Kia Ora! 

Once you step onto the spectacular shores of New Zealand you’ll soon figure out what everyone has been raving about.  I recently had the good fortune to spend 8 days touring the North Island of New Zealand with our tour partners Grand Pacific Tours and it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. 

Now loads of people sadly shook their heads and informed me that the South Island was far more spectacular with its rugged snow-capped peaks and massive fjords but I have to say, the North Island certainly holds its own.  There is still some incredible scenery to be had and the cities have an awesome vibe all of their own.  Starting with two days in Auckland, we enjoyed a tour on Waiheke Island for wine tasting and sightseeing.  With a ferry ride across to the island, you get to see Auckland in all its splendour.  Waiheke is renowned for its range of great wineries and the scenery is pretty good too!  There is plenty to see and do in Auckland and it’s a city I definitely want to return to.

We headed south on a journey to the mud pools and geysers of Rotorua but on the way called into the best place on earth for Lord of the Rings fans, Hobbiton.  Wandering through this perfect little world of Middle Earth, my inner geek got excited about standing in the very spot where Gandalf and Frodo set off on their amazing adventure.  You can even have an ale or two at the Green Dragon Inn! The detail of Hobbiton is incredible and it’s one of the world’s only living breathing movie sets that you can visit.

Rotorua certainly has an interesting smell about it when you first get there but the first sight of a natural geyser shooting up into the air and mud pools bubbling away and you’ll soon forget all about it…and spending a couple of nights in the middle of an active volcano is a lasting memory!

We travelled onto the east coast to Napier, a wonderful art deco city that will have you grabbing your camera for amazing photos of yesteryear.  After being nearly completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, the city decided to rebuild in the art deco style of the day and many of the original buildings remain to present a modern thriving city with the cool look of the 1930’s.  It’s also in the heart of the Hawks Bay Wine region producing some excellent drops.

Finally, on to Wellington.  I might say it reminded me a little of Melbourne but that could have been the weather too!  A vibrant city with much to see and do including the amazing Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.  This is a great place to wander and sample great coffee and see the incredible 'Gallipoli: The Scale of War' exhibition.  It will leave you humbled.

So don’t let anyone tell you the south is better than the north, they are just different but both truly spectacular! 

Villa currently has several great New Zealand tours so why don’t you call our Travel Coordinators on FreeCall 1800 066 272 today, you won’t regret it…trust me!