North Island

New Zealand’s North Island is a captivating destination of diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. From the vibrant city of Auckland to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the breathtaking beaches of the Bay of Islands, the North Island offers a blend of Maori heritage, stunning national parks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The largest geyser in the southern hemisphere, it reliably ‘erupts’ up to twenty times per day, sending hissing jets of sulphurous steam up to 30m (100 feet) into the air.

Daily snorkel or boat-watching tours run to this beautiful wildlife-filled bay is home to common dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, penguins and fur seals. Purpose-built dolphin viewing vessels have swim bars; dolphins swim alongside you as you’re pulled along.

A 30-million-year-old cavern system that’s famously home to millions of glowworms that dangle from the ceiling, creating a glittering sky of coloured stars.

New Zealand sits on a geothermal fault line, making it prime country for bubbling, geothermal hot springs ­known in Maori as waiariki. Although found across both islands, the Central Plateau region of the North Island, underlain by the Taupo Volcanic Zone, is particularly good, especially near Rotorua.

One of New Zealand’s most memorable courses, built on a unique landscape of geothermal activity. Course features include geysers, hot springs and bubbling pools of mud (bunkers you won’t get out of).

Set on a rugged stretch of land wedged between a sheep station and a range of mighty cliffs, this is one of the most dramatic stretches of holes most people will ever play. New Zealand’s answer to Pebble Beach.