Explore Australia &
New Zealand

Visit the charming cities, the blue ocean and the breathtaking open spaces of Australia and New Zealand. Let Holland America Line show you the fascinating diversity and amazing geology of these exotic yet familiar lands.
Running time: 3:15

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"With eight days in May to explore New Zealand, I decided to spend my time on the north part of the North Island. Temperatures were in the mid teens so pleasant for travelling around. It is much colder further south at this time."

"Flying to Auckland was a real pleasure aboard Air New Zealand. It was a great flight, direct overnight from Vancouver. This is easier than flying to Asia or Europe. I woke up in Auckland in the morning, ready to get started."

"I rented a car and headed for the city of Hamilton, about two hours from Auckland. Hamilton is a university town on the Waikato River, full of travellers from around the globe. I met many of them at the hostel I stayed at. Hamilton has all levels of accommodation for travellers in addition to its student hostels and is an excellent home base for exploring the North Island."

"During the eight days I visited the following places which gave me a good insight into the north part of the North Island."

Highlights

• Hot Water Beach near Cathedral Cove - This awesome spot is a must see, half an hour from Cathedral Cove in Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula. At low tide you can dig in the sand for a hot water spring! The window for finding one varies at different times of the year. It was quite short in May. The coastline here is beautiful with outcrop rocks all around the area.
• Black Sand Beach - Another beautiful beach, this one is a half hour from Waitomo on the west coast. The amazing black sand flats formed from crushed lava extend far out to sea. It is a popular spot for fishing. Another one of New Zealand's really peaceful and beautiful places.
• Mt. Maunganui - Here the white sand beach stretches for miles. There were many surfers out enjoying the waves. Mt. Maunganui is a resort town and the port for Tauranga. There is a volcanic cone at the harbour entrance which gives the township its name. Climbing the mount makes a really nice work out and the views from the top are awesome. The walkways are well marked and there is another 3.5 km walk around the base along the sea, also worth taking.
• Waitomo Caves - This is an extensive cave system that is worth seeing, though not recommended for those who don't like closed in spaces. Your cave is chosen by your level of caving experience. Beginners go the 27m high caves. A guide escorts small groups through the caverns. For glow worm grotto you have a choice of walking or going in by boat. The walls are bright with thousands of lights from the worms.
• Rotorua - There are many highlights here. This is a major centre for the Maori who are an integral part of New Zealand society. The displays at the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute were amazing. There is also an entire pre-European Maori village here. In Rotorua you really see the essence of Maori culture. The village is next to the very active geyser park which is really impressive. There are walkways through the colourful and steaming mud pools and beside the geysers. Something really different and well worth visiting.
• Auckland - Auckland is a really pleasant city with a great harbour area that has lots of places to eat and walk around. I went up the Sky Tower which is the highest in the southern hemisphere (328 metres), sailed in the harbour on an America's Cup yacht and went up Mt. Eden for terrific views back to the city.

Travel Tips

• For an eight-day trip, choose one island unless you are flying between major centres.
• The North Island is best in the fall and winter weatherwise.
• The roads are excellent in New Zealand and driving in the country is fine. Driving on the left side of the road can be tricky in the cities, where they drive like Europeans with small cars darting around the streets and roundabouts.
• New Zealanders are extremely friendly and approachable. They are very helpful if you have any questions or need directions.
• It is a really safe place to travel which makes it very different to so many places around the world.

By Susan Milne

IMPORTANT: When booking, ask us for the appropriate supplier brochure for complete details and terms and conditions for your vacations and as well inquire about any possible past guest savings. Offers are space available and may be withdrawn at anytime without prior notice and are not combinable with other offers (unless stated otherwise). All prices, details and offers are subject to change. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.

Articles written by Susan Milne.