caving Adventures. The Coromandel Peninsula offers fantastic boating and beaches making it a popular holiday destination. Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Gisborne are popular coastal towns boasting above average temperatures and more golden beaches.

Rotorua is world famous for its Maori Culture and geothermal activity - a must for visitors. Taupo, sitting on the shore of New Zealand's largest Lake - Lake Taupo - is a very popular fishing and boating destination as well as being a great centre for rafting, kayaking and jetboating. Ruapehu and Tongariro form the North Islands major Ski options in the winter months. Napier and Hastings are in the Hawkes Bay wine growing region and feature Art Deco buildings. Palmerston North and Wanganui are popular stop off points for those travelling

Wellington, located at the bottom of the North Island, is New Zealand's capital. The National Cultural Museum - Te Papa is in Wellington. The Cook Strait Ferry connects Wellington with Picton in the South Island.

The North Island offers a diverse range of options for visitors with plenty of water activities such as sailing, fishing, boating, swimming, surfing, rafting and diving. In contract there are many cultural and historical attractions to be found along the way.