New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

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Tongariro National Park

If holidaying in New Zealand, the superb Bay of Islands region is located to the north of Auckland. People head there to enjoy the beautiful beaches and walk through the forests of kauri trees, which are New Zealand's national tree.

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I fell in love with the Bay of Islands region. After a brief stopover at Whangarei, I chose to spend a few days in Paiha. The town is full of backpacker hotels that overlook the sea, and the relaxed atmosphere is very appealing. On the opposite side of the bay, Russell is more sophisticated, but Waitangi is the essential destination to learn about the history of the Maoris and the arrival of the British on the island. If you can take a boat trip, head toward Hole in the Rock.After seeing all that, head to the north of the Bay of Islands, stopping off at Mangonui to enjoy some of New Zealand's finest fish and chips, before heading out to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga holds a special, mystical significance for the Maoris, and it is a sublime place, with a view from the peninsula that takes your breath away. Don't forget to take a walk along the Te Paki sand dunes, either.&nbsp;Heading back down the west coast, there are kauri forests that you also must not miss: in short, they are an essential part of the natural landscape of North Island.

If <a href="/new-zealand/">holidaying in New Zealand</a>, the superb Bay of Islands region is located to the north of Auckland. People head there to enjoy the beautiful beaches and walk through the forests of kauri trees, which are New Zealand's national tree.

Bay of Islands Holidays

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Bay of Islands: For how long?

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New Zealand: our articles for your holidays