The North Island of New Zealand

New Zealand is definitely a paradise, albeit located at the other end of the world. But what are airplanes for? After nearly 24 hours of flight time, you can already be in Auckland-and the long flight is definitely worth it! The North Island features a rugged, unpredictable landscape and is almost untouched in many areas.

In New Zealand, you can surf on sand dunes, swim at heavenly beaches, and explore the mysterious culture of the Māori. There is so much to see on this island that the variety will likely leave you feeling overwhelmed at first. To ensure that doesn't happen, I asked my friend Maggie for some insider tips. She lives near Auckland and knows the area like the back of her hand. So, let these helpful tips inspire you.

The northern tip of the North Island is particularly beautiful. From the white lighthouse at Cape Reinga, you can enjoy stunning views of the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Taman, with great vortices in the water. It doesn't matter that the northernmost point of the island is actually at the Surville Cliffs, located 30 km away. For the indigenous Māori people, Cape Reinga is a site of spiritual and cultural significance. According to their belief, the spirits of the dead begin their journey to the land of their ancestors here. A particularly great hike from here leads to picturesque beaches like Werahi Beach or Cape van Diemen.

Not far from the cape, you can go sandboarding at the Giant Te Paki Sand Dunes. But not in the water, no; here it's sandboard surfing. You can rent a board right on site or just take any other board, walk up the dunes, and surf back down, either standing or lying on your belly, depending on your skill level. Maggie's tip for you: 'A little less known and therefore a bit quieter, you can sandboard at the nearby dunes close to Ahipara-it's super fun.' A bit further south begins the '90 Mile Beach,' which is a very surreal stretch of coast. At the so-called Desert Coast, the beach is up to 200 meters wide in some places.

'My personal favorite beach on the Desert Coast is Ripiro Beach. It's great for diving and fishing.'

An absolute dream for surfers is Piha Beach, a rugged beach surrounded by cliffs with strong waves and sometimes dangerous currents-a true challenge for surfing professionals. But even if you're not a surfing enthusiast, you'll find plenty to do here. There are numerous trails through the surrounding rainforest, abseiling is offered in the Piha Canyon, and at the beach bar you can enjoy delicious cocktails.

The tourist center of the region is definitely Paihia. Here you'll find many hotels and restaurants, with numerous recreational activities offered. From diving and fishing to boat tours, dolphin swimming, or kayaking, even flights over Northland. Unfortunately, the area is often very crowded in the summer, and to secure a good hotel, you should book early. A boat tour to the 'Hole in the Rock,' a rock formation at the entrance to the bay that can only be seen from the boat, is particularly worthwhile. A sailing trip through the island world here is especially amazing. The most beautiful islands in the Bay of Islands are Urupukapuka Island, the only island with accommodation options, and Moturohia, which has two round lagoons and an underwater nature trail for snorkelers.

You'll experience exquisite Māori culture in the small town of Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, you'll learn all about the settlement of New Zealand. Fifty Māori chiefs and representatives of the English Crown gathered here on February 6, 1840, and sealed with the Waitangi Treaty that the Māori ceded part of their land to the settlers. The indigenous people reenact the prehistory of the Treaty multiple times a week with a spectacular dance and haka performance, complete with eye-rolling and tongue-sticking. Once a year, there's a very special event: On February 6, Waitangi Day, 160 men take the 36.5-meter-long war canoe of the Māori out of the boathouse, prepare it on the beach, and sail loudly singing through the bay. If you want to paddle in a real waka, the traditional Māori canoe, through the mangroves, you can book a tour with Chief Hone Mihaka. The serene coastal town of Russell is definitely worth a visit. In the 19th century, it was known as 'the hell hole of the Pacific' because this is where sailors, whalers, and traders arrived in the harbor. Russell was the first European settlement of the country and today, with its historic homes, is a notable destination for tourists.

Maggie's tip for you: 'On the Purerua Peninsula in the north of the Bay of Islands, there are particularly beautiful hidden beaches. Further south, you can go snorkeling and diving at the uninhabited Poor Knights Islands, 25 km off the coast.'

