.
Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
New Zealand North Island

New Zealand North Island

The North Island of New Zealand is a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes, rich Māori culture, and world-class experiences, offering everything from pristine beaches and geothermal wonders to award-winning vineyards, luxury lodges, and iconic golf courses.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is a secluded luxury retreat offering dramatic coastal views, world-class golf, and refined New Zealand hospitality.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is a world-class luxury lodge perched atop dramatic cliffs in Hawke’s Bay, offering sweeping ocean views, a championship golf course, and refined farm-to-table experiences in a breathtaking natural setting.

The Landing

The Landing in New Zealand is an ultra-luxury coastal retreat in the Bay of Islands, offering a collection of private villas set among vineyards, beaches, and rolling countryside for an exclusive, immersive escape.

Wharekauhau Country Estate

Wharekauhau Country Estate is a refined coastal retreat set on a historic sheep station, offering sweeping views over Palliser Bay and a deeply immersive New Zealand luxury experience.

Drink

Explore our favorite wineries.

Craggy Range (Hawke’s Bay)

The most internationally acclaimed, iconic New Zealand winery, known for exceptional Syrah and Bordeaux-style blends in a dramatic mountain setting.

Mudbrick Vineyard (Waiheke Island)

The most famous and scenic vineyard experience, combining top-tier wines with arguably the best vineyard views in the country.

Stonyridge Vineyard (Waiheke Island)

A cult-favorite, world-renowned for its Bordeaux blends, often compared to elite European producers.

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Kerikeri Bay

Visiting Kerikeri Bay offers a laid-back blend of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic charm, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and soaking up Northland’s coastal beauty.

Golf

The North Island of New Zealand is home to some of the world’s top golf courses, including Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Tara Iti, and Te Arai Links, making it a bucket-list destination for golfers seeking both championship play and spectacular scenery.

Farm Life Exploration

Farm life tours in the Wharekauhau countryside offer a charming, hands-on glimpse of rural New Zealand, framed by sweeping coastal views and rolling green hills.

Glow Worms

Dark caves and forest grottos are illuminated by thousands of tiny bioluminescent lights that resemble a star-filled sky. The most famous place to witness this phenomenon is Waitomo.

Hobbiton

Hobbiton is an iconic movie set in the Waikato countryside where visitors can wander through the lush, storybook village of the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

The national museum and the must-see cultural institution in New Zealand, with immersive exhibits on Māori culture, natural history, art, and national identity.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

A stunning neoclassical museum set in the Auckland Domain, known for its exceptional Māori and Pacific Island collections and panoramic city views.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Bay of Islands)

One of the most historically significant sites in the country, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, offering deep insight into the relationship between Māori and the Crown.