North Island

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to New Zealand

New Zealand is best visited between October and April for hiking and active adventure, with January to March offering the warmest weather and March to April bringing fewer crowds and settled autumn conditions. The South Island is best for alpine scenery, glaciers, fjords, and Great Walks, while the North Island is best for geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, volcanoes, and beaches. For a first trip, allow 10 to 14 days, or two to three weeks if you want to explore both islands.

Exploring New Zealand's Dark Sky Zones

When the sun drops behind New Zealand’s mountains, the magic is just beginning. Discover seven internationally recognized Dark Sky Zones and see why stargazing is becoming one of the country’s most unforgettable adventure experiences.

What Makes New Zealand a Great Vacation Destination?

New Zealand has something for everyone, and is the perfect place to invigorate your heart and mind, to reconnect with your family, your friends, or forge new connections in the most spectacular surroundings like nowhere else on earth. The perfect travel destination.

New Zealand North Island vs South Island

You're heading to New Zealand, but only for a short time? Here's what you can expect from the North Island and the South Island, and how to make the best choice for a perfect trip!

Discover Northland, New Zealand: Pristine Beaches, Māori Culture, and Towering Forests

National Geographic has recently named Northland, New Zealand, one of The 25 Best Places to Visit in the World , and it’s easy to see why. Picture yourself strolling along untouched golden beaches, ex

Exploring the Volcanic Central Plateau of New Zealand

Podcast - Rick G talks about his North Island Adventure with Kit Parks

Our guest Rick was hosted by Kit Parks, on her Active Travel Adventures podcast. Together, they'll bring you on an 11-day, multi-sport adventure through New Zealand North Island. From glowworms caves

Hike the Northern Circuit Tongariro

The Tongariro Northern Circuit crosses 45 kilometres through the the volcanic heart of Tongariro National Park. From alpine herbfields to forests, and tranquil lakes to desert-like plateaux, yo

Multi-Day Hike Packing-List for New Zealand

You and some mates have 4 (5 at a stretch) days up your sleeve. Over a couple of pints of beer you decide that it's time to get serious about your New Zealand hiking trip – maps are strewn across the

Podcast: Kit Parks talks about her adventures on the North Island of New Zealand (Part III)

Add the North Island if you are already doing the South Island! “I had planned to spend an extra week in Queenstown and Christchurch on my own after doing the Rimu on the South Island, but when

Discover the Tongariro National Park

It may be surprising to hear that the Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park. It was established in 1887 and, incredibly, was only the fourth national park to be established glo

Video: Food and Wine with Active Adventures

New Zealand’s seasonal, local food is something we’re immensely proud of, and pretty good at – even if we do say so ourselves. Our country is only of a size similar to the UK, so all of our fresh prod