The city of Auckland is characterized by various cultures. You can see influences from French, Polynesian, Asian, and Māori cultures throughout the cityscape. You can buy great Polynesian crafts at the Otara Market. Great shopping can be done especially on Parnell Street, which boasts charming alleys and shops with unique fashion. You have an impressive view of the entire city from the Sky Tower. For those looking for more excitement, you can try the Skywalk, where you're harnessed to the tower and can walk directly along the edge, 192 meters above the ground, leaning slightly over the edge for a direct look down.

At the Hallertau Brewery, you can sample a variety of New Zealand beers, and at the accompanying restaurant, you should definitely try the pumpkin risotto.

The vibrant university city of Auckland seems to offer endless shopping and partying options and is the perfect place to party with the locals. Every summer, the Splore Festival, a popular music festival featuring many artists from around the world, takes place here.

'The large local markets in the city are particularly worth seeing. Here you can buy fresh fruit and fish. Absolutely delicious is grilled gurnard or fried crayfish.'

In 2014, the metropolis was crowned the friendliest city in the world. Congratulations!

The beautiful peninsula enchants visitors with untouched beaches and dense rainforests. Particularly beautiful are Cook's Beach in Mercury Bay and Hahei with Mare's Leg Beach. From Hahei, a footpath leads to Cathedral Cove, a secluded hidden beach that can only be accessed through a portal-like rock passage.

A few kilometers further, you can also bathe at Hot Water Beach, even in cool temperatures. At low tide, you simply dig a hole in the sand and create your own little warm pool- the deeper you dig, the hotter the water gets.

Hamilton & Waikato | Bay of Plenty | Rotorua

Lush green hills and endless fertile pastures can be found just south of Auckland in the Hamilton-Waikato Region. For 'The Lord of the Rings' fans, a visit to Hobbiton Village near Matamata is especially great. The little town was specifically built as a backdrop of the Shire for the film and can be visited. Beautifully landscaped gardens invite long walks along the river in Hamilton. From here, you can take fantastic trips into the surrounding area. Many nice hotels, restaurants, and bars make your stay an enjoyable one.

'Glowworms': Amidst stalagmites and stalactites, you can admire the impressive Waitomo Caves. The glowworm cave is a fantastic excursion destination for anyone who is continually fascinated by nature's marvels.

The entire Bay of Plenty region is dotted with fruit orchards and gardens. Whether kiwis, lemons, or avocados-you really can find everything here. At the nearby Mount Maunganui, you can surf at spectacular beaches, and for those who don't enjoy the water, you can also try land sailing, known as blokarting.

Spritzing geysers and bubbling mud pools can be found on the volcanic North Island. The Hell's Gate volcanic area is the most active on the entire island. Particularly great are the roughly one-hour walks through the area. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley, 23 km south of Rotorua, is also worth a visit, featuring many bubbling springs and the world's largest 'boiling lake.' The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is the most colorful thermal area on the island, captivating visitors with its colorful champagne pools and the Lady Knox Geyser, which must be manually triggered with a little soap every day at around 10:15 AM.

On the somewhat remote volcanic island of 'White Island,' unique hikes through the active volcanic area can be undertaken. Culturally, the thermal region in Rotorua has much to offer. The 30-meter high Pohutu Geyser is the main attraction of Whakarewarewa, called Whaka for short. In Whaka, you'll also find the art and culture center of the Māori, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, which has a great souvenir shop.

'Recharge after the 1.5-hour tour of the thermal area with a traditional Hangi. Hangi is the earth oven-cooked meal of the Māori, consisting of sweet potatoes, shellfish, and pork.'

Although it smells of sulfur almost everywhere in the area, you can still find the best relaxation here. One of the best spa treatments of your life can be enjoyed at the world-renowned Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, which is ranked among the top 10 in the world.

'You can go for a free soak in the hot spring 'Kerosone Creek,' a few kilometers south of Rotorua. There's also a small waterfall to jump off.'

The eruption of Mount Terewaka was one of the largest natural disasters with which New Zealand has dealt. Traces of it can still be seen today in 'The Buried Village,' the village buried by the volcano. Particularly amusing in Rotorua is the activity known as Zorbing. If you haven't heard of it yet, you should definitely check out a video; it looks like a lot of fun.

