Explore the natural beauty and the historical and cultural significance of New Zealand's North Island on this 4-day Bay of Islands trip from Auckland

New Zealand (Aotearoa in Maori) is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.

New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main islands (North and South) cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about the size of Japan or California and slightly larger than Great Britain.

A place of spiritual significance for Maori, Cape Reinga is the turning point for travellers wandering the far north.

Cape Maria van Diemen, facing the Tasman Sea, is the westernmost of the three points of land at the northern end of New Zealand, the other two being Cape Reinga and North Cape.

Bay island is a lovely historic place with some great places to stay, great beaches, nice walks and beautiful scenery, plus a few good restaurants - very nice place to stay for atleast 3 days.

In the Bay of Islands you can find thrilling adventure or perfect peace. The unbelievable natural beauty, amazing beaches and a host of islands make for an idyllic aquatic playground and ultimate retreat.

The Bay of Plenty is a large indentation in the northern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It stretches from the Coromandel Peninsula in the west to Cape Runaway in the east, a wide stretch of some 259 km of open coastline. The Bay of Plenty Region is situated around this body of water, also incorporating several large islands in the bay.

The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the much less populous South Island by Cook Strait. The island is 113,729 square kilometres (43,911 sq mi) in area,[1] making it the world's 14th-largest island. It has a population of 3,366,100

You can hike, bike or drive up legendary Te Mata Peak for spectacular views in every direction.

The North Island has an extensive flora and bird population, with numerous National Parks and other protected areas.

The Waikato is a region in the north-west of the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River (425 km) winds its way through this region.

Rock climbing and photography adventures for those wanting a quality Waitomo experience away from everybody else!

If you?re the type of person that always has to push the envelope then try some of the great Auckland bungee jumping

Horse riding less than one hour north of Auckland city.

Weave through the calm waters of the mangrove forest out to the purest silica sands of the Parengarenga Harbour, NZ's most northern harbour. Kayaking these exquisite turquoise waters is the most beautiful peddle imaginable.

With some of the best fishing in the world, Cape Reinga is a great place for anglers of all skill and experience levels. Choose from freshwater fishing, inshore saltwater fishing and big game fishing. Fly fishing, salmon and trout fishing are hugely popular with visitors from all over the world. Fishing guides and charters are available.

Take your pick from 4WD off-roading, bungy jumping, white water sports, caving, canyoning, diving, snorkelling, gliding, paragliding, horse-riding, skiing, hunting, jet-boating, mountaineering, skydiving and more.

Your guide on where to go (and when) for the best entertainment Cape Reinga has for adults and children. Find out about the country's top casinos, gaming and racing venues, movies and theatre, music events, children's activities, pools and a nightlife featuring pubs, clubs and restaurants.

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy jet boating and waka (canoe) tours. These tours have a mix of culture, spirituality and fun and of course outstanding scenery.

A city with industries that include fashion, bio-technology and engineering whilst also supporting the development of local music, Dunedin strives to explore all areas of life and do well. It is very community driven, with mass university crowds and a strong visual arts crowd as well as increasing numbers of sporting teams and musicians.

Goat Island, the local name for Cape Rodney/Okakari Point Marine Reserve, was New Zealand's first marine reserve. It was established in 1975 and in less than 10 years it became a rich ecological area, teeming with fish and other sea life.

Banks Peninsula is in the Canterbury region on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, mostly surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and adjacent to the largest city in the South Island,

The peninsula has a land area of approximately 1,000 square kilometres, it is comprised of the eroded remnants of two large volcanoes, the two dominant craters formed Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The portion of crater rim lying between Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch city forms the Port Hills.

With its dramatic peaks and dark blue waters that reach depths of nearly 870 feet, Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park.

A sandy beach, with good surfing, stretching 18 km from the Waimakariri River mouth in the north, to the spit in the south, swimming with (summer) surf-club-supervised areas

Historic places tell our stories. At Ruapekapeka Pa, the story is told of the last battle of the Northern Wars, fought between British colonial forces and northern Maori

New Zealand's longest established owner/operated sea kayaking company with almost two decades' experience showcasing Milford the eco-adventurous way

The Treaty of Waitangi between Maori chiefs of New Zealand and the British Crown was first signed on 6 February 1840. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the treaty, a meeting house representing all the tribes of New Zealand was built in the grounds of the Treaty House at Waitangi. This photograph shows the rich carvings and woven panels inside the building.