Tailor Made Holidays in Auckland & Northland, New Zealand: Introduction

Known as the ‘winter-less north’, Northland has a lot to offer the sunseeking traveller.

The journey from Auckland is not a short drive, but with the main highway never more than a short detour from the coast, there are plenty of excuses to break the journey. The Bay of Islands, famous for its teal blue waters and lovely sailing days, is a popular spot for exploring some of the country’s most evident colonial and Maori history. Most significant of all is Cape Reinga, the tip of the country, sacred to the Maori people as their spirit’s leaping point, whisking them after death back to their mythical homeland, Hawaiki.

Just below Northland is the largest and most cosmopolitan city, Auckland. Former host to two America’s Cup challenges the twin harbours are perpetually awash with sails. A conurbation, Auckland is made up of four major cities - Auckland city, the North Shore, Waitakere, and Manukau - and each presents a different side to Auckland living. The North Shore is defined by its picture-perfect bays and familial feel; Waitakere is dramatic with rugged beaches and densely forested ranges; Auckland city is vibrant, corporate and buzzing, while Manukau city, largely populated by the Maori and Polynesian communities, feels earthier.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”. Click here for more highlights

Relax on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island manages to maintain a laid back island lifestyle even though it is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Auckland city. The island is home to...  [more]

Take to the water in the Bay of Islands

There are endless ways to explore this beautiful stretch of coast. Cruise, sail, kayak or swim with the playful dolphins in these protected, calm...  [more]

Explore Trounson Kauri Park and the Kauri Coast

The west coast of the North Island is little visited and an often overlooked part of the country. With majestic stands of Kauri trees, the longest...  [more]