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North Island Luxury... lodges, hotels, B&Bs and activities...Fourteen regions of North Island Luxury... NorthlandNorthland is a favourite for lovers of anything aquatic. With 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is world-renowned for diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. Some of the finest North Island luxury accommodation is here. To truly savour the riches of Northland, you must experience at least one of the 15 Luxury Lodges in Northland... Independent Lodges
Guest & Hosted
Self-Contained & Serviced
Holiday HomesDo you know of a Holiday Home in Northland that fits the criteria of this site? Click, and let us know. Thank you! Holiday ParksDo you know of a Holiday Park in Northland that fits the criteria of this site? Click, and let us know. Thank you! AucklandAuckland is the main gateway to New Zealand and the centre of commerce and industry. With a population of a little over one million, it is New Zealand's largest urban area, with a distinctive blend of Polynesian and European themes. The lodges and hotels of Auckland and its region are among some of the finest North Island luxury accommodation:
On Waiheke Island you'll find:
And on Great Barrier Island there are nestled:
The CoromandelLooking across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the north of the Coromandel Peninsula can be seen on the horizon. Although only 90 minutes from Auckland, the Coromandel feels like it's a world away. And with good reason. Not least being these fine examples of North Island luxury accommodation:
The Bay of PlentyThis region seems to have it all - a mild, sunny climate, some of the country's most popular beaches and an abundance of orchards, especially citrus and kiwifruit. The main centre, Tauranga, has all the amenities of a major city. The lodges of the Bay of Plenty include:
The WaikatoThe Waikato region, centred on the Waikato River, contains some of the world's most productive farmlands. The main centre is the university town of Hamilton, with an impressive collection of Maori treasures in its Museum of Art and History. Set in these magnificent rolling hills, you'll find fine examples of North Island luxury accommodation:
 RotoruaGeysers, bubbling mud pools and Maori hospitality are some of the many experiences you will encounter in Rotorua. It is the oldest and best-known resort in the country. Generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Maori culture. North Island luxury lodges around Rotorua include:
Taupo and RuapehuThe region incorporates the southern part of the thermal belt that extends from White Island in the Bay of Plenty through Rotorua to Tongariro National Park. Hot springs appear in several places around the lake, which is actually a volcanic crater. Just north of Taupo, near the Wairakei International Golf Course, one of the country's premier courses and one of seven in the area, underground steam has been harnessed for electricity generation. One of the few outlets from Lake Taupo is the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand's longest, which gushes through a narrow chasm at the Huka Falls, home of the world-renowned North Island luxury lodge, the Huka Lodge... Every year or so Mt Ruapehu puts on a magnificent pyrotechnic display of a mini eruption. In summer there are a number of trails to explore, with one of the best known being the Tongariro Crossing, a full-day hike. Not suprisingly, the lodges of Taupo and Ruapehu hold their own among the best North Island luxury accommodation.
Eastland / GisborneThe east coast is best known for its high annual sunshine hours, stunning coastal scenery and glorious country gardens. An area of high Maori population, it is one of the best places in the country to discover Maori heritage. And has some of the country's best surviving carved Maori meeting houses and churches.
Hawkes BayThis region is known for its sunny climate, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards, especially their fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. It is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing areas. The Hawkes Bay vineyards are all within a short distance of Napier and Hastings cities, with over 30 open to the public for free wine tasting. Many also operate cafes and restaurants in both indoor and outdoor settings. And the Hawkes Bay lodges are second-to-none:
TaranakiThe most striking natural feature of Taranaki is the near-perfect volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki (Egmont) that dominates the whole region. Twenty-one attractive golf courses, many in park-like surroundings with ocean views, await you.The rugged backcountry makes for exciting canoeing, horseriding, four-wheel drive adventures and dam dropping. North Island luxury accommodation in Taranaki is:
Wanganui-ManawatuA large part of the hill country is included in the Whanganui National Park, through which flows the historic Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway. There are only two winding roads following river valleys up to the volcanic plateau. There are historic tribal villages along the way, where Maori welcome visitors who want to experience their unique lifestyle and cultural traditions. Luxury accommodation in Wanganui-Manawatu is provided by:
WairarapaThe Wairarapa area is a rich sheep-farming district. And the region, especially Martinborough, is fast gaining a reputation for premium wines, including the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc varieties. Wine tasting is encouraged... In the ranges to the West are the Rimutaka and Tararua forest parks, which contain a network of huts and trails that begin at many road-end picnic spots. Adventure activities include four-wheel driving, rafting, jetboating, abseiling, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, canoeing, hot air ballooning and gliding. One of the finest examples of North Island luxury accommodation is in the Wairarapa, the award-winning Wharekauhau Country Estate:
WellingtonWellington, New Zealand's capital (population 346,000), is a superbly compact city, set on the shores of a deep harbour and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of wooded hills. Okay, I live here, so I'm biased... With around 400 cafes and restaurants, Wellington's inner city has the highest concentration of eating establishments in New Zealand. And it's home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, as well as national dance, drama, opera and musical groups. Not to forget Te Papa, New Zealand's national, leading edge museum. Accommodation? Of course there is! The southern-most of the North Island luxury lodges and boutique hotels, are found here:
Still haven't quite found what you're looking for? Or see what others have had to say about North Island luxury accommodation and activities before moving south... | ||
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