North Island’s Best Timeshare Destinations
The North Island of New Zealand is an extremely versatile destination, known for its many sites, from volcanoes and national parks, through to the many cities and landscapes. While it is smaller than the South Island, there is still so much to see and do. The North Island is home to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, as well as its largest city, Auckland, so you can soak up culture and history during your stay. It is also surrounded by bays and islands that make the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a slower pace. Highlights include Waitomo Caves, Cape Reinga, Cathedral Cove, White Island and more.
Paihia
Known as the gateway to the dive sites and the gorgeous golden beaches of the Bay of Islands, Paihia is the perfect place to visit time and again. It is a great base for exploration, with plenty of day trips to the outer islands available from their wharf. Enjoy the ‘hole in the rock’ at the tip of Cape Brett, swim with dolphins and escape on a sea kayaking tour. But you don’t have to leave their sandy shores to enjoy the sites. The seaside town has amazing beaches, beautiful walks and waterfalls you can check out.
Tauranga
This harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty is the perfect place to go fishing, sailing, dolphin watching or soak up the sunshine. Take a stroll along the modern Strand with plenty of cafés and shops to keep you entertained along the way, and keep kids happy with the local playground and giant bronze statues of Hairy Maclary. There are plenty of ways to create magical holiday memories for the whole family.
Mt Maunganui
Home to the one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Mt Maunganui is a major residential town located across the harbour from Tauranga. It is known as a holiday paradise thanks to its golden beaches, hot salt water pools, amazing beachside cafes and boutique shopping. And of course, there’s the iconic mountain itself. Standing 232m above sea level, the mountain has plenty of Maori history and myth worth feasting your ears on. It also offers the best views of the city from above.
Turangi
As the unofficial trout fishing headquarters of New Zealand, it’s pretty clear what you can expect from this enchanting holiday destination. The town itself sits at the banks of the Tongariro River and features the Tongariro National Trout Centre, which is an educational centre run by the Department of Conservation. Not so keen on fishing? You can also take off hiking some of the sites, bike riding through the trails and getting up close and personal with the native bushland. Jump in the water and experience white water rafting and kayaking, or simply use the place as a base for visiting some of the nearby national parks.
Taupo
This town rests on the shore of Lake Taupo and provides a base for holidaymakers who love to fish, ski and explore. Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano that most recently erupted in 181 AD, and it was large enough to change the sky as far away as Europe. Just nearby is the Craters of the Moon, which is full of bubbling mud pool and steaming hot springs. There are so many day tours that can take you to see the sites, including national parks, hiking tours, sailing and more.
Rotorua
From bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, to amazing culture, Rotorua has something for everyone. It sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind in natural beauty. Enjoy the plethora of hot pools and health spas, take part in a spot of shopping, or bring out your inner thrill-seeker at one of the theme and leisure parks. It’s a place you can visit time and time again and enjoy something new with every visit.
