Brandon
30.05.2021 21:58:10
There is no winter in the north of New Zealand. Instead there is a mild climate here all year, making it the better destination for trips during off- or mid-season. here
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There is no winter in the north of New Zealand. Instead there is a mild climate here all year, making it the better destination for trips during off- or mid-season. here
The most important regions on the Northern Island are Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, Bay of Islands in the north and Bay of Plenty in the east where a lot of different kinds of dolphins can be watched all year long. Bryde’s whales are also residents in Hauraki Gulf and can be seen during most of the tours. Occasionally you can also see orcas around the Northern Island.
The actual whale watching destination in New Zealand, however, is the Southern Island, where you can watch whales and dolphins in several places. The most well known are Kaikoura and Akaroa from where over 40% of the whale watching tours start.
One of the main attractions for tourists is the Fjordland all the way south with its spectacular fjords. There are almost no designated whale watching tours, but dolphins can be seen during most regular boat tours, too.
Further inside the Northern Island, Tongariro National Park is home to the biggest lake of the country (Lake Taupo) and three still active volcanoes. (Highest mountain of the island: Mt. Ruapehu with 2.797 meters.) Skiing season lasts until October there. The hike at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is deemed the most beautiful daytrip of the country (18 kilometers, medium hard). A bit further north at Rotorua, there are the famous thermal springs at Te Puia and Pohutu and 10 meter high geysers.
Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Part of the Pacific Ocean, the Hauraki Gulf covers an area of 4000 km² surrounding the Auckland and Coromandel regions. more
The park is full of a diverse range of rare and exotic ocean life. For example, the critically endangered Bryde’s whale is one such species that can be found in the Hauraki Gulf. Incredibly, over 25 of the 37 southern hemisphere marine mammals have been identified in the area, which makes up almost a third of the world’s population of these species. here
Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales. [links]
You can spot whales throughout New Zealand, including Auckland's beautiful Hauraki Gulf and the wonderful Kaikoura. more
New Zealand’s newest touring route, 450kms of spectacular scenery winding past wineries, alpine thermal pools, wild surf, and wildlife. more
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Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. more
East of Auckland you can find a multitude of little islands in the Hauraki Gulf. The most well-known of them is Waiheke Island. West of the city you can discover the black beaches of Karekare and Piha. [links]
The actual whale watching destination in New Zealand, however, is the Southern Island, where you can watch whales and dolphins in several places. The most well known are Kaikoura and Akaroa from where over 40% of the whale watching tours start.
The most important cities of the country are Auckland and Wellington. Wellington is the political and cultural capital; Auckland has a strong Polynesian influence and is a real melting pot. The city was built on top of 50 volcanoes, by far not all of them extinct. The “Coast to Coast Walkway” leads you from Tasman Lake to the coast of the Pacific Ocean all the way through the city.
Further inside the Northern Island, Tongariro National Park is home to the biggest lake of the country (Lake Taupo) and three still active volcanoes. (Highest mountain of the island: Mt. Ruapehu with 2.797 meters.) Skiing season lasts until October there. The hike at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is deemed the most beautiful daytrip of the country (18 kilometers, medium hard). A bit further north at Rotorua, there are the famous thermal springs at Te Puia and Pohutu and 10 meter high geysers.
All the way up north at Cape Reinga, Tasman Lake and the Pacific meet. The Cape Reinga Coastal Track offers a five-hour hike along that wild coast. The Bay of Islands and Matauri Bay with their subtropical beaches lie to the east. New Zealand’s version of the sequoia trees, Waipoua Kauri Forest, is to the west.
In Kaikoura you can mostly meet sperm whales, which live here all year long in steady groups. They can be watched by boat or from the air by helicopter or ultralight. In front of Akaroa, you can mostly find dolphins, among them the Hector dolphin, which only lives here. more