North Island Towns
The North Island has many interesting towns and cities outside of the usual tourist route (Auckland-Rotorua-Wellington). These include:
Napier
With a population of almost 58,000 Napier has undergone a boom in recent years, fuelled by its busy port and emergence as a host of visiting cruise ships (more than 40 visit each year). The city centre was almost levelled by an earthquake in 1931 which led to it being rebuilt in the art deco style that was popular then. This has made Napier a target for art deco fans worldwide.
Hastings
The Hawkes Bay centres of Napier and Hastings may be only 20 minutes apart by car but great rivalry exists between the two. Located inland from Napier, Hastings has 74,000 residents and is the main commercial centre of the Hawkes Bay region. The urban area has a number of interesting sculptures, ranging from sheep to works suspended above walkways.
Katikati
Located 40kms south-west of Tauranga, Katikati calls itself the 'mural town' and with good reason. Though the town has a population of less than 4,000, it has encouraged artists to paint murals on as many walls as possible in the township. More than 40 works adorn the main street, and tell the history of the area. The murals contributed to Katikati winning 'New Zealand's Most Beautiful Small Town' title in 2005.
Russell
No visit to the Bay of Islands is complete without a ferry trip across the water from Paihia to the small township of Russell (population about 800). Russell was the first permanent European settlement and port in New Zealand and hosts the country's oldest church. Today, Russell welcomes visitors with small cafes and the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, holder of New Zealand's oldest pub licence.
Bulls
This farming town is near Palmerston North in the lower North Island. Its population of less than 2,000 delights in creative uses of its name, hence promotion of its schools ('knowledge-a-bull'), museum ('memora-bull'), antique shops ('collecta-bull') and doctors ('cura-bull').
Dannevirke
This rural service town of 6,000 people was founded in 1872 by settlers from Norway, Sweden and Denmark - hence the giant Viking that greets visitors to the town. The town still celebrates its links with Scandanavia. It's also a good base to enjoy some country drives around the rural Tararua District.
Taihape
Located on State Highway 1, midway between Auckland and Wellington, Taihape has delighted in its reputation as the 'typical' Kiwi rural town, an image promoted by New Zealand comedian Fred Dagg (John Clarke) in the 1980s. Since 1985, Taihape has held an annual Gumboot Day to capitalise on this image.
Mt Maunganui
Only a few minutes drive from Tauranga, Mt Maunganui has become a popular seaside venue for many thousands of holidaymakers, especially during the December-January period. With a fine surf beach and many cafes, pubs and restaurants, the Mount offers plenty of entertainment at the end of the day. A must-do is the climb up Mauao, the extinct volcanic cone at the end of the peninsula.