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Auckland
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping – youre beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Aucklands blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
The Auckland region is an antipasto of environments laid out on a huge platter to make one amazing city, boasting three harbours, two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands.
Aucklands population is approximately 1.3 million, making it by far the largest city in New Zealand, with one third of the countrys entire population.
Bay-of-Plenty
The Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel peninsula. Its a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here - sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.
Across the harbour from Tauranga is Mount Maunganui - a volcanic cone on the end of a huge sand spit. The deep blue of the Pacific Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, the vista interrupted only by surfers, wind surfers, small islands and boats carrying keen anglers in search of the stuff fishing legends are made of. Theres enormous scope here for adventure seekers.
On the journey east you will encounter Te Puke, "the kiwi fruit capital" of New Zealand. Then it’s on to the town of Whakatane and White Island, one of the most accessible active volcanos in the world. Steam billows from its main crater and spurts of ash keep things interesting for visitors.
Coromandel
An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - its bordered on each side by kilometres of spectacular coastline. On the west coast, theres a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native of New Zealand). The eastern side of the Coromandel is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches.
The Coromandels fascinating history is evident in gold mining relics, logging dams and ancient Maori pa (fortified village) sites. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region.
The coastal nature of the Coromandel makes it a brilliant choice if you like to fish, surf, dive, swim or wander along beaches. For contrast you can head for the hills and hike the trails in the forest.
Gisborne
Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on the sunny East Coast of the North Island.
The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti which means "The coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Kaiti Beach, near the city, was where the Maori immigrational waka, Horouta, landed; and is also the first European landing place in New Zealand.
Captain Cook first set foot here in 1769. European settlement was established in 1831 and the town which developed was named after Hon. William Gisborne, the Colonial Secretary, in 1870.
The Poverty Bay plains contain 20,200 ha of rich, alluvial river flats which, combined with mild temperatures, make this district an ideal area for the growing of maize, grapes, kiwifruit, citrus and subtropical fruits. The district is mainly hill-country, well-suited to grazing. Sheep, cattle, deer and goats are farmed. Pinus radiata forests have been planted throughout the region with forestry now a major landuse.
Hawkes-Bay
Hawkes Bay is loved for its sunny climate, fabulous beaches, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards. It is also one of the countrys largest pip fruit growing areas. Napier, the main city of the region, has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. It was razed by earthquake and fire in 1931, and rebuilt in the art deco style which was fashionable at the time. The Art Deco Walk is a permanent attraction, and each February there is the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend, a not-too-serious celebration of the art deco style.
The Hawkes Bay vineyards are all within a short distance of Napier and Hastings, the other city in the region. More than 30 vineyards are open to the public for wine tasting. Many also operate cafes and restaurants in both indoor and outdoor settings. The region is especially known for its fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.
Northland
The region of Northland and the Bay of Islands stretches north from Auckland, towards the warm waters of Polynesia, the ancestral home of New Zealand’s first inhabitants.
The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Northland springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the coastline. The people of the North have a passion for water sport - surfing, boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. They also have a deep appreciation of the region's fascinating Maori and European history.
Much of Northlands' extensive coastline remains unspoilt - an aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation. Whangarei and Opua are renowned throughout the Pacific as attractive havens for yachts. You'll find that Maori culture is still very much alive in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori), and you'll also enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities that stem from the distinctive local culture - which embraces art, creativity, organic farming and alternative thinking
Taranaki
Taranaki, on the North Islands West Coast, juts into the Tasman Sea and is half way between Auckland and Wellington.
Mount Taranaki is ever-present in this region - a huge, dramatic volcanic cone with a snowy top. Maori legend tells of a conflict between the volcanoes of the central North Island - Tongariro won leaving the other mountains to retreat. Taranaki went west towards the setting sun and carved out the Whanganui river as he went.
The Egmont National Park encompasses the mountain and the land around it. Hiking is the thing to do here. Lush rainforest covers the foothills of the mountain, but the landscape changes the higher you go - from tall rimu and kamahi trees at lower altitudes through dense subalpine shrubs to an alpine herb field with some plants unique to the park. The forest on Mount Taranakis middle slopes is sometimes known as Goblin Forest because of the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. In winter, Mount Taranaki becomes a place to ski.
Waikato
The Waikato is the first region south of Greater Auckland. It has two spectacular landscapes - one above ground, the other below.
Above ground the view is dominated by the serenity of the Waikato River and the rich rolling green of productive farmland. The main centre is Hamilton - a city that serves the thriving farming and university community.
The mighty Waikato river is best experienced from the deck of a classic paddle steamer. While the world passes by, an interesting commentary will tell you about local landmarks, the history of the region and riverbank life. Hamilton is famous for its themed gardens, and the local zoo which has the largest free flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere - an excellent chance to find out about New Zealands distinctive native birds.
The quirky West Coast beach town of Raglan is known throughout the international surfing community for its amazing left-hand break. As a result, the local township is laid back, crafty and well furnished with good eating places. Even if you dont surf, youll want to sample the idyllic Raglan lifestyle.
Wanganui-Manawatu
The Wanganui region is on the lower West Coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo/Ruapehu regions.
This area is known for maori culture, heritage, Whanganui National Park and river adventures. The region takes its name from the city of Wanganui, which rests on the banks of the spectacular Whanganui River. In the early 1900s, visitors called the Whanganui River the Rhine of New Zealand - its the longest navigable river in the country, with 239 rapids and stunning bush scenery. There are many ways to explore the Whanganui River - jet boat, kayak, canoe, raft, paddle steamer - or on the end of a fly-fishing rod. You can also follow the trail to the mysterious Bridge to Nowhere, built across the Mangapurua Gorge to give access to an isolated settlement that was finally abandoned in 1942. Now only the Bridge to Nowhere remains.
You can also throw yourself out of aeroplanes and off bridges, ascend walls and rocks, or descend into caves, saddle up for an overnight horse trek, tackle the terrain in a 4WD (four-wheel drive)... the possibilities go on.
Wellington
The Wellington region is located at the centre of New Zealand and includes New Zealands capital city - Wellington.
The city is compact and interesting, nestled between a dramatic harbour and bush clad hills. Great views can be found at the top of Mount Victoria, or by catching the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens. Downtown Wellington is ideally explored on foot. Made up of four quarters each with their own distinct mix of shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation, Wellingtons intense urban experience is unrivalled in the country.
A different side of Wellington can be found along the western Kapiti Coast. The route hugs the rugged coastline, providing spectacular views. Off the coast is the world renowned bird sanctuary Kapiti Island. The warm climate and relaxed lifestyle of this area have given birth to a luxurious style of country life - there are olive groves, feature gardens and unique Bed and Breakfasts.
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