Auckland & North Island Things to Do

As the capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a fast-paced city which buzzes with a political and cultural energy. From Te Papa museum to the beaches of Oriental Bay, visitors could spend a number of days just acquainting themselves with the sights of the city center without feeling the need to go elsewhere. There comes a time, however, when locals and visitors both feel the need to escape the city for a bit, and some of the best day trips from Wellington are those which venture into the rural coastlines found just a short dive away.

It isn’t too often that you find ski resorts on South Pacific islands.

Yes, you can ski on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, although there aren’t any lifts and the conditions can be harsh. It will also occasionally snow in Papua New Guinea, although the snow is nothing more than frosty rock piles which tower over an equatorial jungle.

In New Zealand, however, the volcanoes of the North Island and the peaks of the Southern Alps make for a true ski destination which is the best in Oceania. Even for those who are living in the city, there is enough skiing around Auckland to justify keeping some skis and goggles ready at a moment’s notice.