New Zealand's North Island is often overlooked on the race to the South Island but is truly one of the southern hemisphere's top tourist attractions in its own right. Its remoteness and its seclusion hides and preserves an incredible diversity of landscapes and animal life. Lord of the Rings fans will want to visit the locations used to film Hobbiton and Mount Doom. Introduction to New Zealand's North Island - Overview - Culture - Location & Orientation - Climate & When to Visit - Sightseeing Highlights - Auckland - Sky Tower - Mount Eden - Sheep World - Wellington - Wellington Botanic Garden - Weta Cave - Bay of Plenty - Katikati Bird Gardens - Rotorua - Mitai Maori Village - Whakarewarewa Forest - Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland - Buried Village of Te Wairoa - Hamilton - Hamilton Gardens - Hobbiton - Classic New Zealand Wine Trail - Recommendations for the Budget Traveller - Places to Stay - Kiwi International Hotel - New Castle Motor Lodge - Ambassador Motor Inn - Kingsgate Hotel Hamilton - Shepherds Arms Hotel - Places to Eat - Giapo Ice Cream - Island Joe's Hawaiian Barbecue - Joe's Garage - The Pizza Library - The Vineyard Cafe at Margrain Vineyard - Places to Shop - Elephant House - Paua World - Swanndri - Craft World - Markets in Wellington