| New Zealand’s North Island is the smaller of the | | | | museum techniques to take visitors on a journey |
| two main islands; however, it holds approximately 76 | | | | through Wellington’s past, present and future. Open |
| percent of New Zealand’s population. The North | | | | every day, except Christmas day; admission is free. |
| Island is also the warmer of the two, with a temperate | | | | - Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is located just minutes from |
| to subtropical climate. It boasts warm sandy beaches, | | | | downtown Wellington. The sanctuary’s purpose is |
| rolling farmlands, forests and dormant volcanoes. Two | | | | to restore a corner of mainland New Zealand to the |
| of the country’s biggest cities are located on the | | | | way it was before humans arrived. Little Spotted |
| North Island: Auckland, and the capitol city of | | | | Kiwis, North Island Wekas, North Island Kakas, |
| Wellington. | | | | Tuataras and Maud Island Frogs are just some of the |
| Auckland, often referred to as the City of Sails, is the | | | | native wildlife available for viewing. Open every day, |
| largest city in New Zealand, with a population of | | | | except for Christmas day. Tours offered daily. |
| approximately 1.4 million. Auckland lies between the | | | | - Wellington Zoo is New Zealand’s oldest zoo, and |
| Waitemata and Manukau Harbors, bordering the rain | | | | specializes in native animals and endangered species. |
| forest and several dormant volcanoes. Auckland has | | | | Home to more than 100 species, some of the major |
| something to offer everyone, including an array of | | | | exhibits include the African Savannah, Red Panda and |
| outdoor activities, art and culture venues, shopping, | | | | the Malayan Sun bear. Open every day except |
| dining and night life. | | | | Christmas day. |
| Some of the most popular attractions in Auckland | | | | - Harbor Cruises can be a very interesting and fun |
| include: | | | | ways to sight see in Wellington. There are several |
| - The Sky Tower is a 1,076-foot-tall observation and | | | | different companies offering daily cruises, including |
| communications tower located in the heart of | | | | sunset and dinner cruises. |
| Auckland. This iconic tower is the tallest free-standing | | | | - Parliament Buildings, home to the New Zealand |
| structure in the southern hemisphere! Visitors can walk | | | | Parliament, are at least worth a photo stop. The |
| the circumference of the tower’s ledge or dine in | | | | visitor’s center and guided tours operate |
| the 360-degree revolving restaurant. Thrill-seekers | | | | year-round, except for major holidays. |
| enjoy Sky Jumping (similar to bungy jumping) and Sky | | | | - Mount Victoria is located just to the east of |
| Walking. | | | | Wellington, and its summit is approximately 700 feet |
| - Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and | | | | above sea level. On a clear day, visitors can take in |
| Underwater World is a world of snow, ice and | | | | fantastic panoramic views of Wellington and the |
| amazing underwater sights. Here you can watch | | | | surrounding hills. |
| penguins, white sharks, giant eels, stingrays swim in | | | | |
| ocean-like waters. Open 365 days per year. | | | | Rotorua, not surprisingly, is located on the south shores |
| - The Auckland Museum is one of New Zealand’s | | | | of Lake Rotorua and is the heart of New |
| most important national museums and war memorials. | | | | Zealand’s Maori culture. This city is best known for |
| The museum is housed in one of the country’s | | | | its geothermal activity, including many geysers and hot |
| most outstanding historical buildings, and exhibits the | | | | mud pools located throughout. Additionally, there are 16 |
| artistic history and culture of New Zealand and its | | | | lakes (15 of which are swimmable) and some of the |
| people. Open year round, except Christmas day. | | | | best mountain bike trails in the world. |
| - The Auckland Bridge Climb is a 1.5-hour guided climb | | | | Some of the top attractions in Rotorua include: |
| offering some of the best views of Auckland and the | | | | - Wai-O-tapu Thermal Wonderland is a geothermal |
| beautiful Waitemata Harbor. Open year-round, except | | | | site located just 20 minutes from Rotorua, where |
| major holidays. | | | | visitors can view mud pools, steaming volcanic lakes, |
| - Bush and Beach Tours, some of Auckland’s most | | | | geysers, steaming grounds and huge volcanic craters. |
| popular interactive guided eco tours, offer half- or | | | | Open daily. |
| full-day tours to the Coastal Rainforest, the black sand | | | | - For an authentic Maori experience, visit Mitai Maori |
| beaches of the wild west coast, the Great Barrier | | | | Village, which offers cultural performances, a Hangi |
| Island, and Coromandel Peninsula. Tours run every day | | | | meal, a guided bushwalk, and a glow worm tour. If you |
| except Christmas Day. | | | | book the tour at the actual Maori village, they will |
| | | | | provide transportation from your hotel. Tours are |
| Wellington is located on the southern tip of the North | | | | available year-round, except for major holidays. |
| Island and is the second most populated city in the | | | | - Skyline Skyrides is an attraction of its own category. |
| country. Set on the edge of a stunning harbor and | | | | Set on the side of Mt. Ngongotaha with unbeatable |
| surrounded by rolling hills, this charming city is not only | | | | views of Rotorua and Lake Rotorua, Skyline Skyrides |
| the country’s political capital, but it is also New | | | | can be a fun adventure for the entire family! Guests |
| Zealand’s culture and art capital. | | | | take a gondola cableway up the mountain, and then |
| Some things not to be missed in Wellington are: | | | | luge down the slope. There is also a restaurant and |
| - Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa Tongarewa is | | | | café at the top. |
| New Zealand’s national museum and is a must-see | | | | |
| for anyone visiting Wellington. One of the largest | | | | The Bay of Islands consists of 144 islands with myriad |
| national museums in the world, this venue combines | | | | secluded beaches and quiet alcoves for swimming, |
| world-class displays with interactive technology to tell | | | | fishing, kayaking, boating and diving. This gorgeous area |
| the story of New Zealand, its history, people, art and | | | | is not to be missed whether on foot or from a scenic |
| natural environment. Open 365 days per year; | | | | flight above. |
| admission is free. | | | | Taupo is located on the shores of Lake Taupo, New |
| - Museum of Wellington City & Sea’s mission | | | | Zealand’s largest lake. Surrounded by a dramatic |
| is to preserve, promote and present Wellington's | | | | volcanic landscape, the main attractions in this area |
| heritage - harbor, city and sea. The museum uses | | | | include skiing, fishing, Huka Falls, boiling mud pools, hot |
| special interactive exhibits along with traditional | | | | mineral baths, and lots of shopping and dining options. |