Pacific Coast Highway 

The Pacific Coast Highway travels along the spectacular east coast of the Central North Island and is known for its quality and attractive vineyards.

The Coromandel offers visitors unique and dramatic scenery, with unspoiled coastlines, native pohutukawa trees, coves and harbours on the western side and beautiful white sand surf beaches on the east.

Moving down the east coast you'll find Gisborne with its beautiful beaches, and the Bay of Plenty which also offers hundreds of kilometres of beaches, harbours and islands. This is where you will find New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, White Island.

Also located within the Bay of Plenty you'll find the resort city of Tauranga. This is an easy going and upbeat part of the country where the beautiful natural harbours provide a playground for water activities, swimming with dolphins and some of the best sea fishing anywhere.

Continuing on south, the next stop is the Hawkes Bay where you'll find Napier. A city well worth visiting, Napier, is full of remarkable Art Deco architecture that attracts attention from Art Deco enthusiasts from all over the globe.

COROMANDEL

Located just one and a half hours from Auckland International Airport the Coromandel is a world away from the urban sprawl. Its unique landscape and relaxed lifestyle make it an ideal destination for both New Zealanders and international visitors. There is plenty to do in the   Coromandel and plenty to learn about.

Along with its natural beauty - misty rainforests and pristine beaches - it's historical past is rich and colourful. Captain Cook visited the area in 1769 and observed the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the sun hence the names of some of the region's beaches and bays  - Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach.

The Coromandel is a walker's paradise with many coastal walkways and inland bush walks ranging from several hours to several days. Huge kauris that were saved from the loggers' saws still remain and can easily be viewed.

Many artists and craftspeople have made the Coromandel their home, inspired by the region's idyllic setting. Visitors can follow an arts and crafts trail from one side of the peninsula to the other following the popular Pacific Coast Highway.

Other tourism operators have established themselves to take advantage of the clear waters and many kilometres of coastline and islands surrounding the Coromandel. Choose from the numerous water activities available - fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling or swimming.

BAY OF PLENTY

During the past few years the population and number of visitors to the coastal Bay of Plenty have soared. The region has long been one of the country’s top holiday destinations due to the long stretches of beach and laid-back lifestyle. With that growth, the area is now pulsating with a great mix of culture, activities, scenic attractions and top dining experiences.

With a close proximity to Auckland and other large cities in the Central North Island, the Bay of Plenty region stretches from beautiful Waihi Beach through to historic Maketu. Tauranga is the region’s main centre, and the seaside towns of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa are top destinations thanks to their safe, beautiful beaches.

From the beaches and harbour to thriving kiwifruit industry and Maori culture, the coastal Bay of Plenty is a great combination of lifestyle and leisure.

HAWKES BAY

Hawke’s Bay Wine Country is New Zealand’s leading food and wine region. With over 2200 hours of sunshine, Hawke’s Bay is a year-round holiday destination with an eclectic mix of visual and sensory experiences.

Located on the east coast of the North Island, the landscapes of Hawke’s Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains the land sweeps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers, excellent for fishing, run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean and glorious beaches which stretch from Mahia in the north to Porangahau in the south.

Wairoa is the main town of Northern Hawke’s Bay and is the gateway to Lake Waikaremoana, Mahia Peninsula and the wilderness of Te Urewera National Park.  Wairoa in Maori means “Long Water” and is located on the banks of the expansive Wairoa River.

Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries, local fresh produce and national tourist attractions.  A landmark of Napier is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore, past the newly upgraded airport and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand’s busiest ports, transporting timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations. Over summer luxury cruise liners berth.

The long hot summers and mild winters of the Hastings district, provide the perfect stimulant for a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Orchards are abundant and the climate is also perfect for grape growing.  Hastings is a showcase of Spanish Mission-style architecture and enjoys a diverse range of cultural attractions including the Hawke’s Bay Exhibition Centre.

Havelock North is dubbed the heart of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country and is surrounded by many of New Zealand’s top wineries including Te Mata Estate and new comer Craggy Range.  Havelock North (five minutes east of Hastings) has grown rapidly over recent years but has retained its ‘village’ feel.

The towns and villages of Central Hawke’s Bay provide enchanting traces of early settlement to the region. The area has plenty of historic homesteads and stately gardens to wander through.

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