The North Island

Visit the Harbor Bridge, Domain Parks and Gardens, The War Memorial Museum (with its fine collection of Maori artifacts), Tamaki Waterfront Drive, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter, and the summit of Mt. Eden for magnificent views over Auckland City.

For an unforgettable New Zealand vacation experience, we recommend sailing aboard an America's Cup yacht, used in New Zealand's successful cup win in 1995. There's nothing better than the hands-on experience of helping to sail this state-of-the-art vessel. Under canvas, the experienced crew will guide you in the exhilarating aspects of real sailing. Auckland is known as the "City of Sails" and what better way to experience it?

We're well versed in the many wonderful lodging options to be found in this gorgeous area: let us know your style. Stop along the way at Ninety Mile Beach, or Spirits Bay, where souls of the Maori are said to depart this world. Witness the majesty of ancient Kauri forests, with hardwood trees reaching more than 165 feet high and 50 feet in diameter, in the forests of Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta.

Indeed, this is the hub of New Zealand's Maori population and culture, and your local Maori guides will unravel the mysteries of Maori culture, legends and history. Relax and enjoy a swim in the natural soothing waters of secluded thermal creeks and rivers.

Take a guided hike through the Whakarewarewa National Forest and Rainbow Springs wildlife sanctuary. Tour the Maori Arts & Crafts institute and museum to gain insight into the culture of New Zealand's natives. Perhaps embark on a 4WD volcanic excursion to Mt. Tarawera, site of New Zealand's last great volcanic eruption.

Ask us about the wide range of New Zealand activities available in this area, including trout fishing, golf and flightseeing.

Head south to the stunning Volcanic Plateau and Tongariro National Park, with its cluster of dormant-and a couple active-volcanoes, glaciers, a hot crater lake, hot springs, barren desert, alpine terrain and spectacular Southern Hemisphere skiing.

Lake Taupo is considered among the best trout fishing spots in the world; your hosts at the lodge can help arrange this if you'd like. There are also great walking tracks in the area: hike along the magnificent Huka River to the thundering Huka Falls; or walk through subtropical forests to enticing geothermal hot springs. By all means stay at the award-winning Huka Lodge while exploring this lovely area. The lodge is set in 17 acres of lawn, gardens and trees on the banks of the Waikato River. A blend of European and New Zealand style infuses each individually designed suite, as well as the luscious cuisine served here.

From here it's possible to take a helicopter into the surrounding wilderness area for a bird's eye view of Taupo's dramatic landscape and an amazing New Zealand travel experience. Explore the mountainous terrain, and fly fish in streams of breathtaking clarity so undisturbed you'll be forgiven for believing you were the first to discover them.

Indeed, Napier is considered home to the world's most significant collection of art-deco architecture. The Hawkes Bay Museum features an art gallery and an interesting collection of Maori cultural artifacts.

The area around Hawkes Bay hosts one of New Zealand's best wine-producing regions. Enjoy tours and tastings at sprawling vineyards or small, family-run wineries.

Visit the remarkable gannet colony at Cape Kidnapper's Sanctuary, then travel to the town of Gisborne set on Poverty Bay-where the first Europeans stepped ashore in 1769.