Lonely Planet New Zealand’s North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui)

All you need to know about New Zealand’s North Island is in this fabulous new guide. Like all Lonely Planet guides, it features insider knowledge and insights, accompanied by plenty of maps and photographs. In this new edition, there are even more local experts sharing their expertise.

The guide is split up into the following areas: Auckland, the Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula & Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo, Taranaki, Whanganui & Ruapehu, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and East Cape, and Wellington.

As well as all the main highlights, activities, history and culture, places to eat and drink, there is also a toolkit with all you need to know about the practical things like getting around, a guide to the different accommodation on offer, money, language (including some key phrases in te reo Māori), and health and safety.

There is a fascinating Storybook section, featuring in-depth essays by Kiwi writers on a variety of subjects, including "Exploring New Zealand Cinema" by Brett Atkinson, "Te Reo Māori – the Māori Language" by Paula Morris, and "The Kitschy Off-Kilter Soul of the Country" by Hayden Donnell.

I’ve recently visited Whanganui, and I’m pleased to see that all the highlights I enjoyed are included in this guide, including the Sergeant Gallery, the Whanganui River Markets, the Durie Hill Elevator, and cruising up the Whanganui River.

Lonely Planet New Zealand’s North Island is excellent for overseas visitors, but also for New Zealanders travelling around their own country. Perfect for planning, with loads of fabulous experiences and insider tips!

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Lonely Planet