North Island - Places To Go

Most of New Zealand’s special coastal spots are marked by lighthouses. Castlepoint, one of the wilder stretches of the North Island coast, is no exception. Read the story . . .

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Food and drink

Hawke's Bay: the finest of wines

There are over 70 vineyards in the Hawke's Bay – about half of which you can visit. Taste the fruits of the vines and their vintners’ zeal and, in many cases, have a bite to eat at the same time. Read the story . . .

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Karangahake Gorge: a reminder of a golden era

Explore the railway and the gold workings of Karangahake Gorge and have a picnic lunch and a swim in one of the Ōhinemuri’s lazy pools. Now that’s a solid gold experience. Read the story . . .

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Lake Waikaremoana Track: around the rippling waters

The Lake Waikaremoana Track, in the remote Te Urewera region southeast of Rotorua, traces the shoreline of this spectacular lake, named by Māori the ‘sea of rippling waters.' Read the story . . .

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Things to do

Of the sea: surfing Aotearoa

When most people imagine their idyllic beach, they think of white sand and sun-dappled water. Surfers focus on wind and swell directions and the hidden bathymetry of the seafloor. Read the story . . .

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Whanganui Journey: paddle your own canoe

While considered one of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Whanganui Journey is less of a walk and more of a paddle. Read the story . . .

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Parininihi Marine Reserve

Parininihi Marine Reserve captures a typical slice of the north Taranaki coastline, as well as the possibly unique sponge gardens of Pariokariwa reef. Read the story . . .

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Things to do

Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

The underwater caves, arches and sheer cliffs at the Poor Knights provide diving so good, Jacques Cousteau rated it as one of the top ten dives in the world. Read the story . . .

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