Tongariro National Park | Lake Taupo | Hawke's Bay Wine Region

The oldest national park on the island, known from The Lord of the Rings films as the setting for Mount Erebor, impresses visitors not only with its unique landscape. Here you can also ski in winter or hike in summer. If you have plenty of time, you can also take an incredible multi-day hike from hut to hut. The scenery changes from lunar-like volcanic landscapes to subtropical rainforests. By the way, if you're interested in the filming locations of the Lord of the Rings trilogy here in New Zealand, be sure to check out my travel magazine article on the subject! If you're searching for a real nature experience, definitely take a rafting trip on the Tongariro River, one of the most famous rivers in the country. You'll glide through ancient beech forests and spectacular gorges over dangerous currents in crystal-clear water. Rainbow trout are sure to greet you along the way. Another unique experience in the region is the Rere Rockslide, where you can slide down a natural rock slide into a waterfall.

The clear blue waters of Lake Taupo shimmer in the sun on beautiful summer days and is one of the most idyllic places in New Zealand. The former volcanic crater is the perfect destination for anyone who loves water sports. Whether parasailing, jetskiing, water skiing, kayaking, or fishing-almost anything is possible here. Nearby, you can visit the roaring Aratiatia Rapids and the breathtaking Huka Falls. Further south lies the Manawatu region, which offers a great variety of adventures, such as horseback riding, caving, or kayaking. A particularly cool activity is a mountain biking tour through the Manawatu Gorge. Here is where you can best get to know the old-fashioned rural life of New Zealanders. You can fully enjoy the Kiwi lifestyle best by meeting with the locals or doing a farmstay directly with farm families. The world's first rugby museum dedicated to the sports-crazy Kiwis can be visited in Palmerston North. Additionally, there are many wonderful gardens in 'Palmy,' including a massive rose garden. Here you can also see a wildlife park, a Clydesdale horse farm, and a Dutch windmill. The Kiwiburn Festival, which is the New Zealand counterpart to the American Burning Man Festival, also takes place here every year.

The opera house or the Sarjeant Art Gallery in Whanganui are worth a visit for those interested in culture. You can reach the top of Durie Hill with a 213-meter-long elevator that travels through a tunnel. However, the Whanganui River is undoubtedly the heart of the city. In the past, it was a crucial transport route for the Māori and settlers. Today, you can speed along the river in a jet boat or enjoy a leisurely paddleboat cruise. For those who prefer to rely on muscle power, there's the 'Whanganui Journey,' a kayaking tour that starts in Taumaranui and ends in Pipiriki. From every angle of the area, you can see the symmetrical cone of Mount Taranaki, from which the summit provides a fantastic view of the green meadows and rugged coastline. In Taranaki, you can snowboard in the snow one day and surf at the beach the same day. You'll find more than enough activities here as well: there are art trails, award-winning museums and gardens, and a plethora of colorful cafés.

One of the warmest and driest areas in New Zealand is the Hawke's Bay Wine Region. The finest drops of the island are grown on the leading wineries here-everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot and Shiraz is produced. You can delight in purchasing local delicacies at the farmers' markets or enjoy lunch with the locals at Napier's Great Long Lunch. You can work off any excess pounds on the nearby forest walking trail Ruahine or in Kaweka Forest Park. Additionally, every year in June, the largest celebrations for Matariki, the Māori New Year festival, take place in Hawke's Bay.

Wellington | Cape Palliser

In New Zealand's capital, Wellington, you can best explore the compact downtown on foot and learn all about the Māori roots of the city at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea. For a great cup of coffee, head to bustling Courtenay Place. One of the more unusual neighborhoods is the Cuba Quarter, where you can browse through galleries, boutiques, second-hand shops, and cafés. Be sure to try an Apricot Chicken at Fidel's Cafe. You can enjoy a stunning view of the city from Mount Victoria.

A tour of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended for nature lovers, as you can admire the most colorful and beautiful animals in New Zealand. The popular rugby matches of the New Zealand national team are also particularly exciting.

On the way to the southern tip of the North Island, you'll drive through lush farmland and hilly vineyards to the rugged east coast. The area is a bit off the main tourist route, and at Cape Palliser, you can watch a colony of seals in wonderful peace. In the quaint fishing village of Ngawi, you can see numerous brightly painted tractors on the beach. In the neighboring town of Martinborough, you can taste the Pinot Noir from the local wineries. The best place to stay is with Wellingtonians in the popular town of Wairarapa. Here, you'll find very individual accommodations, from motels and boutique lodges to homestays at a vineyard.